Green Chile Cheese with Garlic Butter Pull-Apart Loaves (Air Fryer Recipe)
Intro:
If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, garlicky, and just the right amount of spicy, this recipe is for you. These pull-apart mini loaves are made using a simple dough, stuffed with green chiles and cheese, then smothered in garlic butter before being cooked in the air fryer. The result? Crispy edges, gooey centers, and irresistible flavor in every bite. Bonus: no need to turn on your oven!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp instant yeast
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp salt
¾ cup warm water (110°F / 45°C)
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix with Monterey Jack)
½ cup roasted green chiles, chopped (canned or fresh roasted & peeled)
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Garlic Butter:
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Make the Dough:
In a bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
Add warm water and olive oil.
Mix until a sticky dough forms, then knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare Filling:
Mix shredded cheese, chopped green chiles, paprika (if using), and pepper in a bowl.
Set aside.
Assemble Pull-Apart Loaves:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8–10 small balls.
Flatten each ball into a small disk.
Add about 1 tbsp of filling in the center and pinch to seal into a ball.
Arrange 3–4 filled dough balls in a small parchment-lined loaf pan or silicone loaf mold (that fits in your air fryer). Repeat with remaining dough.
Cover and let them rest for 15 minutes.
Garlic Butter Topping:
Mix melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and parsley.
Brush the tops of the dough balls generously.
Air Fry:
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
Place the loaf pan(s) in the basket and air fry for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are cooked through.
Optional: Brush again with garlic butter while still warm.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve warm with a side of marinara or ranch for dipping.
Great as a snack, appetizer, or alongside chili, soups, or salads.
Variations:
Add bacon bits or chopped ham for a meaty twist.
Use jalapeños for extra heat instead of green chiles.
Try mozzarella for extra stretch or cream cheese for richness.