Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread

A close up looking at a piece of cheesy garlic bread.

In just 15 minutes, you can make the most delicious cheesy, garlicky Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread! Simple, scrumptious, and easy to make!

THE EASIEST GARLIC BREAD RECIPE

Making garlic cheese bread in the Air Fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious snack or side dish. This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients and you can have it ready in under 15 minutes! No oven needed! With its crispy exterior, gooey cheese center, and garlicky flavor, this Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread will be sure to please everyone! Plus, it's so simple that even novice cooks can make it with ease. So what are you waiting for? Let's get air frying!

A hand separating a garlic cheesy slice of bread.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What kind of bread should I use?

Make sure you choose a thicker slice of bread. I used Italian bread but you can use French bread. I wouldn't use something thin like a sandwich sliced bread because you need something substantial to hold the cheese.

Can I use a different cheese?

I used mozzarella because it's a the classic cheese to use for garlic cheese bread. You can swap it out with cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or any other good melting cheese you enjoy.
Additionally, I used quite a bit of cheese for this cheesy bread. We love it cheesy but you can absolutely lessen the amount to fit your preferences!

Do I have to use garlic powder?

While this is an easy thing to use since most people have it in their cupboards, you can easily swap it out for fresh minced garlic or jarred garlic in its place.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I know it is nice to have stuff done for dinner ahead of time and it's even nice if you can make an extra batch to freeze for later. With this recipe, you can do both!
You can make these earlier in the day and then reheat in the air fryer when ready to serve. You can also make a second and third batch to freeze for later. To do this, let them cool, then cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months.

What size Air Fryer did you use?

I tested this recipe in a 5 quart basket Air Fryer. This is the style that a majority of Americans own. If you have a different style then you'll need to adjust the cooking time based on your own knowledge of your particular air fryer. It's impossible for me to test a recipe on every possible style and brand of air fryer on the market.
Just be sure to leave enough room around your bread slices so the hot air can circulate and melt the cheese on the bread evenly. If you overcrowd the basket, the bread won't bake evenly and cheese won't melt evenly either.

How to soften butter quickly?

Did you forget to pull out the butter for it to soften? Don't worry, you're in good company! I'd be lying if I said I don't forget quite often. Here are a few things you can do to soften butter a but more quickly:
- Fill a glass with boiling water and let it sit for a few minutes. Dump the water out and place it upside down over a standing stick of butter (on a plate) to help it soften faster.
- Roll or pound the butter in between two sheets of parchment paper (seems odd but works!)
- Cube or grate the butter. By cutting it into smaller pieces it will soften faster.

Won't the cheese go flying all over the place in the air fryer?

Surprisingly, it doesn't. It is held on by the butter on the bread. I recommend this for cheese toast as well. Swipe a bit of butter on the bread before adding a slice of cheese. It will keep it on as it toasts in the air fryer.

What's the serving size for this recipe?

We used a whole loaf of bread for this recipe. There are normally 12 slices of bread in a loaf. Generally a serving size is 2 slices of bread, so this recipe has 6 servings. If you think one slice is enough, this could serve more.

What to serve this with?

You can enjoy these cheesy garlic bread slices with any of these delicious pasta recipes:
- Easy Baked Ziti
- Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Lemon Chicken Pasta
- Pizza Pasta Bake
or you can just dip them into your favorite marinara sauce!

What if I don't have an air fryer?

No problem. This can be made in the oven. See my recipe here for instructions.

How to store leftovers?

If you have leftovers, wait for them to cool. Then wrap them in aluminum foil and place in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, pop the bread slices back in the Air Fryer for 2-3 minutes.

Four slices of Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)

  • Italian bread or French baguette
  • salted butter
  • garlic powder
  • salt
  • pepper
  • Kraft creamy melt shredded mozzarella cheese
  • dried parsley
Mozzarella cheese, loaf of bread, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried parsley.
Just an FYI- this image shows only 1 stick of butter and 1 bag of shredded cheese even though the recipe calls for more.

HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER GARLIC BREAD 

Slice the loaf of bread into slices about 2” thick.

A cutting board with a half sliced loaf of bread and a bread knife.

In a bowl mix the softened butter with the garlic powder, salt and pepper

A mixing bowl with softened butter, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Generously spread the garlic butter mixture onto each slice of bread.

A knife spreading garlic butter on a slice of bread.

Sprinkle a handful of the mozzarella cheese onto each piece of bread and sprinkle each with dried parsley.

Five pieces of bread with garlic butter and mozzarella cheese sprinkled on top.

Place the bread into the Air fryer and cook for 3-4 minutes at 350 degrees. This will need to be done in batches. Air fryer does not need to be preheated first. 

An Air Fryer basket with 4 pieces of garlic bread topped with cheese.

Serve with marinara sauce for dipping (optional) 

An Air Fryer basket with 4 slices of garlic bread.

CRAVING MORE RECIPES?

A piece of garlic bread being dipped in a bowl of marinara sauce.
A close up looking at a piece of cheesy garlic bread.
Print

Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread

Make some easy garlic cheese bread in the Air Fryer in under 15 minutes!
Course Breads, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Air Fryer Garlic Bread, Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 14 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 731kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf Italian bread OR French baguette (I used Italian)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened to room temperature (not melted)
  • 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 (8 ounce) Kraft Creamy Melt Shredded Mozzarella cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons dried parsley, for garnish (optional)

For serving:

  • marinara sauce (optional)

Instructions

  • Slice the loaf of bread into slices about 2” thick.
  • In a bowl mix the softened butter with the garlic powder, salt and pepper
  • Generously spread the garlic butter mixture onto each slice of bread.
  • Sprinkle a handful of the mozzarella cheese onto each piece of bread and sprinkle each with dried parsley.
  • Place the bread into the Air fryer and cook for 3-4 minutes at 350F degrees. This will need to be done in batches. Air fryer does not need to be preheated first.
  • Serve with marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

Notes

  • I used a 5 quart basket Air Fryer. IF you have a different style, you'll need to adjust cooking time based on your knowledge of your own particular air fryer. 
  • Want to really take this over the top? Try adding a couple of Tablespoons of mayonnaise to the shredded cheese before adding to the top of the garlic bread. It's amazing! 
  • I like Kraft Creamy Melt Mozzarella Cheese but use whatever is your favorite brand. You can even shred some mozzarella by hand.
  • Did you forget to pull out your butter to soften it? See my tips in the post. 
  • I used a boatload of cheese to make this a super cheesy garlic cheese bread, you can cut it in half if you prefer.
  • Use a thick cut bread like Italian or French. 
  • Feel free to use your favorite store-bought garlic butter instead of regular butter and seasonings. 

Nutrition

Calories: 731kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 74g | Saturated Fat: 44g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 796mg | Potassium: 282mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 1470IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 401mg | Iron: 2mg

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