Air Fryer Pull-Apart Mozzarella Garlic Bread

Golden and crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, this cheesy pull-apart garlic bread is the perfect appetizer, side dish, or party snack.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–22 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 small round sourdough loaf or crusty artisan bread
• ½ cup (1 stick/115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Prepare the bread: Using a serrated knife, cut the loaf into a crosshatch pattern, making 1-inch cubes without slicing all the way through the bottom.
3. Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Fill the bread: Spread the garlic butter deep into all the cuts. Stuff the shredded mozzarella into the cracks, then sprinkle the Parmesan over the top.
5. Wrap (optional): If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely wrap the loaf in foil for the first 5–6 minutes of cooking.
6. Air fry: Place the loaf in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is crisp around the edges.
7. Finish: Garnish with extra parsley and serve warm while the cheese is still gooey.

Tips

• Use a loaf that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket.
• Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
• Don’t cut all the way through the loaf—the intact base keeps the bread together.
• For extra browning, cook uncovered for the last 2–3 minutes.

Variations

• Four Cheese: Mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan.
• Pizza Style: Add sliced pepperoni and a sprinkle of oregano.
• Spinach & Cheese: Tuck chopped cooked spinach into the cuts.
• Herb Lovers: Add fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme to the garlic butter.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is warm and crisp.

Serving Suggestions: Pair with marinara sauce, tomato soup, pasta dishes, Caesar salad, or enjoy as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at gatherings.