The Best Garlic Cheese Fingers (Air Fryer or Oven!)
Golden, cheesy, and packed with garlicky goodness, these homemade Garlic Cheese Fingers are the ultimate snack, appetizer, or side dish! They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with melty cheese. Perfect for dipping in marinara, garlic butter, or donair sauce. Made easily in the air fryer or oven!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes (Air Fryer) | 12-15 minutes (Oven)
Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Dough (if making homemade):
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt)
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garlic Butter:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh chopped parsley for garnish)
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cheese Topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
For Serving:
Marinara sauce, garlic butter, or donair sauce for dipping
Instructions
Prepare the Dough (If Making Homemade)
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add Greek yogurt and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.
Knead for about 2 minutes until smooth. Set aside. (If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature before rolling.)
Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough into a ¼-inch thick oval or rectangle.
Transfer it to a parchment-lined air fryer basket or baking sheet.
Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, oregano, parsley, and salt.
Brush the mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
Add the Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the garlic buttered dough.
Add red pepper flakes if using.
Air Fry or Bake
Air Fryer Method:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes.
Place the dough in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Oven Method:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Slice & Serve
Let the garlic cheese fingers cool slightly before slicing into thin strips or “fingers.”
Serve warm with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or donair sauce for dipping!
Tips & Tricks
Use Pre-Made Dough for Convenience – Store-bought pizza dough or naan bread makes this recipe even quicker!
Extra Cheesy Option – Add shredded cheddar or provolone for more flavor.
Crispier Edges – Brush the edges of the dough with a little extra garlic butter before baking.
Storage & Reheating – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
Make Ahead – Prepare the dough and toppings ahead of time, then cook when ready!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
(Approximate values, depends on ingredients used)
Calories: 250-280 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 350mg