Cheese Bread – Air Fryer

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🧀 Cheese Bread (Air Fryer) – Full Recipe

This quick and delicious cheese bread has a crisp, golden outside and a gooey, cheesy center  all made conveniently in the air fryer. Great as a snack, side, or party appetizer.

📋 Ingredients

Dough:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened)

  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)

Optional Add-ins:

  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (for heat)

  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

  • Set air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

  • Preheat for 3–5 minutes.

2. Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.

  2. Add butter and milk; stir until a soft dough forms.

  3. Gently fold in the shredded cheese and any add-ins (onions, herbs, chili flakes).

  4. Knead lightly just until combined (don’t overwork it).

3. Shape the Dough

  • Divide dough into 6–8 portions and form into small balls or oval rolls.

  • Lightly flatten them if you’d like more surface area for crispiness.

4. Air Fry the Cheese Bread

  1. Place dough balls in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each (may need to cook in batches).

  2. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

  3. Check halfway and turn/flip if needed for even browning.

5. Serve Warm

  • Best served hot or warm with butter, marinara sauce, or a dipping cheese sauce.

✅ Quick Tip:

Want it extra cheesy? Push a cube of cheese (mozzarella or pepper jack) into the center of each dough ball before cooking for a molten surprise.

❓ Q&A: Cheese Bread in the Air Fryer

🔸 Q: What kind of cheese works best?

A: Cheddar gives sharp flavor, mozzarella melts well, and parmesan adds saltiness. A combo is ideal. Avoid overly wet cheeses like fresh mozzarella unless drained well.

🔸 Q: Can I use self-rising flour?

A: Yes! Omit the baking powder and salt if using self-rising flour.

🔸 Q: Can I use pre-made dough (like biscuit dough or pizza dough)?

A: Yes. Canned biscuit or pizza dough works great — just add shredded cheese into the dough or stuff cubes inside.

🔸 Q: Can I make these gluten-free?

A: Yes. Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the milk slightly if dough is too dry or sticky.

🔸 Q: Can I freeze the dough or cooked cheese bread?

A:

  • Raw dough: Yes, shape and freeze. Thaw before air frying.

  • Cooked bread: Also freezer-friendly. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 minutes.

🔸 Q: My cheese bread is too dry. What went wrong?

A: Possible causes:

  • Overbaking (check at 8 minutes).

  • Too much flour (lightly spoon and level it).

  • Not enough fat (make sure butter is added and cheese is well distributed).

🔸 Q: Can I add meat or other fillings?

A: Absolutely! Try:

  • Crumbled bacon

  • Pepperoni

  • Ham and jalapeños
    Stuff a little inside each dough ball with cheese for a hearty twist.

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