Air-Fried Cheesy Bread: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cheesy bread is a delicious snack or side dish that can be made in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. This quick and easy recipe involves spreading a mixture of butter, garlic, and cheese on slices of bread and air-frying them until they are golden and crispy. The bread can be served as-is or sliced into strips, and it goes well with marinara sauce or other dips.

How to Make Cheesy Bread in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right bread

Type of Bread

The type of bread you choose will impact the overall taste, texture, and appearance of your cheesy bread. The most commonly recommended options are French bread, Italian bread, or a French baguette. These types of bread have a chewy crust that becomes crispy in the air fryer while maintaining a soft interior. If you're making garlic bread, these varieties pair well with the garlic butter spread. However, you can also use other crusty bread options, such as ciabatta bread or a soft French loaf, depending on your preference and availability.

Bread Thickness

When selecting your bread, it's important to consider its thickness. For garlic bread, thicker slices or loaves are preferable as they provide a better base for holding the cheese. A thicker slice of bread ensures that the bread can withstand the weight of the toppings without becoming soggy. This is especially important if you plan to generously top your bread with cheese and other ingredients.

Freshness of Bread

The freshness of the bread also plays a role in the final texture of your cheesy creation. If you prefer a softer texture, go for fresh bread. On the other hand, if you're aiming for a crispier and chewier garlic bread, opt for day-old bread. The moisture content in the bread will have reduced slightly, making it ideal for achieving that desired crispy texture in the air fryer.

Slicing the Bread

Before preparing your cheesy bread, you'll need to slice the loaf. For garlic bread, slice the bread lengthwise so that you have two long pieces. This provides a larger surface area for spreading the garlic butter mixture. If your bread is too large to fit in the air fryer, you may need to cut the pieces further to ensure they fit comfortably without overcrowding the air fryer basket. Remember, proper spacing is essential for even cooking.

Bread Quantity

Lastly, consider the quantity of bread you'll need. If you're making cheesy bread as a side dish or appetizer, a single loaf of bread should be sufficient. However, if you're feeding a larger crowd or want to make extra batches for freezing, you may need to purchase additional loaves. It's always a good idea to have extra bread on hand, especially if you plan to experiment with different toppings and flavours.

Preparing the garlic butter

The garlic butter is the key component of your cheesy bread and will be slathered onto your bread slices before cooking. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing it:

Ingredients

• Salted butter (softened)
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Chopped parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Minced garlic

Utensils

• Large bowl
• Fork

Method

• Take one stick (1/2 cup) of salted butter and place it in a large bowl. The butter should be at room temperature and super soft. If your butter is not soft enough, leave it out on the counter for 2-3 hours before using.
• Using a fork, start mashing the butter until it becomes smooth.
• Add in 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Add the following:

• 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2-3 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

• Mix the ingredients with a fork until well combined.
• Add in the minced garlic. The amount of garlic can vary depending on your preference, but a typical amount is around 1-2 tablespoons or 7-8 large garlic cloves.
• Continue mixing with the fork until everything is well combined. Your garlic butter spread is now ready to be set aside.

Adding cheese

The cheese you choose for your cheesy garlic bread is important, as it will have a big impact on the taste and texture of the final dish. Mozzarella is a popular choice due to its meltability, but you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any other good melting cheese. You could even use a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone, for an extra cheesy experience.

When preparing your bread, you will need to cut it into slices or halves that will fit into your air fryer. Spread your garlic butter mixture onto the bread, and then top with your chosen cheese. You can sprinkle the cheese on top, or use a pastry brush to spread it.

If you want to add extra ingredients to your cheesy garlic bread, this is the time to do it. You could add cooked bacon bits, chopped spinach, sliced pepperoni, or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Once you have added your cheese and any additional toppings, place the bread into your preheated air fryer and cook at 330-380°F for 4-6 minutes, or until the cheese has melted to your liking.

Air-frying the bread

Firstly, prepare your ingredients. You will need a French baguette or loaf, butter, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and mozzarella and/or parmesan cheese. You may also want to add dried parsley for garnish.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. While it is heating up, slice the bread in half lengthwise, and then spread the butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper mixture on the cut sides of the bread. Top with your chosen cheese.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the bread inside, cheese-side up, and air fry for 4-6 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the edges of the bread are crispy. If you want softer bread, air fry for around 3 minutes.

Finally, remove the bread from the air fryer and sprinkle with dried parsley. Slice into smaller pieces and serve immediately while still hot and crispy!

Serving suggestions

Air fryer cheesy garlic bread is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Appetizer or Snack

The cheesy garlic bread made in an air fryer makes a delightful appetiser or snack. Serve it as-is or with a dipping sauce on the side. For a classic combination, offer a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. You can also provide a variety of dips such as garlic butter, ranch dressing, or a balsamic reduction to enhance the flavours.

Side Dish

This dish pairs exceptionally well with pasta dishes, soups, or salads. Serve it alongside spaghetti and meatballs, your favourite pasta bake, or a light arugula salad. It also complements dishes like crockpot spaghetti, chicken Parmesan, lasagna soup, or baked ravioli.

Main Course

While typically served as a side, cheesy garlic bread can be a satisfying main course for a casual meal. Serve larger portions with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete and comforting meal.

Customise and Experiment

Get creative and experiment with different toppings and ingredients. For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also wrap each breadstick with a strip of bacon before air frying, adding a smoky savoury flavour. Try using different types of cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for an extra cheesy experience.

Make it a Meal

Turn this into a more substantial meal by serving it with a variety of main dishes. It goes well with dishes like Beef Stew, Tuscan Chicken Pasta, Lemon Chicken Pasta, or Mississippi Pot Roast. You can also dip the bread into your favourite marinara sauce or enjoy it with a side of ketchup.

Frequently asked questions