Air Fryer Grilled Cheese: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, beloved dish, but can they be made in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryers offer a convenient and mess-free way to make grilled cheese, with some claiming it's even better than the traditional stovetop method. The air fryer method produces grilled cheese sandwiches with a crispy exterior and gooey, melted cheese in record time.

Best type of cheese to use

The best type of cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich depends on your personal preference. However, there are a few popular options that are commonly used.

Firstly, it is recommended to use a combination of two types of cheese: one for flavour and the other for melt. For example, a popular combination is sharp cheddar and a melting cheese such as Gruyère, Raclette, or Monterey Jack. The sharp cheddar provides a sharp, nutty flavour, while the melting cheese ensures a gooey, stretchy texture. Other melting cheeses that can be used include Mozzarella, Fontina, Provolone, American, or Havarti.

If you want to stick to a single type of cheese, popular options include American cheese, Swiss cheese, and Muenster. American cheese is a good option if you want a classic grilled cheese flavour and a good cheese pull. Swiss cheese is also a good melting cheese with a subtle tang. Muenster can be a great option, but be careful as some brands can be too salty.

Best type of bread to use

When it comes to choosing the best bread for your air-fried grilled cheese sandwich, several factors come into play. The type of bread you use can significantly impact the overall taste, texture, and appearance of the final product. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the best bread for your air fryer grilled cheese:

• Texture and Density: Go for a bread that has a slightly firm or dense texture. This is important because it needs to hold up to the weight and moisture of the cheese without falling apart or becoming soggy too quickly. A firm loaf, such as a good-quality sourdough or a country-style bread, provides a sturdy base and gives a satisfying contrast of textures between the crispy exterior and the soft, melted interior.
• Size and Shape: Opt for a loaf that has a relatively compact crumb and a not-too-thick slice. You want the bread to be thick enough to hold the cheese but not so thick that it becomes a dominant player in the sandwich. A standard-sized slice of bread, or even a slightly smaller one, works well in an air fryer as it allows for even cooking and melting of the cheese.
• Crust: A crusty loaf can add a nice textural contrast to your grilled cheese. A thick, chewy crust can provide a satisfying bite and help the sandwich hold together better. However, if you prefer a softer crust, that's entirely acceptable too; just make sure it's not too thin or delicate, as it may burn or dry out in the air fryer.
• Flavor: The flavor of the bread should complement the cheese and any additional ingredients you plan to use. Sourdough, with its tangy flavor, works beautifully with sharper cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère. If you're using a milder cheese, a sweet brioche loaf or a nutty, seedy multigrain bread can add depth of flavor to your sandwich. Experiment with different types of bread to find your favorite combination.

Some popular options that tick these boxes include:

• Sourdough: Its tangy flavor, crisp crust, and airy interior make it a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Texas Toast: Thick slices of Texas toast provide a generous base for lots of melted cheese.
• Brioche: Sweet and buttery, brioche adds a rich flavor and soft texture to your grilled cheese.
• Multigrain or Whole Wheat: These options offer a nuttier, earthier flavor and a chewier texture.

Remember, the key is to find a bread that has a good balance of texture, flavor, and thickness to create a grilled cheese sandwich that's crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and oozing with melted cheese.

How to make air fryer grilled cheese sandwiches

Ingredients

• Bread (white sandwich bread, sourdough, rustic Italian, brioche, or French bread)
• Butter (salted or unsalted)
• Cheese (cheddar, American, Swiss, provolone, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Fontina, Havarti, or mozzarella)
• Mayonnaise (optional)
• Mustard (optional)
• Pickles, ham, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or onions (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Butter one side of each slice of bread.
• Assemble the sandwiches by placing a slice of bread butter-side down in the air fryer. Add your desired amount of cheese and any other fillings. Top with another slice of bread, butter-side up.
• Place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in an even layer. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Air fry for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Flip the sandwiches and air fry for an additional 1 to 4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Serve with soup or your choice of side dish.

Tips

• If your air fryer has a strong fan, secure each sandwich with a toothpick before air frying to prevent the top slice of bread from flying off. Remove the toothpick before serving.
• For a more intense cheese flavour, grate the cheese before adding it to the sandwich.
• If you don't have butter, you can use mayonnaise or oil as an alternative.

Why make grilled cheese in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to the stovetop method of making grilled cheese sandwiches. They are a safer, quicker, and easier option that yields perfect results every time. Here are some reasons why you should consider making grilled cheese in an air fryer:

Perfect Results:

The air fryer's convection heat ensures an evenly toasted exterior, crispy frico edges, and a perfectly melted middle—all in record time. You'll get a grilled cheese sandwich with the perfect texture: crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

Easy and Hands-Off:

Air fryers require minimal effort and attention compared to stovetop cooking. You can simply assemble your sandwich, pop it in the air fryer, and walk away until it's time to flip. This makes it ideal for busy individuals or when you don't have the energy to stand at the stove. It's also a safer option for kids learning to cook, as they don't need to use the stove.

Customization:

With an air fryer, you have the freedom to experiment with different types of bread and cheese to find your perfect combination. You can use thick-cut bread, such as Texas toast or sourdough, and a variety of cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella. The possibilities are endless!

Batch Cooking:

Air fryers allow you to make multiple grilled cheese sandwiches at once, making it a great option when feeding a crowd or preparing lunches for a large family. You can easily cook multiple sandwiches in batches, making it a quick and efficient process.

Clean-up:

Using an air fryer can also reduce clean-up time and mess. There's no need to worry about butter splattering on your stovetop, and with the use of air fryer liners, clean-up becomes even easier, requiring just a quick wash or a disposable paper liner.

Consistency:

Air fryers provide consistent results, ensuring that your grilled cheese sandwich is perfectly cooked every time. You don't have to worry about the bread getting too toasty or the cheese not melting evenly. Just set the timer, and you're good to go!

In conclusion, making grilled cheese in an air fryer offers convenience, consistency, and delicious results. It's a great option for those seeking a quick, easy, and hassle-free way to enjoy their favorite comfort food without sacrificing taste or quality. So, why not give it a try and experience the benefits of air-fried grilled cheese for yourself?

What to serve with air fryer grilled cheese sandwiches

There are many options for what to serve with air fryer grilled cheese sandwiches. Here are some ideas:

Soups

A grilled cheese sandwich pairs well with soup, especially tomato soup. You could try a creamy tomato bisque, a cold tomato gazpacho, or a roasted pepper soup. Other soups that go well with grilled cheese include butternut squash soup, broccoli cheese soup, and vegetable soups such as corn chowder, creamy hazelnut soup, and summer zucchini soup.

Salads

A simple green salad or vegetable salad with vinaigrette can be a refreshing contrast to a rich grilled cheese sandwich. You could also try a cucumber avocado tomato salad with pesto, a Mediterranean quinoa salad, a Mexican street corn salad, or a zucchini feta salad. Fruit salads or salads with fruit in them, such as an apple walnut salad or a rocket and pear salad, can also complement the savouriness of the grilled cheese.

Fries

Sweet potato fries are a good option to pair with grilled cheese, as they are baked rather than fried and therefore less greasy than regular French fries. You could also try Parmesan truffle fries or polenta chips with a smoky BBQ dip.

Dips and Condiments

Grilled cheese sandwiches can be dipped in ketchup, tomato jam or marinara sauce, or served with a variety of dips such as bacon aioli, basil aioli, or jalapeno ranch dip.

Pickles

Dill pickles or pickled onions can add a sour, tart flavour to complement the grilled cheese.

Frequently asked questions