Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Buns

Soft, Fluffy & Loaded with Melty Cheese and Garlic Butter

These Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Buns are golden on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and packed with gooey melted cheese and rich garlic butter flavor. They’re the perfect side dish for pasta, soups, salads, or barbecue meals, and they’re so easy to make in the air fryer.

Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, game day gathering, or simply craving fresh homemade bread, these cheesy garlic buns deliver bakery-style results with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and fluffy texture
• Loaded with cheese and garlic flavor
• Quick air fryer baking
• Perfect side dish or snack
• Family-friendly
• Easy beginner recipe
• Freezer-friendly

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rise Time: 45–60 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Servings: 8 buns

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 large egg

For the Filling

• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50g) shredded cheddar cheese

Garlic Butter Topping

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry brush
• Parchment paper

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl combine:

• Warm milk
• Sugar
• Yeast

Let sit for:

5 minutes

until foamy.

Add:

• Egg
• Melted butter
• Salt

Mix well.

Gradually add flour and stir until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Knead for:

8–10 minutes

until smooth and elastic.

The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 3: First Rise

Place dough in a lightly greased bowl.

Cover and let rise in a warm place for:

45–60 minutes

until doubled in size.

Ideal temperature:

24–27°C (75–80°F)

Step 4: Shape the Buns

Punch down the dough.

Divide into:

8 equal portions

Flatten each piece.

Place a mixture of:

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar

in the center.

Pinch edges closed and roll into smooth balls.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place buns on parchment paper.

Cover loosely.

Allow to rise for:

15–20 minutes

Step 6: Preheat Air Fryer

Preheat air fryer to:

160°C (320°F)

for 3 minutes.

Step 7: Air Fry the Buns

Place buns into the basket, leaving space between them.

Cook at:

160°C (320°F)

for:

10–12 minutes

until golden brown.

Internal temperature should reach:

93°C (200°F)

Step 8: Make Garlic Butter

While buns cook, combine:

• Melted butter
• Garlic
• Parsley
• Salt

Mix well.

Step 9: Brush and Finish

Immediately brush hot buns generously with garlic butter.

For extra cheesiness, sprinkle with a little Parmesan cheese.

Time & Temperature Summary

Step	Temperature
Dough Rising	24–27°C (75–80°F)
Air Frying	160°C (320°F)
Internal Temp	93°C (200°F)

Process	Time
First Rise	45–60 min
Second Rise	15–20 min
Air Fry	10–12 min

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Buns

Seal the Cheese Well

This prevents cheese from leaking during cooking.

Don’t Overfill

Too much cheese can burst through the dough.

Use Fresh Garlic

Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.

Brush While Hot

The buns absorb the garlic butter better when fresh from the air fryer.

Delicious Variations

Garlic Parmesan Buns

Add:

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

to the filling.

Herb Cheese Buns

Mix:

• Basil
• Oregano
• Parsley

into the dough.

Spicy Cheese Buns

Add:

• Jalapeños
• Red pepper flakes

to the filling.

Bacon Cheddar Buns

Add:

• Crispy bacon bits

along with the cheese.

Four Cheese Buns

Combine:

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Parmesan
• Monterey Jack

for an ultra-cheesy version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Pasta dishes
• Soups
• Salads
• Chili
• Barbecue meals

They’re also delicious on their own as a snack or appetizer.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for:

4 days

Freezer

Freeze for:

Up to 2 months

Wrap individually for best results.

Reheating

Air Fryer

Heat at:

160°C (320°F)

for:

3–4 minutes

Oven

Bake at:

175°C (350°F)

for:

5–7 minutes

Nutritional Information

Approximate per bun:

• Calories: 260
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 340mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead?

Yes. Prepare and refrigerate after shaping. Allow them to come to room temperature before air frying.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely. Pizza dough or bread dough works well.

Why did my buns turn dense?

This usually happens when the dough hasn’t risen long enough.

Can I bake these in the oven?

Yes. Bake at:

190°C (375°F)

for 15–18 minutes.