Air Fryer Grilled Cheese On Toast: Quick And Easy!

Yes, you can cook cheese on toast in an air fryer! It's a quick, easy, and foolproof way to make this classic snack with a crispy texture that you won't get from a regular grill. The circulating heat and fan of the air fryer ensure the cheese and bread are cooked to perfection every time, with no burnt corners or soggy middles. You can use a variety of cheeses, breads, and toppings to make your ideal cheese on toast, and the air fryer's small size and speed make it ideal for a quick and easy snack or a light meal.

Toppings and extras

There are many ways to customise your cheese on toast with toppings and extras. You can add a layer of chutney, such as plum and apple, blackberry, or fig and orange, underneath the cheese or on top once cooked. You can also add a thin layer of pesto and pile on fresh or confit tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. For extra bite, add some pickled red onions and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

For a heartier snack, add a slice of ham or cooked bacon underneath the cheese, or try crumbled feta cheese with caramelised onion chutney and rocket. You can also swap out the cheddar for another cheese, such as gruyère, Red Leicester, or creamy Lancashire. If you want a slightly creamier result, mix the cheese with a little milk before adding it to the toast.

If you're serving your cheese on toast as a meal, it goes well with a bowl of tomato or vegetable soup, or with a pot of baked beans for dunking and dipping.

For a healthier version, use reduced-fat cheddar and a cooking oil spray to reduce the fat content. You can also use mayonnaise instead of butter.

Bread and cheese types

Bread

You can use any type of bread you like for your cheese on toast in an air fryer. However, if you use a thicker variety, you may want to pre-toast it first for a slight crisp throughout. If you're making a gluten-free version, simply swap regular bread for gluten-free bread.

Cheese

You can use any type of cheese you like, as long as it melts well. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for a classic UK-style cheese on toast, but other options include Gruyere, Brie, and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. If you want a creamier result, mix the cheese with a little milk before adding it to the toast, or add some mustard for a rarebit-style treat.

Temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking cheese on toast in an air fryer depend on the type of bread and cheese used, as well as your personal preferences. For example, if you use a thicker type of bread, you may want to increase the pre-toasting time. Similarly, different types of cheese have different melting properties, which will affect the cooking time.

As a general guide, it is recommended to air fry the bread for 3-4 minutes before adding the cheese. Then, cook for an additional 2-5 minutes with the cheese, until melted and bubbling. The total cooking time can range from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

It is important to keep an eye on the cheese as it melts to ensure it doesn't burn. Adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed to achieve your desired level of crispness and melting. Some air fryers may require a higher temperature setting, such as 200°C, while others may use a lower temperature of 190°C.

For a heartier snack, you can add extra toppings to your cheese on toast. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly. For example, if you add a slice of ham or cooked bacon, you will need to cook it until the cheese is melted and the meat is heated through.

Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, which speeds up cooking time and cooks the food more evenly. This helps to ensure that your cheese on toast is perfectly cooked every time, with no burnt corners or soggy middles.

Reheating and storing

Air fryer cheese on toast is best served fresh and hot from the air fryer. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

When it comes to reheating, pop the cheese on toast back into the air fryer for a few minutes until it's heated through and the cheese is melted again. Be aware that the texture of the cheese on toast may change slightly after being stored in the fridge, and it may not be as crispy and fresh as when it was first made.

To reheat, you can place the cheese on toast in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes until it's melted, bubbling, and browning. You can also reheat it in an oven-style air fryer, which will take a few minutes on each side to brown evenly.

If you're reheating a ham and cheese toastie, place it in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes, then flip it over and air fry for another 1-2 minutes.

It's worth noting that the reheating time may vary depending on the type of cheese and bread used, as well as your personal preference for texture and doneness. Always keep an eye on your food while reheating to ensure it doesn't burn.

Air fryer types and sizes

Air fryers are small kitchen appliances that have become increasingly popular over the years, thanks to their convenience and ease of use. They are essentially small convection ovens that cook food by circulating hot air all around it, resulting in faster cooking times and evenly cooked food.

Air fryers come in a variety of sizes, from small to extra-large, with capacities ranging from 1.6 quarts to 8 quarts or more. The size and capacity you need will depend on how many people you typically cook for and how much food you want to prepare. For example, if you cook for yourself and perhaps the occasional guest, a small-capacity air fryer of 2 quarts or less should suffice. On the other hand, if you're cooking for a family of three or more, you may want to opt for a larger 6-quart air fryer or even an extra-large model with a larger basket.

It's worth noting that some large-capacity air fryers may sacrifice functionality and high-tech features for size. However, there are models available that offer both a large capacity and smart features, such as automatic temperature probes and the ability to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.

The size and design of an air fryer can also impact its performance. For instance, the basket design of an air fryer can affect the level of crispness in your food. Baskets with thin grates allow more air to circulate, resulting in crunchier food, while baskets with smaller holes or a more solid bottom may result in slightly softer results.

When choosing an air fryer, it's important to consider not only the size and capacity but also the features and performance that are most important to you.

Frequently asked questions