Irresistible Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread

Prepare to elevate your side dish game with the ultimate recipe for Air Fryer Pull Apart Cheese Garlic Bread! This comprehensive guide will show you how to effortlessly create a warm, gooey, and irresistibly flavorful bread in your Nuwave, Power Air Fryer, or even a conventional oven. Whether you prefer starting with a store-bought sourdough loaf, classic French bread, or even frozen Texas toast, this versatile recipe guarantees a perfect pull-apart experience every time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this incredibly quick and easy treat, ideal for pairing with pizza nights, pasta dishes, or any Italian feast. Its crispy exterior and tender, cheesy interior make it an instant crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

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FOR THE FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END OF THIS POST. THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS VALUABLE TIPS AND INSIGHTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS, ENSURING YOUR AIR FRYER GARLIC BREAD IS PERFECT EVERY TIME.

I’ve always been keen on developing a fantastic pull-apart bread recipe, and after much anticipation, I finally perfected this rendition for the air fryer! The results are truly delightful – a crispy exterior, a soft, fluffy interior, and a burst of savory garlic and melted cheese in every bite. This isn’t just any ordinary garlic bread; it’s a fun, interactive, and incredibly flavorful experience that’s destined to become a household favorite. The convenience of the air fryer cuts down on cooking time significantly, making this gourmet-level appetizer or side dish achievable even on busy weeknights. Say goodbye to soggy garlic bread and hello to perfectly golden, cheesy goodness with minimal effort.

The Magic of Air Fryer Pull Apart Cheese Garlic Bread

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread, especially when it’s transformed into a shareable, pull-apart masterpiece. Using an air fryer takes this classic comfort food to the next level, offering unparalleled convenience and exceptional results. The circulating hot air ensures that the bread achieves a beautifully golden-brown crispness on the outside, while the inside remains wonderfully soft and infused with buttery garlic goodness. The magic truly happens when the cheese melts into every crevice, creating irresistible pockets of gooey flavor that stretch with every pull. It’s significantly faster than a traditional oven, uses less energy, and consistently delivers that perfect texture without overheating your kitchen. This recipe is designed to simplify the process, making gourmet garlic bread accessible to every home cook, regardless of their air fryer model, from Nuwave to Power Air Fryer and beyond.

Why Choose Sourdough for Your Pull Apart Bread

While many types of bread can work wonderfully for this recipe, sourdough stands out as an exceptional choice for making pull-apart garlic bread. Its distinct tangy flavor offers a delightful counterpoint to the rich garlic and cheese, adding a layer of complexity that truly elevates the dish. Moreover, sourdough loaves typically possess a robust crust and a chewy interior crumb, characteristics that are ideal for this preparation. This sturdy structure holds up perfectly to the diagonal cuts and stuffing, preventing the bread from falling apart completely while still allowing for those delightful pull-apart sections that are so much fun to eat. The texture also crisps up magnificently in the air fryer, providing a satisfying crunch that complements the soft, cheesy interior. I often find excellent sourdough loaves at local bakeries or specialty grocery stores like Trader Joe’s, where I once discovered a fantastic $2 loaf. Don’t worry if sourdough isn’t readily available; a good quality French bread or even a rustic Italian loaf can be substituted. The key is to choose a bread that is substantial enough to withstand the cutting and stuffing process without tearing easily.

Preparing Your Sourdough Loaf for Air Frying

1. **Check for Fit:** Before you begin slicing, it’s essential to perform a quick fitting test. Always place your chosen bread loaf into your air fryer basket to ensure it fits comfortably without overcrowding. Air fryer sizes vary significantly, and you want to ensure proper air circulation for even cooking. If your loaf is too long, simply trim a small portion from one or both ends to make it fit snugly. This crucial step prevents uneven cooking and helps achieve that desired golden crispness.
2. **The Right Tool for the Job:** For precise and clean cuts, a serrated bread knife is an absolute must-have. Attempting to cut a crusty sourdough loaf with a regular chef’s knife can be challenging, often leading to squished bread rather than clean slices. Lay your bread flat and stable on a sturdy cutting board.
3. **Diagonal Slices for Pull-Apart Perfection:** Position the bread horizontally in front of you. Make a series of diagonal cuts across the top of the bread, slicing about two-thirds of the way through the loaf. It’s critical to be careful and avoid cutting all the way down to the bottom crust; you want the loaf to remain intact as a single piece. Also, leave about an inch uncut from each end of the loaf to maintain its structural integrity. After making the first set of diagonal cuts, rotate the bread 90 degrees and make another set of diagonal cuts in the opposite direction. This cross-hatch pattern will create a beautiful diamond shape on top of the loaf and is what truly enables those individual, cheesy pull-apart sections once the bread is cooked.

Crafting the Perfect Garlic Butter Mixture

The heart and soul of any truly great garlic bread lie in its flavorful butter spread. For this pull-apart recipe, we combine a simple yet potent mix of ingredients to ensure every nook, cranny, and crevice of your bread is infused with irresistible deliciousness. In a small microwave-safe bowl, gently melt your unsalted butter. For a healthier alternative or if you prefer a dairy-free option, ghee works beautifully, adding a wonderful nutty depth of flavor. To the melted butter, add a generous drizzle of high-quality olive oil, freshly minced garlic cloves (the fresher the better for maximum aroma!), vibrant Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly with a spoon or whisk until all ingredients are well combined and aromatic. The olive oil not only helps distribute the flavors evenly but also contributes to the bread’s eventual golden and crispy finish in the air fryer. Using a cooking brush, generously glaze the inside of your diagonally cut bread, making sure the flavorful mixture seeps deep into all the diamond-shaped pockets you created earlier. Don’t be shy with the butter-garlic mixture – the more liberally you apply it, the more intensely flavorful and moist your pull-apart bread will be!

Adding the Cheese: Shredded vs. Cubed

Now for arguably the best part – the cheese! Mozzarella is a timeless and classic choice for its incredible meltiness and mild flavor, which allows the savory garlic and aromatic herbs to truly shine through. You essentially have two main options when it comes to adding the mozzarella: shredded or cubed. If you’re prioritizing ease of insertion, cubed cheese might seem more straightforward. You can simply drop small cubes of mozzarella into the bread’s crevices, which can be quick. However, I personally lean towards and recommend using shredded mozzarella because it melts more evenly and beautifully, creating a more luxurious, gooey, and satisfying pull-apart texture that stretches wonderfully when you grab a piece. When working with shredded cheese, a butter knife or even your fingertips can be very helpful to gently push and nestle the cheese deep into the diamond-shaped pockets you meticulously created earlier. Be generous, but avoid overcrowding the bread to ensure proper melting and prevent the cheese from oozing out too much. Ensure each section gets a good amount of cheese for that ultimate cheesy pull. For those who love to experiment with flavors, you can also try other cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavor profiles that complement your meal.

Air Fryer Settings for Perfect Garlic Bread: Temperature & Time

One of the greatest advantages of using an air fryer for making this delicious garlic bread is the sheer speed and efficiency of the cooking process. Achieving that ideal golden crust and perfectly melted, bubbly cheese is surprisingly quick and simple when you dial in the right settings. Understanding the optimal temperature and cooking duration is key to unlocking the full potential of your Air Fryer Pull Apart Cheese Garlic Bread.

How Long to Cook Garlic Bread in Air Fryer

For homemade pull-apart garlic bread prepared with a fresh sourdough loaf, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it cooks to perfection. This air fryer recipe requires a surprisingly short cooking time, often taking only about 5 minutes to cook! The exact time can vary slightly depending on the specific model and wattage of your air fryer, as well as your personal preference for how crispy you like your bread. However, 5 minutes serves as an excellent starting point for achieving perfectly melted cheese and beautifully golden-brown edges without drying out the bread.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature for Garlic Bread

Through extensive testing, I’ve found that a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit (which is approximately 175 degrees Celsius) is absolutely ideal for cooking garlic bread in the air fryer. This temperature is perfectly balanced: it’s high enough to quickly crisp the bread to a beautiful golden hue and ensure the cheese melts into a wonderfully gooey consistency, yet not so high that it risks burning the delicate minced garlic or the bread’s crust. For best results and to ensure even cooking and consistent crispness, always remember to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before you carefully place the prepared bread into the basket.

Cooking Frozen Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer

The versatility of the air fryer extends far beyond homemade culinary creations; it’s also a fantastic tool for quickly and perfectly reheating or cooking frozen garlic bread. If you find yourself short on time or simply prefer the convenience of store-bought frozen options like pre-sliced garlic French bread or classic Texas toast, your air fryer will transform them into crispy, delicious treats with minimal effort. The beauty of this method is its simplicity: there’s no need to thaw the bread beforehand. Simply place the frozen garlic bread directly into the air fryer basket, ensuring it’s arranged in a single layer to allow for optimal air circulation. This ensures uniform cooking and that signature crisp texture that makes air-fried foods so appealing.

How Long Do You Cook Frozen Garlic Bread in Air Fryer?

For most varieties of frozen garlic bread, especially thicker cuts like Texas Toast garlic bread, the optimal cooking time in an air fryer typically falls within the range of 5 to 6 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). It’s a good practice to start checking on the bread around the 4-minute mark, as cooking times can vary based on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of the bread slices. You’re aiming for beautifully golden-brown edges and deliciously melted, bubbly cheese. If you’re cooking thinner frozen slices, they might be ready even sooner, potentially in as little as 3-4 minutes. Always refer to the package instructions on your frozen garlic bread as a general guideline, then make minor adjustments based on your air fryer’s performance and your desired level of crispness and warmth.

Storage and Reheating Tips: Can You Freeze Air Fryer Garlic Bread?

While leftover garlic bread is a rare and delightful problem to have, it’s certainly possible to store any extras or even prepare a batch ahead of time for future convenience. Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the deliciousness and texture of your air fryer pull-apart cheese garlic bread. This versatile dish can indeed be frozen, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness whenever a craving strikes.

Freezing Homemade Air Fryer Garlic Bread

To effectively freeze your homemade air fryer pull-apart cheese garlic bread, first, allow it to cool completely to room temperature after cooking. Once cooled, wrap the entire loaf tightly in a layer of aluminum foil, ensuring no parts are exposed to the air. Then, place the foil-wrapped bread into a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. This double layer of protection is essential for preventing freezer burn, which can compromise both flavor and texture. The bread will typically last well in the freezer for about 3 to 6 months. However, for the absolute best flavor and optimal texture, it is highly recommended to consume it within the first month. For even more detailed guidance on freezing various types of bread effectively, you can explore resources like The Best Way to Freeze Bread.

Reheating Leftover Garlic Bread

Reheating your leftover garlic bread in the air fryer is just as simple and effective as cooking it fresh, ensuring it regains its crispy exterior and gooey interior. If you’re reheating bread that has been stored in the refrigerator, place it directly into your preheated air fryer at a temperature of 300-325 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 150-160 degrees Celsius) for about 3-5 minutes, or until it’s thoroughly warmed through and has achieved its desired crispness. If you’re reheating from a frozen state, you can also place it directly into the air fryer without thawing. In this case, you might need to extend the cooking time slightly, setting your air fryer to 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit (160-175 degrees Celsius) for 5-8 minutes, or until the bread is hot, and the cheese is beautifully bubbly and melted. Always keep a close eye on it during the reheating process to prevent any unwanted burning.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Pull Apart Bread

This Air Fryer Pull Apart Cheese Garlic Bread is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic accompaniment to an impressive array of meals. While it’s utterly delicious and satisfying on its own as a delightful appetizer, it truly shines when paired with hearty main courses, elevating any meal. Consider serving it alongside rich and saucy Italian dishes such as a classic lasagna, a comforting plate of spaghetti with meatballs, or creamy chicken alfredo. It’s also an absolute must-have for any pizza night, offering an extra layer of cheesy, garlicky goodness that perfectly complements your favorite slices. Beyond traditional Italian cuisine, this bread proves to be surprisingly adaptable. Imagine it served with flavorful main courses like Air Fryer Ribs, where its garlicky notes beautifully complement the smoky and savory barbecue flavors. It also makes a fantastic crunchy side for crispy Air Fryer Catfish. For a lighter meal, pair a few pieces with a fresh, vibrant salad, or use it to sop up the savory sauces from dishes like Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders. And if you’re looking for even more convenient and delicious air fryer inspiration, you might also enjoy my recipe for Air Fryer French Fries – another simple and satisfying treat!

Essential Tips for Air Fryer Pull Apart Garlic Bread Success:

• **Measure and Test Bread Fit:** Always ensure your chosen bread loaf fits comfortably and without force into your air fryer basket before you begin preparing it. If the loaf is too large, don’t hesitate to trim the ends. This simple step is crucial for preventing uneven cooking and guaranteeing that every part of your bread achieves a beautifully golden-brown finish.
• **Choose the Right Bread Type:** While sourdough is highly recommended for its exceptional flavor and robust texture, any sturdy loaf of bread will work well for this recipe. French bread, rustic Italian bread, or even a robust ciabatta can be excellent alternatives. The key is to select a bread that is dense and firm enough to hold the generous fillings without tearing or becoming soggy during preparation and cooking.
• **Master Precise Slicing:** The secret to achieving true “pull-apart” perfection lies in making deep, yet incomplete, cuts into the bread. Aim to slice about two-thirds of the way through the loaf, ensuring you do not cut entirely through to the bottom crust. If you accidentally slice too deep in any section, a simple toothpick can be strategically inserted to hold the bread sections together during the air frying process.
• **Customize Your Pull-Apart Sections:** You have full control over the size of your pull-apart pieces. For many small, individual, bite-sized pull-apart pieces, make your diagonal cuts closer together on the loaf. If you prefer larger, more substantial sections that offer a heartier pull, simply space your cuts further apart.
• **Embrace More Cheese:** For all the cheese lovers out there, feel free to be generous! Don’t be shy about adding more mozzarella than the recipe suggests if you desire an extra gooey, dramatically cheesy experience. You can even mix in a bit of freshly grated parmesan, sharp provolone, or a blend of your favorite Italian cheeses for an added layer of flavor complexity.
• **Experiment with Herb Power:** Fresh parsley adds a beautiful pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to the garlic butter mixture. However, feel free to unleash your culinary creativity and experiment with other fresh herbs. Chives, finely chopped basil, or a pinch of dried oregano can all add wonderful aromatic dimensions to your garlic bread.
• **Avoid Overcrowding the Basket:** To ensure optimal air circulation and achieve that desired crisp exterior, always cook the bread in a single layer in your air fryer basket. If your air fryer has a smaller capacity, you might need to cook the bread in multiple batches. Overcrowding the basket will lead to the bread steaming rather than crisping, resulting in a less desirable texture.
• **Monitor Cooking Closely:** Air fryers are known for their rapid cooking capabilities. Keep a close eye on your bread, particularly during the final few minutes of cooking. This vigilance will help you achieve your desired level of golden crispness and melted cheese without accidentally burning the bread.

Air Fryer Pull Apart Cheese Garlic Bread

Brandi Crawford

This Air Fryer Pull Apart Cheese Garlic Bread recipe is a quick and easy way to make delicious, cheesy garlic bread in your Nuwave, Power Air Fryer, or even a conventional oven. Perfect with store-bought bread or frozen Texas toast, it’s an ideal side dish for pizza or any Italian meal.

5 from 6 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 325 kcal

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee (healthier alternative to butter)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 loaf sourdough bread
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese You can also use cubed cheese, but I prefer shredded.

Instructions

• Melt the butter in a small bowl in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds.
• Add olive oil, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, Italian Seasoning, salt and pepper to the butter and stir until well combined.
• Place the bread flat, horizontally, on a cutting board. Using a serrated bread knife, make diagonal cuts about two-thirds of the way through the bread, being careful not to cut through the bottom crust. Leave about 1 inch uncut from each end. Turn the bread 90 degrees and make diagonal cuts in the opposite direction to create diamond shapes.
• Using a cooking brush, generously spread the garlic olive oil butter mixture into all the cracks and crevices throughout the bread.
• Next, carefully stuff the shredded mozzarella cheese into each of the cracks. If using shredded, a butter knife can help push it in. While cubed cheese is easier to insert, shredded cheese melts more evenly for a gooier result.
• Carefully place the prepared bread into your air fryer basket. Cook on 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown and crispy.
• Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning, and then pull apart and enjoy!

Notes

Air Fryer Garlic Bread Tips:

• **Bread Fit:** Always measure and test your bread in the air fryer first. Trim if necessary to ensure it fits without touching the heating element.
• **Bread Type:** While sourdough is recommended, any sturdy loaf like French or Italian bread will work well.
• **Slicing Carefully:** Slice about two-thirds of the way through, not all the way. Use toothpicks to hold sections if accidentally cut too deep.
• **Customizable Pull-Apart Sections:** For smaller pull-apart pieces, make cuts closer together. For larger pieces, space them out more.
• **More Cheese:** Don’t hesitate to add extra mozzarella or other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for an even cheesier experience!
• **Don’t Overcrowd:** Cook in a single layer to ensure even crisping. Cook in batches if needed.
• **Watch Your Bread:** Air fryers cook quickly. Monitor closely to prevent over-browning or burning.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 11gFat: 10g

Nutrition Data Disclaimer

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.