Air Fryer Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Bread

Equipment

• Air Fryer: Any size will work. If you have a smaller model, you may need to cut your bread to fit.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For the garlic butter.
• Pastry Brush: For slathering on the garlic butter.
• Bread Knife (Serrated): Essential for cutting the bread without squishing it.
• Aluminum Foil (optional): To create a sling for easy removal.

Ingredients

• 1 Loaf (approx. 450g/1 lb) of Soft Italian Bread or French Baguette: The key is a bread that is soft enough to soak up the butter but sturdy enough to hold its shape. Sourdough also works beautifully. Avoid pre-sliced sandwich bread.
• 1 cup (approx. 100g) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is your best friend here. It melts perfectly without becoming overly greasy. For an extra cheesy pull, you can also use a pre-shredded “pizza blend” or “Italian blend.”
• 1/2 cup (approx. 50g) Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grating your own Parmesan is a non-negotiable step for the best flavor. The pre-grated stuff in a can contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. This adds a sharp, salty kick that is essential.
• Optional Add-in: ½ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon, finely chopped pepperoni, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

• 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113g) Unsalted Butter, melted: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the sodium level. If you only have salted butter, that’s fine, just omit the added salt in the recipe.
• 4-5 cloves Garlic, finely minced or grated: Fresh garlic is paramount. The jarred, pre-minced stuff lacks the same pungent, aromatic punch. Grate it on a Microplane for the most even distribution.
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, finely chopped: Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley is preferred for its brighter flavor. You can also use 2 tsp of dried parsley if fresh isn’t available.
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: This might seem redundant, but garlic powder adds a deeper, more roasted garlic flavor that complements the fresh garlic.
• 1/4 tsp Onion Powder: For a subtle savory depth.
• 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt & 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: To taste. Remember, the cheeses are salty, so be mindful.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter (Intensity: Low, 5 mins)

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, finely minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well incorporated. The aroma alone will be incredible. Set this magical elixir aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread (Intensity: Medium, 5 mins)

1. Place your loaf of bread on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully make diagonal cuts about 1-inch apart, slicing almost all the way through the loaf but stopping about 1/2-inch from the bottom crust . Do not cut all the way through! You want the loaf to remain intact as one unit.
2. Now, make a second set of cuts in the opposite direction (also about 1-inch apart), creating a criss-cross, diamond pattern. Again, be careful not to slice through the bottom.

Step 3: Stuff and Load the Bread (Intensity: Medium, 3 mins)

1. Using your fingers or a small spoon, gently pry the cuts apart. First, brush the garlic butter generously into every single cut, making sure it gets deep into the crevices. Be liberal! This is what flavors the bread from the inside out.
2. Next, take your shredded mozzarella and gently stuff it into every available opening. Don’t be shy; you want cheese in every bite. Once the mozzarella is in, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the entire loaf, letting it fall into the cracks and cover the crust. If you’re using any optional add-ins like bacon, now is the time to sprinkle them in.

Step 4: The Air Fryer Bake (Intensity: High, 8-10 mins)

1. This is the most critical step, and it varies slightly depending on your air fryer model.
2. For Basket-Style Air Fryers: Tear off a piece of aluminum foil large enough to hold your loaf, and create a “sling” by folding it. This will make it much easier to lift the hot bread out later. Lightly spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray or brush it with a little oil to prevent sticking. Place the stuffed loaf on the foil sling and carefully lower it into the air fryer basket.
3. For Oven-Style Air Fryers: Place the bread directly onto the wire rack or on a small piece of parchment paper with holes (if your model allows for it).
4. Cooking Instructions:
5. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) .
6. Cook for 6 minutes . The air fryer’s powerful fan will start to crisp the outside of the bread and melt the cheese.
7. After 6 minutes, open the air fryer. Carefully, using tongs, check the bread. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it loosely with a piece of foil.
8. Continue to cook for another 2-4 minutes , or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the edges of the bread are crispy. The total cook time should be between 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on it towards the end , as air fryers can vary greatly in intensity.

Step 5: Rest and Serve (Intensity: Low, 2 mins)

1. Once the bread is perfectly golden and gooey, use your foil sling to carefully lift it out of the air fryer and transfer it to a serving board or platter. Let it rest for 1-2 minutes. This allows the molten cheese to set slightly, making it easier to pull apart without burning your fingers.
2. Serve immediately! Let everyone pull their own piece from the loaf. This bread is best enjoyed piping hot and is perfect on its own or alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: ~380 kcal · Protein: 12g · Fat: 24g · Carbohydrates: 28g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 14g · Fiber: 1g · Sugar: 2g · Sodium: 550mg