Air Fryer Stuffed Bread Loaf: A Cheesy, Fluffy Treat

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh-baked bread, especially when it’s stuffed with warm, gooey cheese and savory fillings. This recipe for an Air Fryer Stuffed Bread Loaf takes all that comforting goodness and delivers it with the speed and efficiency of an air fryer. The result is a golden, crispy crust and a soft, melty interior that is absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a fun family dinner, or a satisfying snack, this versatile recipe is a game-changer. It’s a fun, delicious, and surprisingly easy way to enjoy homemade bread without waiting for a full oven bake.

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Why I love This Recipe

I’m a huge fan of recipes that are as much fun to make as they are to eat, and this one is a perfect example. I love how the air fryer does such a perfect job of giving the bread a beautiful, golden-brown crust while keeping the inside incredibly soft and moist. But the real star of the show is the filling. The recipe’s suggestion of a simple garlic butter and cheese is a classic for a reason, and it’s a canvas for endless creativity. You can truly make this recipe your own with your favorite pizza toppings, cheeses, and herbs. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers and turn them into something completely new and delicious. It’s a quick and satisfying recipe that feels like a labor of love, but only takes a fraction of the time.

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Ingredients

For the Dough (or use store-bought pizza dough):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
• ¾ cup warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Filling (example: cheese & garlic butter):

• 1−2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2−3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp parsley or oregano
• Optional: cooked ham, mushrooms, or pepperoni

For the Topping:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

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Swaps and Notes

• The Dough: While the homemade dough is simple and delicious, using a store-bought pizza dough is a fantastic shortcut that makes this recipe even faster. You can find pre-made dough in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
• The Filling: The possibilities for the filling are endless! A classic combination of garlic, butter, and mozzarella is always a winner. But you could also create a pepperoni pizza version with marinara sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella. For a more savory option, try cooked sausage and peppers, or for a vegetarian twist, use sautéed spinach and feta cheese. Just make sure your fillings aren’t too wet, as this can make the dough soggy.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs are always best, but dried will work just fine. Italian seasoning is a great all-purpose choice.
• Egg Wash: The egg wash is a simple but important step. It’s what gives the bread that beautiful, glossy finish and a crispy golden-brown crust. You can also brush it with a little extra melted butter for an even richer crust.

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List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Make or Prep the Dough: If you’re making the dough from scratch, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5−10 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, and olive oil. Pour in the yeast mixture and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Roll and Fill: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out onto a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic and herbs. Brush this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. Down the center of the dough, spread your shredded cheese and any optional fillings like ham, mushrooms, or pepperoni.
3. Shape the Loaf: Carefully fold one long side of the dough over the filling, then fold the other side over to create a loaf shape. Pinch the seams and ends tightly to seal the loaf, and place it seam-side down.
4. Prep for Air Frying: Place the loaf into a greased or parchment-lined aluminum tray that fits inside your air fryer basket. This will help the loaf maintain its shape. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife and brush it generously with a beaten egg for a glossy finish.
5. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the tray with the loaf into the air fryer basket. Cook for 18−22 minutes. You will want to check the top after about 15 minutes to see if it’s getting too brown. If it is, you can cover it loosely with a piece of foil. The bread is done when the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190−200°F (88−93°C).
6. Cool & Serve: Carefully remove the loaf from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set and prevents a messy slice.

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Tips for Success

• Seal the Dough Tightly: This is the most important step! Make sure the seams of the dough are pinched together firmly to prevent any of that delicious, melted cheese from leaking out.
• Use a Tray: Using a small aluminum or foil tray is crucial for this recipe. It supports the shape of the bread and makes it easy to transfer in and out of the air fryer without the loaf deforming.
• Don’t Overcrowd: This recipe is designed for a single loaf. Do not try to cook multiple loaves at once unless your air fryer is large enough to accommodate them with plenty of space for air to circulate.
• Check Internal Temperature: The best way to know if your loaf is fully cooked is to use an instant-read thermometer. For bread, the perfect internal temperature is between 190−200°F.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This stuffed bread loaf is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a dipping sauce. A side of warm marinara sauce is a classic choice, but a simple garlic butter or even a creamy ranch dressing would also be delicious. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.

For drinks, a cold soda, a light beer, or a glass of chilled white wine would all be great choices to go with this savory treat.

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Nutritional Information

(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)

This recipe is a rich and satisfying meal, with calories and carbohydrates primarily coming from the dough and cheese. The nutritional content will vary greatly depending on your choice of fillings. It’s an indulgent treat that is perfect for a special occasion or a fun family night in.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This stuffed bread is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, the best method is to use the air fryer or oven to bring back some of that crispy crust. Simply cook at 325°F (160°C) for about 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey again.

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Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Stuffed Bread Loaf is a fun, easy, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy fresh-baked bread with a cheesy, savory twist. It’s a recipe that is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Give it a try and let me know in the comments below what your favorite filling combination is!