Air Fryer Paninis: A Quick, Easy, Tasty Treat

Yes, you can make a panini in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to get a crispy, crunchy sandwich with gooey, melted cheese. The air fryer ensures a perfectly crisp exterior while maintaining a soft middle, striking the right balance of textures in your panini. You can experiment with various fillings, be it different cheeses, meats, or vegetarian alternatives, catering to all tastes.

What temperature to cook a panini in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make a panini in an air fryer!

To make a panini in an air fryer, you should preheat your air fryer to 180 °C (350 °F). You can then assemble your panini with your chosen fillings and place it in the air fryer basket. Depending on the type of air fryer you have, you may want to place a weight on top of the panini to press it down. Finally, cook your panini for 5-8 minutes, until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.

It is important to note that all air fryers are different, so you should check your panini after 5 minutes to ensure it is not overcooked. The cooking time will also depend on the type of bread and fillings you use.

If you are reheating a panini in an air fryer, you should set the temperature to 160 °C (320 °F) and cook it for 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sandwich.

How long to cook a panini in an air fryer?

Air fryer paninis typically take 5 to 8 minutes to cook, depending on the thickness of the bread and the ingredients inside. It's a good idea to check on your panini after about 5 minutes to ensure it's not overcooking, as some air fryer models may cook faster than others.

If you're using a Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone Air Fryer, your panini will likely be done in around 7 minutes at 200°C. However, it's important to ensure that the fillings are properly heated through, especially when cooking meat, poultry, or fish.

For a consistent cooking experience, it's recommended to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before placing the panini inside. Additionally, lining the air fryer basket with foil or baking parchment paper can make cleanup easier, as cheese may melt out of the sandwich.

When making a panini, it's important to press the sandwich before or during cooking. If you have a panini press that fits in your air fryer, that's ideal. Otherwise, you can use a small cast iron pot lid or wrap a weight, like a barbell, in foil and place it on top of the sandwich. If you don't have anything that fits inside your air fryer, you can press down on the sandwich with a heavy pot for a few minutes before cooking.

How to get a crispy panini in an air fryer?

How to Get a Crispy Panini in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 2 panini bread rolls (with grill marks)
• 2 tsp pesto (basil or sun-dried tomato)
• 6 slices of mortadella ham (or any other ham)
• 6 slices of provolone (or fresh mozzarella or Swiss cheese)
• 80g of grated cheddar cheese
• 2 vine tomatoes, sliced
• Mayo

Optional

• Aluminium foil
• Large heavy pan or wooden board

Method

• Mix the pesto with the mayo in a small bowl using a teaspoon. This will be used to 'butter' the bread.
• Slice the bread lengthways into two pieces.
• Spread the mayo-pesto mixture on one slice of bread, saving some for the top slice.
• Add a layer of grated cheddar cheese.
• Top the cheese with sliced tomatoes. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper if you like.
• Layer on the ham and provolone slices.
• Spread the remaining mayo-pesto mixture on the other slice of bread and place it on top of the sandwich.
• Press the sandwich. Wrap the sandwich loosely in aluminium foil and squash it down hard with a heavy pan so that the sandwich flattens and the flavours mix together.
• Line the air fryer basket with foil to make cleaning easier (optional).
• Place the pressed sandwich in the air fryer basket.
• Cook on the air fry setting for around 7-8 minutes, or until the fillings are piping hot.
• Allow to cool for a minute before serving.

Tips

• Pre-heating your air fryer ensures consistent cooking and a perfectly toasted panini.
• To achieve a crispier texture, lightly coat the outside of the bread with oil or cooking spray before placing it in the air fryer.
• If you don't have a panini press, you can use a heavy pan or wooden board to press the sandwich before cooking.

How to clean an air fryer after cooking a panini?

Air fryers are great for making a panini, and the best part is that they are easy to clean! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your air fryer after cooking a panini:

Step 1: Unplug the Air Fryer

Always start by unplugging the air fryer from the power source and letting it cool down completely. This is important for safety reasons, as you don't want to risk any electrical accidents while cleaning.

Step 2: Remove Removable Parts

Most air fryers have removable parts like a basket, tray, or pan. Carefully take out these parts and set them aside for separate cleaning.

Step 3: Clean the Removable Parts

Fill your sink with warm, soapy water, and wash the removable parts just like you would wash any other dish. You can also use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to remove any food residue or grease. If your air fryer's manual indicates that the parts are dishwasher-safe, you can opt for that instead.

Step 4: Wipe Down the Main Unit

Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior and exterior of the main unit. Make sure to get rid of any food splatters or grease residue, especially on the control panel. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they may damage the surface.

Step 5: Clean the Heating Element

Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the heating element if it has accumulated any grease or residue. Be careful not to damage the heating coil or dislodge any components. Ensure that the heating element is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Dry and Reassemble

Before reassembling your air fryer, make sure that all the parts are completely dry. You can towel-dry or air-dry them.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to clean your air fryer after every use to prevent buildup and make future cleanings easier.
• To reduce mess and make cleanup a breeze, use air fryer liners or parchment paper. These catch any food drippings and prevent them from sticking to the basket.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges/metal utensils, as they can damage the non-stick coating in the air fryer basket.
• Always dry all the components thoroughly before reassembling. Moisture can affect the performance of your air fryer and may even cause it to malfunction.

What fillings can I use in a panini cooked in an air fryer?

You can use a variety of fillings for a panini cooked in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

Classic Caprese Panini

This filling includes fresh mozzarella, juicy vine tomatoes, and fresh basil. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or reduction before pressing the panini. This combination works well with ciabatta or sourdough bread.

Breakfast Panini

For a hearty breakfast, slide a cooked sausage and egg onto the panini, top with cheese, and air fry.

Pesto Chicken Panini

Spread basil pesto on the panini bread, add hot cooked chicken slices, and top with provolone or fresh mozzarella. Grill until the cheese is melted. This goes great with a side of ranch coleslaw.

Cheesy BLT Panini

Fill your panini with creamy mayo spread, crispy cooked bacon, spinach, juicy vine tomatoes, and grated Cheddar cheese. Air fry until the cheese is melted.

Roast Beef and Swiss Panini

Mix horseradish with mayo and spread it onto your panini bread. Top with hot roast beef, caramelised onions, and Swiss cheese, then air fry.

Chicken and Pesto Panini

Use grilled chicken slices with basil pesto, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean touch.

Roasted Veggie Panini

Fill your panini with roasted bell peppers, courgettes, and aubergines. Add hummus or goat's cheese spread for a vegetarian option.

Tuna Melt Panini

Mix canned tuna with mayonnaise, add a hint of mustard and sliced red onions, and top with cheddar cheese.

BBQ Pulled Pork Panini

Use slow-cooked pulled pork or beef with BBQ sauce and pair it with mature cheddar cheese.

Reuben Panini

Combine corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing for a classic deli sandwich.

Fig and Goat's Cheese Panini

Include fresh or dried figs, soft goat's cheese, and a sprinkle of rosemary. Drizzle with honey before pressing the panini.

Brie, Apple, and Walnut Panini

Layer thin apple slices with brie and sprinkle with chopped walnuts. This combination offers a mix of crunchy, sweet, and creamy textures.

Frequently asked questions