Hot Air Fryer Grilled Cheese: Is It Possible?

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food, and an air fryer might be the perfect way to cook them. The air fryer method is safer and easier than using a stovetop, and it produces a crispy, golden sandwich with melted cheese. The bread gets super golden brown and crispy, while the cheese gets hot and melty. The air fryer's hot air does all the work, and there's no need to worry about the sandwich burning.

What type of bread is best for grilled cheese in an air fryer?

A sturdy, thicker cut of bread is best for grilled cheese in an air fryer. Sourdough, rustic Italian, Texas toast, or Sara Lee Artesano bread are all good options. If you're using a round, boule-shaped loaf, you can fit two sandwiches in most air fryer baskets.

If you're looking for a golden colour, white sandwich bread, sourdough, multi-grain, or leftover artisan bread may not toast as well in the air fryer. However, these are still delicious options for grilled cheese.

What kind of cheese is best for grilled cheese in an air fryer?

When making grilled cheese in an air fryer, it's important to consider both texture and flavour. Freshly grated cheese will give you the creamiest melt, while slices come in a close second. A combination of a sharp, slightly aged cheese like cheddar, and a milder, creamier cheese like Havarti or Monterey Jack is a great option. This is because cheddar pairs well with a more mild, creamy cheese. For a hint of smokiness, smoked gouda is a good choice as it lends a super soft, melty texture. Other good melting cheeses include Swiss, Provolone, American, Gruyere, Fontina, and low-moisture mozzarella.

If you're working with slices, plan on using 3 to 4 slices per sandwich, depending on the thickness of the bread. For grated cheese, 4 ounces or about 1 cup of cheese per sandwich is a good amount. To help the cheese melt faster and give you that delicious cheese pull, grate the cheese before adding it to your sandwich.

When assembling your sandwich, butter one side of each slice of bread, then add your cheese. If you're using two different cheeses, add the sharper cheese first, then top with the milder cheese. Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread, making sure the buttered sides are facing out. Use a toothpick to secure the sandwich, especially if your bread is thin, as this will help prevent the top slice from flying off during cooking.

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

To make grilled cheese in an air fryer, the air fryer should be set to a temperature between 370°F and 390°F.

Most sources recommend setting the air fryer to 370°F. At this temperature, the grilled cheese should be cooked for 4 minutes, flipped, and then cooked for another 3 to 4 minutes.

One source recommends setting the air fryer to 380°F. At this temperature, the grilled cheese should be cooked for 3 to 4 minutes, flipped, and then cooked for another 1 to 2 minutes.

Another source recommends setting the air fryer to 375°F. At this temperature, the grilled cheese should be cooked for 3 minutes, flipped, and then cooked for another 3 to 4 minutes. If the bottom of the sandwich is still not golden brown, it can be cooked for a further 1 to 2 minutes.

How long should you cook grilled cheese in an air fryer?

The cooking time for grilled cheese in an air fryer depends on the temperature and the level of brownness you desire. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, ranging from 360°F to 390°F. However, the most common temperature setting seems to be 370°F to 380°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Sandwiches

Spread butter on the outside of each slice of bread. You can also use mayonnaise or oil as an alternative. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the cheese between the slices of bread, with the buttered sides facing outwards. You can also add fillings of your choice, such as sliced apples, ham, or pickled jalapeños.

Step 3: Air Fry the Sandwiches

Place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket or rack, ensuring they are in an even layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes at 370°F. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning and ensure the top bread slice doesn't blow off.

Step 4: Flip and Air Fry Again

After the initial 2-3 minutes, flip the sandwiches to the other side and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they reach your desired level of brownness. This side may take longer than the first side, so keep checking to ensure it doesn't burn.

Step 5: Final Checks and Serving

If the bottom of the sandwich is not yet golden brown, you may need to flip it again and air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes. Once it reaches the desired level of doneness, remove the sandwiches from the air fryer, let them cool for a moment, and then serve. The total cooking time in the air fryer is typically around 7-10 minutes, depending on the temperature and your desired level of toastiness.

What can you add to a grilled cheese sandwich?

Yes, you can make grilled cheese in an air fryer! It's quicker than using a cast-iron skillet and gives your sandwich an extra crispy and crunchy texture.

Now, what can you add to a grilled cheese sandwich? There are endless possibilities when it comes to customising your grilled cheese sandwich. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Types of Cheese

• Sharp cheddar is a classic choice for grilled cheese and pairs well with other cheeses.
• Gruyère, a type of Swiss cheese, is known for its excellent melting properties and salty, nutty flavour.
• Raclette, another type of Swiss cheese, is also a superb melter with a similar flavour profile to Gruyère.
• Fontina, gouda, brie, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and havarti are all great melting cheeses that can add richness and complexity to your sandwich.
• For a more intense flavour, consider using blue cheese.
• If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try combining multiple cheeses, such as mozzarella with a more flavourful cheese like Gruyère or vintage cheddar.

Bread

• Sourdough bread is a popular choice for grilled cheese due to its tangy flavour and ability to hold up to the weight of the cheese.
• For a thicker cut, you can try Texas toast or Sara Lee Artesano bread, or a nice rustic country white bread.
• If you're looking for something with more grains, go for multi-grain bread or a French boule.
• Sliced Italian ciabatta can also work well, providing a nice crust and chewy texture.

Spreads and Condiments

• Butter is a classic choice for grilled cheese, providing a crispy, golden exterior. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.
• Mayonnaise can be used instead of butter and helps create an even crispier, beautifully browned exterior.
• Dijon mustard adds a subtle tangy flavour to your sandwich.
• Pesto is a great choice, especially when paired with cheeses like mozzarella and provolone.
• For a sweet and tangy flavour, consider using fig jam or other sweet jams like guava, cranberry, or apricot preserves.

Vegetables and Fruits

• Fresh, juicy vegetables with a distinctive sweet or tart flavour, such as tomatoes, figs, tart apples like Granny Smiths, pears, grapes, or even kiwi, can add a nice contrast to the richness of the cheese.
• Hot peppers like serrano, jalapeño, or habanero can bring some spice to your sandwich.
• Avocado adds a creamy texture (though some people dislike warm avocado).
• Sautéed spinach, caramelised onions, chopped steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, or roasted tomatoes can also be tasty additions.

Meats

• Deli meats, such as thin slices of ham, are easy to add and provide a salty, meaty flavour.
• Bacon can also be a tasty addition to your grilled cheese.

With so many options to choose from, you can get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect grilled cheese sandwich!

Frequently asked questions