Air Fryer Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread
Sweet Hawaiian rolls stuffed with mozzarella, brushed with garlic butter, and air fried until golden and bubbly. An easy cheesy pull-apart garlic bread ready in under 20 minutes.
Print
Pin
Servings: 6
Equipment
- Sharp serrated knife
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Pastry brush
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 6 Hawaiian rolls kept connected together
- 1 to 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons salted butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- ¼-½ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Keep the rolls connected as a single sheet.
- Using a sharp knife, make two parallel lengthwise cuts across the top of each roll. Do not cut all the way through the bottom. The cuts should create layers or pockets for the cheese while keeping the rolls intact.
- 3 Stuff shredded mozzarella into each cut, distributing it evenly among all the rolls. Don't be afraid to pack it in, the cheese melts down as it cooks.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, and oregano.
- Brush the garlic butter generously over the tops of the rolls. Let some of the mixture drip into the cheese-filled cuts for maximum flavor.
- Place the rolls in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 330°F (165°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown, cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly crisp.
- *Check after 5 minutes since air fryers vary.
- Allow the rolls to cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. Pull apart and enjoy while warm and cheesy.
Notes
Modifications
Extra Cheesy: Increase the mozzarella to 2 cups and gently press more cheese into the cuts before air frying.
Garlic Lover's Version: Add an extra clove of garlic or ½ teaspoon garlic powder to the butter mixture.
Lighter Option: Use reduced-fat mozzarella and reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons.
Oven Method: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Variations
Parmesan Garlic Rolls: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan over the buttered rolls before air frying.
Italian Herb Rolls: Replace the oregano with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls: Tuck mini pepperoni slices into the cheese layers and serve with warm marinara.
Jalapeño Popper Rolls: Add thinly sliced jalapeños between the cheese layers.
Four Cheese Rolls: Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack.
Everything Bagel Rolls: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the garlic butter before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
>Why make two lengthwise cuts instead of crisscross cuts? Two parallel cuts create layers of bread and cheese, allowing more cheese to melt throughout each roll while keeping the structure intact.
>Can I use fresh mozzarella? Yes, but pat it dry first to remove excess moisture. Too much moisture can make the rolls soggy.
>How do I keep the bottoms from getting soggy? Avoid overfilling with butter and don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. The hot circulating air helps crisp the bread.
>What temperature works best? 330°F provides enough heat to melt the cheese and brown the tops without burning the butter or garlic.
>Can I make these ahead? You can assemble them several hours ahead, refrigerate, and air fry just before serving.
>What can I serve with them? Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, pizza sauce, soup, chili, pasta, or a simple salad.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Air fry at 320°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Freezing: Freeze fully cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Reheating from Frozen: Air fry at 320°F for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through, until hot and the cheese is melted. Recipe Tips
• Use low-moisture mozzarella for the best melt and least mess.
• Freshly minced garlic provides the strongest flavor.
• Brush a little butter into the cuts before adding cheese for even more flavor.
• Watch closely during the last 2 minutes of cooking, the tops can go from golden to dark quickly.
Extra Cheesy: Increase the mozzarella to 2 cups and gently press more cheese into the cuts before air frying.
Garlic Lover's Version: Add an extra clove of garlic or ½ teaspoon garlic powder to the butter mixture.
Lighter Option: Use reduced-fat mozzarella and reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons.
Oven Method: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Variations
Parmesan Garlic Rolls: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan over the buttered rolls before air frying.
Italian Herb Rolls: Replace the oregano with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls: Tuck mini pepperoni slices into the cheese layers and serve with warm marinara.
Jalapeño Popper Rolls: Add thinly sliced jalapeños between the cheese layers.
Four Cheese Rolls: Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack.
Everything Bagel Rolls: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the garlic butter before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
>Why make two lengthwise cuts instead of crisscross cuts? Two parallel cuts create layers of bread and cheese, allowing more cheese to melt throughout each roll while keeping the structure intact.
>Can I use fresh mozzarella? Yes, but pat it dry first to remove excess moisture. Too much moisture can make the rolls soggy.
>How do I keep the bottoms from getting soggy? Avoid overfilling with butter and don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. The hot circulating air helps crisp the bread.
>What temperature works best? 330°F provides enough heat to melt the cheese and brown the tops without burning the butter or garlic.
>Can I make these ahead? You can assemble them several hours ahead, refrigerate, and air fry just before serving.
>What can I serve with them? Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, pizza sauce, soup, chili, pasta, or a simple salad.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Air fry at 320°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Freezing: Freeze fully cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Reheating from Frozen: Air fry at 320°F for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through, until hot and the cheese is melted. Recipe Tips
• Use low-moisture mozzarella for the best melt and least mess.
• Freshly minced garlic provides the strongest flavor.
• Brush a little butter into the cuts before adding cheese for even more flavor.
• Watch closely during the last 2 minutes of cooking, the tops can go from golden to dark quickly.