Description
This Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Bread is a quick and delicious appetizer or side dish featuring crispy, golden bread topped with a flavorful garlic butter spread and melted cheeses. Perfectly cooked in an air fryer for a healthier, less greasy alternative to traditional methods, it offers a delightful combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese with a hint of fresh parsley and optional Italian seasoning.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or mixed herbs
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Slice the bread: Cut the loaf of French or Italian bread in half lengthwise to create two equal halves, which will serve as the base for the garlic bread.
- Prepare the garlic butter mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Spread the butter mixture: Evenly spread the garlic butter blend over the cut sides of each bread half, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Add mozzarella cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the buttered bread halves, distributing it evenly for a gooey cheesy layer.
- Top with Parmesan cheese: Add grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella layer for extra flavor and a slight sharpness.
- Add Italian seasoning (optional): If using, sprinkle Italian seasoning or mixed herbs over the cheese to enhance the flavor profile with aromatic herbs.
- Air fry the first half: Place one bread half, cut side up, into the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook the halves one at a time.
- Cook until golden and melted: Air fry for 5-7 minutes, carefully monitoring to prevent burning. The cheese should melt completely and turn slightly golden brown.
- Remove and repeat: Using tongs or a spatula, carefully remove the cooked bread from the basket. Repeat the air frying process with the second half.
- Cool and slice: Allow the cheesy garlic bread to cool for a couple of minutes before slicing into desired portions for serving.
Notes
- Adjust air frying time based on your air fryer model and bread thickness to avoid burning.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder can be substituted but may alter taste.
- For a crispier crust, increase air frying time by 1-2 minutes but watch closely.
- Can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish to pasta or soups.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes for crispness.
