Craving something delicious and easy? This Air Fryer Cheese Bread is just the recipe you need! It’s super simple to make and loaded with cheesy, flavorful goodness. With the perfect balance of crispy edges and melty cheese, this bread is sure to be a hit with everyone!
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Why This Recipe Works
- Quick And Easy: Air Fryer Cheesy Bread is a quick and easy recipe that uses pizza dough and an Air Fryer to make an amazing appetizer or side dish. It is perfect for parties or game-day snacks.
- Crispy: This Air Fryer Cheese Bread is crispy on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside. It is loaded with mozzarella cheese and Italian spices for a scrumptious flavor everyone will love.
- Versatile: You can also add some Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Or you could dip your cheese bread into Cheese Fondue.
🥘 Ingredients
For this cheesy bread recipe, you'll need a few ingredients:
Pizza Dough
- Flour- Do not pack the flour. Instead scoop it into the measuring cup and level it off with a butter knife to get the perfect measurement. You will also need more for dusting and rolling the dough.
- Yeast- You will use dry yeast. Yeast helps the dough rise making it fluffy and delicious.
- Water- To activate the yeast and blend the flour, you'll need warm water. Make sure it is 110℉.
- Sugar- Sugar is a food for your yeast. It gives it a boost to grow and multiply resulting in moist, fluffy dough.
- Olive oil- I use extra virgin olive oil, but you could also use canola oil or vegetable oil as well.
- Salt-Salt helps to combine the gluten in the dough. Without salt, the dough will rise faster than it should, leading to less flavor and a weak structure.
Optional Toppings
- Mozzarella cheese- I use shredded mozzarella cheese, but you could use cheddar, Pepper jack, or your favorite cheese.
- Italian seasoning- Italian seasoning gives your cheesy bread that garlic bread flavor that combines perfectly with the cheese.
- Butter- Set the butter out about 30 minutes before using to soften it. This makes it easier to spread on your dough.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Add Heat: Add a few red pepper flakes to the cheddar cheese mix and give this cheesy bread a kick of spice.
- Add Garlic: Add some garlic powder and butter mixture to make this into an air fryer garlic bread. Cheesy garlic bread is delicious and will add more flavor to this recipe.
🔪 How To Make Air Fryer Cheese Bread?
For this delicious cheesy bread, you'll first need to make your pizza dough and let it be proof. Follow the steps below!
Step One: First, add warm water to a large mixing bowl with the yeast. Stir and mix. Then, let the yeast proof for about 5-minutes.
Step Two: Next, add the sugar, flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
Step Three: With a hook, knead the dough for about 5 minutes on medium speed. Or, knead the dough with your hands on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes. Roll the dough into a large ball, and transfer it to a lightly oiled bowl.
Step Four: Cover the dough with a clean towel, and let it sit for about 2-hours or until it has doubled in size. Next move the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into two sections.
Step Five: Roll out the dough using your rolling pin.
Step Six: Using 1 tablespoon of butter, grease your pie pan. Transfer your pizza dough to your pan. Press to flatten down on the bottom of the pan.
Step Seven: With your air fryer preheated to 380°F, cook your dough for 5 minutes. Once the dough is cooked add 1 tablespoon of butter, ¾ cup of cheese, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Step Eight: Place your cheesy bread back into the air fryer at 380°F for another 5 minutes. Slice into pieces. Repeat steps 6-9 with the second cheesy bread. Serve and Enjoy!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Using Store-Bought Dough: If you're short on time, feel free to use pre-made pizza dough. Just roll it to an 8-inch diameter before baking. It will speed up the process without sacrificing too much on taste or texture.
- Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is a great base, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, or even a blend of your favorites for added depth of flavor. Don't be afraid to mix and match.
- Perfecting Crispy Edges: For the crispiest results, ensure you brush the dough with butter before cooking. This step gives the bread a golden, crispy edge that complements the gooey melted cheese inside.
- Customize Seasonings: Add a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes to the butter for a kick of flavor. Customizing your seasoning is a great way to personalize this dish to your taste preferences.
💭 FAQs
You can use any type of shredded cheese that you like. I typically use mozzarella, but cheddar or Parmesan would also be delicious.
Yes, you can! Just make sure to roll it out into an 8 inch diameter like you would with the homemade dough. Using pre-made pizza dough makes this recipe easier and faster.
Unfortunately, this recipe is best made fresh and served immediately. Otherwise, the bread will become soggy from the sauce and cheese. However, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Simply make the dough, cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake and assemble your cheesy bread.
The bread is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the dough is golden brown and crispy.
To store cheese bread, let it cool completely, then wrap it in plastic or foil, or place it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Here are my favorite sides to serve with Air Fryer Cheesy Bread:
- Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs: Serve the cheesy bread alongside Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs. The cheesy bread can be used to soak up the delicious tomato sauce from the spaghetti and complement the flavors of the meatballs.
- Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo: Pair the cheesy bread with Instant Pot chicken alfredo for a comforting and indulgent meal. The cheesy bread can be enjoyed alongside the creamy pasta dish, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken Pasta: Serve the cheesy bread with Instant Pot chipotle chicken pasta for a spicy and cheesy combination. The cheesy bread can help balance out the heat from the chipotle sauce and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Easy Bake Bacon Alfredo: Accompany the cheesy bread with easy bake bacon alfredo for a decadent and satisfying meal. The cheesy bread can be dipped into the creamy alfredo sauce and enjoyed with the crispy bacon for a delicious flavor experience.
🍽 Related Recipes
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Air Fryer Cheese Bread
Ingredients
- ¾ Cup Warm Water 110 degrees F
- 1 Teaspoon Sugar
- 1, ⅛ Teaspoon Dry Yeast
- 1, ¾ Cups All Purpose Flour plus more for dusting
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1, ½ Cups Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 4 Tablespoons Butter
Instructions
- Make the Dough
- When ready to cook your pizza, preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
- Add to a large bowl your warm water, and yeast. Stir and mix. Allow your yeast to proof for about five minutes.
- After the five minutes, add in your sugar, flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Knead with the dough hook for about five minutes on medium speed if using a stand mixer. If using your hands, transfer the dough ball to a lightly floured flat surface and knead for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer your dough ball to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean towel for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Assemble the Cheesy Bread
- Once your dough has doubled in size, remove your dough ball to a lightly floured surface. Divide your ball into two sections.
- Roll your dough using a rolling pin until it is 8 inches in diameter.
- Using 1 tablespoon of butter, grease your pie pan. Transfer your pizza dough to your pan. Press to flatten down on the bottom of the pan.
- With your air fryer preheated to 380°F, cook your dough for 5 minutes.
- Remove, and then top your dough with 1 tablespoon butter, ¾ cup cheese, and ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Repeat steps 2 to 5 for your second cheesy bread.
- Serve and enjoy!
