Air Fryer Toastie: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They're versatile, convenient, and can cook a variety of foods to crispy, golden perfection. But can they be used to make toasties? The short answer is yes!

A toastie, for those unfamiliar, is a toasted sandwich that is often made in a dedicated appliance like a toastie maker or sandwich press. However, air fryers can also be used to create delicious toasties with crispy, buttery bread and gooey, melted cheese. The key to success is using the right ingredients and following a few simple steps.

First, let's talk about the bread. For air-fried toasties, it's best to use a sturdy bread that can withstand the high heat of the air fryer without becoming soggy. Thick-sliced breads like sourdough, brioche, or whole-grain loaves are ideal. A slightly rough or porous surface will also help create a crispier crust.

Now, for the cheese. The best cheeses for air-fried toasties are those that melt well, such as cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or gruyere. Grating the cheese will help it melt more evenly, creating a gooey and stringy texture. Of course, you can also add additional ingredients like ham, tomatoes, or pesto to customise your toastie.

To make an air-fried toastie, simply assemble your sandwich, butter the outside of the bread, and place it in the air fryer basket. Cook at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F for 6-8 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. And that's it! You'll have a delicious, crispy toastie ready to enjoy in no time.

Bread types for toasties

A toastie is a toasted sandwich, typically made with a toastie maker or sandwich press in the UK, or a frying pan in the US. You can, however, make toasties in an air fryer, which will give them an extra crispy, buttery texture.

When it comes to choosing the right bread for your toastie, there are several options to consider:

Sourdough

Sourdough bread is a versatile option for toasties. Its tangy, crusty texture pairs well with rich, melty cheeses like cheddar. Sourdough is also sturdy enough to hold up to a variety of toppings without becoming soggy.

Pullman Loaf

Pullman loaves, typically made with white bread, are a classic choice for sandwiches due to their long, rectangular shape that provides perfect square slices. This bread goes well with cheddar, ripe tomato slices, and crispy bacon.

Brioche

Brioche is an airy, buttery bread that makes for an indulgent grilled cheese sandwich. It pairs well with mild, melty cheeses like young Gouda or Brie, and sweet accompaniments like raspberry jam.

Pumpernickel

Pumpernickel bread is made with molasses and brown sugar, giving it a deep brown color, soft texture, and sweet flavor. It goes well with Alpine cheeses like Gruyere or Emmental, as well as condiments like whole-grain mustard.

Multigrain

Nutty, thick-sliced multigrain bread adds fiber and flavor to your grilled cheese. It can stand up to a variety of strong-flavored cheeses, from gooey mozzarella to pungent blue cheese.

Baguette

Day-old baguettes can be sliced horizontally and griddled to make a crispy, golden-brown exterior for your toastie. Fill it with Camembert and jam, or Alpine cheese and caramelized onions.

Ciabatta

Ciabatta has a crusty exterior and a bubbly interior, making it a great choice for a toastie. Stuff it with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and pesto for a flavorful, messy sandwich.

Focaccia

Focaccia, especially if it's a day old, can be split horizontally and stuffed with fillings like Fontina cheese, roasted red peppers, olives, and fresh herbs.

Muffins

English muffins, split down the middle and grilled inside-out, provide nooks and crannies that are perfect for catching melted cheese. Fill them with your choice of cheese and breakfast meat, or cooked sausage patties.

Soft White Bread

The classic grilled cheese combo: thinly sliced soft white bread with gooey American cheese singles. This combination is simple, accessible, and easy to make, reminding many of a comforting childhood favorite.

Cranberry Walnut Bread

This slightly sweet bread with a crunchy texture pairs well with melted cheese. The berries and nuts complement the richness of the cheese, resulting in a satisfying toastie.

No matter which bread you choose, the key to a great toastie is experimentation and finding the combinations that you enjoy the most.

Cheese types for toasties

There are many types of cheese that can be used for toasties, and the best option for you will depend on your personal preferences and the desired taste and texture. Here are some popular choices:

Cheddar

Cheddar is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches and toasties. It melts well and has a balanced flavour. Medium cheddar is particularly good for melting and customising with additional ingredients such as hot sauce or apple slices. For a stronger flavour, you can opt for crumbly, sharp clothbound cheddar, or mix it with mild block cheddar for a better melt.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is another excellent option for toasties as it has great melting properties and a mild flavour. It is perfect for creating a cheese pull, and it is not greasy, making it a good pairing with other, more flavourful cheeses.

Gruyere

Gruyere is a Swiss cheese that is often used in grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a strong, nutty flavour and pairs well with vintage cheddar.

Raclette

Raclette is a Swiss cheese that is made to be melted over bread, potatoes, and other foods. It has a rich, meaty flavour with a hint of funk that fades when melted, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Gouda

Young, unsmoked gouda melts well and has a slightly sweet flavour. Aged gouda has a crystalline texture and a butterscotch flavour but doesn't melt as well.

American Cheese

American cheese slices are a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, despite being only 25 to 30 percent cheese. They melt well and have a mild flavour. You can opt for organic American cheese slices to avoid additives and support better farming practices.

Fontina Val D'Aosta

This Italian cheese has a complex, savoury flavour and melts well. It is a good option for an upgraded grilled cheese sandwich and can be paired with sautéed mushrooms.

Pepperjack

Pepperjack adds a hint of spice to your grilled cheese sandwich. For an extra kick, look for varieties with fresh peppers instead of dried, such as Maple Leaf Pepper Jack from Wisconsin.

Taleggio

Taleggio is a washed rind cheese with a yeasty, meaty flavour. It has a custardy texture and is a great choice for a savoury grilled cheese sandwich. It pairs well with slow-roasted tomatoes or artichoke hearts.

Comte

Comte is France's answer to Swiss Gruyere. It has a more nuanced, hazelnutty flavour and is a good option if you prefer a milder cheese. It can be paired with a dark honey, such as buckwheat or chestnut.

Fresh Cheeses

Soft, spreadable cheeses like chevre, fromage blanc, and mozzarella are also great choices for grilled cheese sandwiches. They won't create a cheese pull, but they will melt into a warm, creamy texture. These cheeses are very versatile and can be paired with sweet or savoury ingredients.

Ham and cheese ratio

The perfect ham and cheese toastie is a delicate balance of flavours and textures. Here's a guide to help you achieve that mouth-watering, harmonious sandwich:

Selecting the Perfect Ham

When choosing your ham, opt for a high-quality, thinly sliced variety. Deli-style or honey-baked ham are excellent choices, as their thin slices allow the cheese to melt evenly, creating a delicious balance. Avoid overly thick or salty ham, as these characteristics can overwhelm the other ingredients.

Choosing the Right Cheese

For the cheese, you have a variety of options, but some varieties perform better in the air fryer. Go for cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère, as they melt beautifully and create a satisfying, gooey filling. Stay away from soft or high-moisture cheeses, as they may become too runny during cooking.

The Ideal Ratio

For a classic ham and cheese toastie, use around 2-3 slices of ham with 1-2 slices of cheese per sandwich. This ratio ensures a perfect balance of flavours, allowing the ham and cheese to shine equally. Adjust the ratio slightly to suit your personal preference, but remember, the key is to find harmony in your toastie!

Assembly Tips

When assembling your toastie, start by placing a slice of bread on your work surface. Cover it with ham, leaving a small border. Then, add your desired amount of cheese. Finally, top it off with another slice of bread, pressing down gently to seal the edges and prevent any leaks during cooking.

Cooking Tips

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Place your sandwiches inside, leaving a little space between them for even cooking. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. Enjoy your crispy, golden-brown crust and warm, gooey filling!

Filling ideas

The beauty of toasties is that you can fill them with almost anything. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Cheese – a good melting cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, gruyere or Lancashire is essential to help your toastie fillings stick together.
• Baked beans – a few scoops on top of the cheese will cook inside the toastie.
• Tomatoes or peppers – thinly sliced.
• Pesto, chutney, harissa, cranberry sauce, tomato chutney or kimchi – for amazing flavour or a kick of sweetness.
• Vegetarian deli "meats".
• Leftovers! If you have a small scoop of curry, chilli or mac and cheese that isn't enough for a meal, add it to your toastie.
• Ham or bacon.
• Avocado.
• Peanut butter and jelly, or sliced bananas or strawberries for a sweet treat.
• Sauerkraut and pickled beef.
• Fig, spicy salami and goats' cheese with honey.
• Chicken tikka with mango chutney.
• Sweetcorn kernels, mozzarella and chipotle paste for a Mexican twist (serve with a squeeze of lime).

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for toasties in an air fryer depend on the type of bread and the number of toasties being cooked. For a single toastie, 5-8 minutes at 180°C (350°F) is recommended, while for two toasties, the cooking time should be increased to 6-10 minutes. The temperature should be maintained at 180°C (350°F).

It is worth noting that different types of bread may require different cooking times. For instance, sandwich bread may cook faster than a more substantial or artisan loaf. Additionally, the thickness of the bread slices can impact the cooking time, with thicker slices requiring a slightly longer cooking time.

When preparing toasties in an air fryer, it is advisable to preheat the appliance to the desired temperature before adding the sandwich. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents sogginess.

Moreover, the arrangement of the sandwiches in the air fryer basket is crucial. Leaving a small gap between each toastie allows for even air circulation and prevents them from sticking together. Depending on the size of the air fryer, cooking in batches may be necessary to ensure adequate space for proper cooking.

During the cooking process, it is important to monitor the toasties periodically. The exact cooking time will depend on factors such as bread thickness, air fryer temperature, and the amount of filling. As a general guideline, aim for a total cooking time of 6-10 minutes, flipping the sandwiches halfway through for even browning.

For toast, a cooking temperature of 390°F to 400°F is recommended for 4-5 minutes, flipping the bread halfway through for even toasting.

Frequently asked questions