Ella Walter
Grilled cheese is a beloved comfort food for many, but the process of making it can be messy and time-consuming. Air fryers have emerged as a popular alternative to the traditional stovetop method, offering a quick, convenient, and mess-free way to achieve the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. But does it live up to the hype?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Rustic bread, country white, whole-wheat sandwich bread, sourdough bread, multi-grain bread, Texas toast, Sara Lee Artesano bread, thicker-cut bread |
| Cheese | Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, low-moisture mozzarella, Swiss, provolone, American, Fontina, Havarti, gouda, mozzarella |
| Spread | Butter, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, mayo |
| Temperature | 360-400°F |
| Timing | 3-16 minutes |
| Outcome | Crispy, crunchy, golden brown, toasted, gooey, evenly melted |
What You'll Learn
What temperature should the air fryer be?
Air Fryer Temperature for Grilled Cheese
The optimal temperature for cooking grilled cheese in an air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F.
Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 370°F or 375°F. At this temperature, the grilled cheese sandwich will cook in around 6 to 8 minutes. Flip the sandwich halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
For a faster cooking time, you can increase the temperature to 400°F. At this temperature, the sandwich will be ready in as little as 3 minutes per side.
It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of bread and cheese used, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Therefore, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your sandwich while it's cooking to ensure it doesn't burn.
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How long does it take to cook?
The cooking time for an air fryer grilled cheese sandwich depends on the type of bread and cheese used, as well as the desired level of brownness.
Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 360-400°F (175-205°C). The sandwich is then cooked for 3-4 minutes on the first side, before being flipped and cooked for a further 1-6 minutes on the other side. This means the total cooking time is typically between 7 and 16 minutes.
It's important to keep an eye on the sandwich while it cooks, as different air fryers will produce different results. Checking the sandwich regularly will prevent it from burning and ensure the cheese is melted.
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What type of cheese should be used?
When making grilled cheese in an air fryer, the best type of cheese to use is one that melts well. Some examples include cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, Swiss, American, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, Fontina, and Havarti. For the creamiest melt, it is recommended to grate the cheese yourself, as pre-grated cheese sometimes has an anti-clumping agent that can get in the way of a smooth melt. For the best flavour, consider pairing a sharper, slightly aged cheese, like cheddar, with a more mild, creamy cheese like Havarti or Monterey Jack.
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What type of bread should be used?
When making grilled cheese in an air fryer, it's important to choose a bread that will toast and crisp up well. While you can use any type of sliced bread, thicker-cut options like Texas toast, Sara Lee Artesano, or rustic bread are ideal. Sourdough, multi-grain bread, or leftover artisan bread are also good choices, but they may not toast as evenly or golden in the air fryer.
It's also worth noting that the type of bread can affect the total cook time, so keep an eye on your sandwich to ensure it doesn't burn. Additionally, if using thinner or softer bread, consider securing the sandwich with toothpicks to prevent it from falling apart in the air fryer.
For the best results, opt for a good-quality, thicker-cut bread that will hold up to the heat and give you that perfect crispy texture on the outside while remaining soft and chewy on the inside.
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What can be served with an air fryer grilled cheese?
There are several options for what to serve with an air fryer grilled cheese. Here are some ideas:
- Soups: Grilled cheese sandwiches are often served with soup, and some options that pair well include tomato soup, butternut squash soup, and broccoli cheese soup.
- Salads: A fresh salad can complement the richness of the grilled cheese. Try a simple green salad or something with a little more crunch like a broccoli salad.
- Sides: If you're looking for some extra carbs to fill you up, consider adding some air fryer French fries, cheesy pull-apart bread, or air fryer baked potatoes.
- Drinks: To wash down your grilled cheese, opt for something refreshing like a glass of milk or a cold beer.
- Fruits: For a healthier option, serve your grilled cheese with some sliced apples or tomatoes.
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Frequently asked questions
An air fryer can make a grilled cheese sandwich crispy and crunchy, with melted cheese, in under 10 minutes. It is also quicker and easier than using a skillet.
You will need bread, butter, and cheese. For the bread, choose a thicker cut, like Texas toast or sourdough. For the cheese, a combination of sharp cheddar and another melty cheese like Monterey Jack or Gruyère works well. You can also use mayonnaise instead of butter.
First, preheat your air fryer to around 360-400°F. Next, spread butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread, and place one slice, butter or mayo-side down, in the air fryer basket. Add your desired amount of cheese, then top with the second slice of bread, butter or mayo-side up. Cook for around 3 minutes per side, or until the sandwich is golden and crusty all over.
It is recommended to grate the cheese beforehand, as this helps it melt faster and gives a better cheese pull. You can also secure the sandwich with toothpicks to prevent it from falling apart or the top slice from flying off during cooking. Finally, keep an eye on your sandwich while it cooks, as different air fryers may vary in cooking time and temperature.
