Air Fryer Garlic Cream Cheese Rolls are the ultimate cheesy, garlicky snack or appetizer made in minutes. Soft dinner rolls are filled with a creamy garlic cheese mixture, dipped in herbed butter, and air fried until golden and irresistible. Perfect for parties, side dishes, or an easy treat everyone will love!

Golden brown air fryer garlic cream cheese rolls on a plate, garnished with fresh herbs
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Crispy, golden, and irresistibly creamy, these Air Fryer Garlic Cream Cheese Rolls are the ultimate quick-fix snack or party appetizer.

Made with buttery rolls and a savory garlic-herb cream cheese filling, they’re air-fried to perfection in just minutes—no oven required! The outside is perfectly crisp while the inside stays warm and melty, making every bite a delicious contrast of texture and flavor. Whether you’re hosting guests or just craving something comforting and cheesy, this easy recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

These pair well with one of your Instant Pot Pasta Dinners or used as a side for your favorite soup dish. Try my Panera Copycat Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup!

I especially love eating this right out of the air fryer! You could also use it on its own – seriously though: If you’re not sure what to eat for dinner, then have some more of these delicious carbs ;).

Crispy air fryer garlic cream cheese rolls with golden crust, served on a white plate with dipping sauce

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Quick and Easy – Ready in minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
  • 🍽️ Family-Friendly – Tastes great for all ages and picky eaters.
  • 🥗 Healthy Ingredients – Packed with wholesome flavors and nutrients.
  • 🎉 Versatile – Easily customize with your favorite add-ins or sides.
  • 💸 Budget-Friendly – Delicious without breaking the bank.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Air Fryer Garlic Cream Cheese Rolls on kitchen table.
  • Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls perfect for savory garlic topping.
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy base adding richness and flavor.
  • Garlic Salt: Seasoned salt with garlic for savory, aromatic taste.
  • Minced Garlic: Fresh, finely chopped garlic to boost bold flavor.
  • Butter: Melted butter to add richness and golden crispiness.
  • Parsley: Fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous garnish.
  • Sea Salt: Coarse sea salt to enhance overall seasoning and crunch.
  • Black Pepper: Ground black pepper adding mild heat and depth.

How To Make Air Fryer Garlic Cream Cheese Rolls

Preheating air fryer to 350°F and mixing softened cream cheese with garlic salt and minced garlic in a bowl.

Step One: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 5 minutes. Combine softened cream cheese, garlic salt, and two minced garlic cloves in a medium mixing bowl. Stir to mix thoroughly. 

"Cutting starburst pattern into dinner rolls with vertical, horizontal, and diagonal cuts, then gently pulling edges apart.

Step Two: Cut a starburst pattern into the rolls, stopping halfway through. Make vertical, horizontal, and two diagonal cuts. Gently tug the edges to separate. 

Cheese mixture placed in a ziplock bag with corner cut off to pipe filling into starburst-cut rolls.

Step Three: Add cheese mixture in a Ziplock bag and seal. Cut off a small section of the corner to make a piping bag—pipe cheese into the slits of the starburst pattern.

Melted butter whisked with minced garlic, parsley, sea salt, and pepper; rolls dipped into butter mixture.

Step Four: Pour melted butter into a bowl. Whisk in minced garlic, parsley, sea salt, and pepper. Dip the top of the rolls into the butter. 

Dinner rolls placed in air fryer basket cooking for 5 to 7 minutes.

Step Five: Place into the air fryer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. 

Plate of Air Fryer Garlic Cream Cheese Rolls with garlic and fresh herbs.

Air Fryer Garlic Cream Cheese Rolls Recipe Tips

  • Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing and smooth texture.
  • Cut the starburst pattern carefully — don’t cut all the way through to keep the rolls intact.
  • Pipe the cheese mixture evenly into the slits for consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Use fresh minced garlic and parsley for the best aromatic flavor.
  • Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispy tops.
  • Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid over-browning—5 to 7 minutes is usually perfect.
  • Let the rolls cool slightly before serving so the cheese sets a bit.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To freeze, wrap tightly and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through.

Golden-brown garlic cream cheese rolls fresh from the air fryer, topped with melted garlic butter and herbs.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Garlic Cream Cheese Rolls

Air Fryer Garlic Cream Cheese Rolls pair perfectly with a variety of meals and sides. Serve them alongside a hearty bowl of soup like tomato basil or creamy broccoli cheddar, or enjoy them with pasta dishes such as fettuccine alfredo or spaghetti bolognese.

They also make a delicious addition to appetizer platters with marinara or ranch for dipping. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a party spread, these rolls bring a warm, cheesy bite to any table.

Air Fryer Garlic Cream Cheese Rolls Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes! While cream cheese gives a rich, creamy texture, you can mix in shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or even a little parmesan for extra flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time? You can prep the rolls in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Just air fry them when you’re ready to serve.

What if I don’t have garlic salt? You can substitute with a mix of garlic powder and a pinch of regular salt.

Can I bake these instead of air frying? Yes, bake at 375°F in a preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden and warmed through.

Do they need to be served warm? They’re best enjoyed warm when the cheese is melty and the rolls are soft, but they’re still tasty at room temperature.

Golden air fryer garlic cream cheese rolls filled with melty cheese and topped with garlic butter and herbs.

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Air Fryer Garlic Cream Cheese Rolls

Air Fryer Garlic Cream Cheese Rolls

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Garlic Cream Cheese Rolls are the ultimate cheesy, garlicky snack or appetizer made in minutes. Soft dinner rolls are filled with a creamy garlic cheese mixture, dipped in herbed butter, and air fried until golden and irresistible. Perfect for parties, side dishes, or an easy treat everyone will love!

Ingredients 

  • 12 large dinner rolls
  • 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 6 large garlic cloves, divided
  • 1/2 cup butter, unsalted and melted
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, diced
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, garlic salt, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir to thoroughly mix.
  • Cut a starburst pattern into the rolls, stopping halfway through. Make a vertical, horizontal, and two diagonal cuts. Gently tug the edges to separate.
  • Add cheese mixture in a Ziplock bag and seal. Cut off a small section of the corner to make a piping bag. Pipe cheese into the slits of the starburst pattern.
  • Pour melted butter into a bowl. Whisk in the remaining minced garlic, parsley, sea salt, and pepper. Dip the top of the rolls into the butter.
  • Place into the air fryer and set cook time for 3-5 minutes.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 237kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 719mgPotassium: 79mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 455IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 2mg

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