The key to excellent garlic cheese bread is choosing the right foundation: the bread itself! I highly recommend using a thicker, sturdier loaf such as Italian bread or a French baguette. These types of bread offer a substantial base that can hold up to the garlic butter and a generous amount of cheese without becoming soggy. Look for loaves that are either already sliced into thick pieces (about 1.5 to 2 inches) or are easy to slice yourself. Avoid thin sandwich bread, as it tends to get overly crispy and struggles to contain the melted cheese. A good, hearty slice of bread ensures a satisfying bite with every piece.

Absolutely! While mozzarella is the classic choice for garlic cheese bread due to its incredible meltiness and mild flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar cheese adds a sharper, more robust flavor profile, while Monterey Jack offers a creamy, buttery melt. A blend of cheeses, such as an Italian mix, can also be fantastic. The most important factor is to choose a cheese that melts well to achieve that desired gooey consistency. We love our garlic bread extra cheesy around here, so I tend to use a generous amount, but you can certainly adjust the quantity to suit your personal preference for cheesy goodness.

Garlic powder is a fantastic convenience for this recipe, making it incredibly quick to prepare since most people have it readily available. However, if you prefer the robust flavor of fresh garlic, it’s an excellent substitute. You can mince 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic (or more, to taste) and mix it directly into the softened butter. Jarred minced garlic is also a convenient option if you don’t have fresh cloves on hand. Just be mindful that fresh garlic can brown a bit faster, so keep an eye on your bread in the air fryer. The goal is a rich, garlicky flavor, so use whichever form of garlic you prefer!

Yes, this recipe is wonderfully flexible for meal prep! You can absolutely make these garlic cheese bread slices earlier in the day. Simply assemble them as directed, then cover them loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. To reheat, pop them into the air fryer for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is toasted.

For longer storage, this recipe freezes beautifully. Prepare the garlic bread up to the point of adding the cheese. Then, flash freeze the individual slices on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can cook them directly from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time until heated through and golden. It’s a perfect solution for having a quick, cheesy side ready whenever a craving strikes!

I tested this Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread recipe in a 5-quart basket-style air fryer, which is a common size for many households. The most crucial aspect of air frying is proper air circulation. Regardless of your air fryer’s specific model or size (whether it’s a basket, oven, or paddle style), always ensure you don’t overcrowd the basket or trays. Lay the bread slices in a single layer, leaving a little space between them so the hot air can circulate evenly. This guarantees that your bread will become perfectly crispy and your cheese will melt uniformly.

Cooking times can vary slightly between different brands and models of air fryers due to variations in wattage and airflow. While the recommended time is a great starting point, you might need to adjust it by a minute or two based on your specific appliance’s performance. It’s always a good idea to monitor your food closely during the first batch to determine the optimal cooking time for your air fryer.

Forgetting to soften butter is a common kitchen mishap – we’ve all been there! Luckily, there are a few clever tricks to speed up the process:

• Warm Glass Method: Fill a glass with boiling water and let it sit for a few minutes. Pour out the water, then invert the warm glass over a stick of butter (on a plate) for 5-10 minutes. The residual heat will gently soften the butter.
• Rolling/Pounding Method: Place the stick of butter between two sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet to gently pound and roll the butter. This flattens and warms it, significantly reducing softening time.
• Cubing/Grating Method: Cut the butter into small cubes or grate it using a box grater. Smaller pieces expose more surface area to room temperature, allowing them to soften much faster.

These methods will help you get that perfectly softened butter for your garlic spread without a long wait!

It’s a valid concern, especially with the powerful circulation of an air fryer! However, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that the cheese generally stays put. The magic lies in the garlic butter mixture. By generously spreading the softened butter on the bread first, you create a sticky surface that acts as an adhesive for the shredded cheese. The butter helps anchor the cheese in place, allowing it to melt beautifully rather than being blown around by the air fryer’s fan. This trick works wonderfully for any cheesy toast in the air fryer!

This recipe typically uses one standard loaf of Italian or French bread, which usually yields about 12 slices when cut to the recommended thickness. While portion sizes can always be adjusted to individual appetites, a common serving for garlic cheese bread is 2 slices per person. Therefore, this recipe is designed to generously serve 6 people as a side dish or appetizer. If your guests are light eaters or if you’re serving it with a very hearty main course, you might find that one slice per person is sufficient, allowing this recipe to stretch even further.

Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread is an incredibly versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with a wide array of meals. Its rich, savory flavor and comforting texture make it an ideal companion for:

• Pasta Dishes: Classic pairings include hearty pasta recipes like Easy Baked Ziti, Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti, Tuscan Chicken Pasta, Lemon Chicken Pasta, or a fun Pizza Pasta Bake.
• Soups and Stews: Dip these cheesy slices into a warm bowl of tomato soup, minestrone, or a rich beef stew for a truly comforting meal.
• Salads: A crisp green salad, a Caesar salad, or even a robust antipasto salad benefits from the addition of warm, cheesy bread.
• Main Courses: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, meatballs, or any Italian-inspired main course to complete the meal.

And, of course, you can always enjoy them simply dipped into your favorite warm marinara sauce for an easy and satisfying snack or appetizer!

Absolutely! While the air fryer provides unmatched speed and crispiness, you can certainly make delicious garlic cheese bread in a conventional oven. The process is very similar; simply prepare the bread slices with the garlic butter and cheese as instructed. Then, bake them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven (typically around 375°F or 190°C) for about 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread edges are golden brown. For detailed instructions on the oven method, you can refer to my oven-baked cheesy garlic bread recipe here.

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a rare occurrence with this deliciousness!), allow them to cool completely to room temperature first. Then, wrap the individual slices tightly in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To reheat, the air fryer is your best friend! Place the foil-wrapped slices directly into the air fryer basket at 325-350°F (160-175°C) for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is re-melted and gooey. The air fryer will help bring back that delightful crispy texture that might have softened in the fridge. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread (+Video)

Make some easy garlic cheese bread in the Air Fryer in under 15 minutes! This quick and simple recipe delivers crispy, cheesy, garlicky perfection every time.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 minutes

Total Time: 14 minutes

Servings: 6 servings (approx. 12 slices)

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Course: Breads, Side Dish, Appetizer

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 731 kcal

Carbohydrates: 43g

Protein: 24g

Fat: 74g

Sodium: 796mg

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 24g