Air Fryer Paninis: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Air fryers are a great way to cook a panini. The combination of rapid air circulation and high temperatures means you can achieve a golden, crispy exterior while retaining a soft, gooey middle. The best part? You don't need any fancy equipment or cooking expertise to create this delicious sandwich. All you need is your air fryer, some bread, your favourite fillings, and around 10 minutes to spare.

What temperature to cook a panini at

To cook a panini in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 180 °C (350 °F) or 350°F.

The cooking time will depend on the type of panini you are making and the thickness of the bread and contents. A panini with thicker contents, such as a chicken breast, will take longer to cook than a classic cheese and ham panini.

For a classic cheese and ham panini, cook the sandwich in the air fryer for around 7-8 minutes, or until the fillings are hot throughout. For a panini with chicken, cook for an additional 3-4 minutes after removing the weight.

To reheat a panini in an air fryer, set the temperature to 160°C (320°F) and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sandwich.

How long to cook a panini for

How Long to Cook a Panini in an Air Fryer

The cooking time for a panini in an air fryer depends on the ingredients, the thickness of the bread, and the type of air fryer. On average, it takes 5-8 minutes to cook a panini in an air fryer, but it's important to keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.

For example, a panini with frozen bread will take longer, around 8 minutes at 180ºC (356ºF). If you're cooking a panini with fresh ingredients, it's recommended to cook it for 7-8 minutes at 180°C (355°F) or 350°F.

To achieve a crispy texture, preheat your air fryer to the desired cooking temperature and lightly coat the outside of the bread with oil or cooking spray.

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

It's important to note that all air fryers are different, so it's a good idea to check the panini periodically to ensure even cooking and to prevent overcooking.

How to get the perfect crispy texture

To achieve the perfect crispy texture for your panini in the air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired cooking temperature, which is usually around 350°F (175-180°C). This initial heating ensures even cooking and helps to create a crispy exterior.

Next, prepare your sandwich fillings. For a classic panini, you might use ingredients like sliced meats, cheeses, vegetables, and spreads. Layer your chosen fillings between slices of bread, adding a variety of textures and flavors. The type of bread you choose is important too—a crusty roll or a chunk of Italian bread, such as ciabatta, will give you that extra crunch.

Once your sandwich is assembled, lightly coat the outside of the bread with butter, oil, or cooking spray. This step will enhance the crispiness of your panini. You can also use toothpicks to hold the sandwich together and prevent the top piece of bread from flying off during cooking.

Now it's time to cook your panini. Place it in the air fryer basket and cook for around 7-10 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your sandwich. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking, and consider flipping it halfway through for even cooking.

Finally, let your panini cool for a minute before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice and creating the perfect crispy texture. Enjoy your golden, crispy, and delicious air-fried panini!

How to stop the bread from flying off

To prevent the bread from flying off in the air fryer, you can use a toothpick to hold the sandwich together. Place the toothpick through the top of the sandwich before putting it in the air fryer.

If you don't have any toothpicks, you can use a few other methods to keep the sandwich intact. One option is to wrap the sandwich in aluminium foil before placing it in the air fryer. The foil will help hold the sandwich together and also make cleanup easier, as cheese may melt out of the sides.

If you don't have foil, you can also use a heavy object to weigh down the sandwich before cooking it. You can wrap a weight, such as a barbell, in foil and place it on top of the sandwich to press it down. A small cast iron pot lid will also work. 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 it. This will help to smoosh the sandwich together and prevent it from flying apart in the air fryer.

Additionally, it's important not to overload your sandwich with too many fillings. An overstuffed panini might not cook evenly, and the contents might leak out.

What to put in your panini

There are endless possibilities for what to put in your panini, but here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Combinations

A classic Caprese panini is always a good option—combine fresh mozzarella, juicy vine tomatoes, and fresh basil. You could also add some pesto for extra flavour. If you're feeling fancy, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze or reduction over the filling before pressing your sandwich. Alternatively, you could make a classic BLT with a twist by adding zucchini to the usual bacon, lettuce, and tomato combination.

Meat Options

If you're a meat-lover, there are plenty of options to choose from. For a simple yet delicious option, try a ham and cheese panini—a combination that works well with either honey-glazed ham or honey-mustard ham. You could also add brie to this combination, with or without a touch of cranberry sauce. If you're feeling more adventurous, try a chicken pesto panini, a chicken and apricot panini, or a chicken caprese panini. For something heartier, a roast beef and Swiss cheese panini is a great option.

Vegetarian Options

If you're looking for a vegetarian panini, there are plenty of options to choose from. A classic grilled cheese sandwich is always a good option, but you could take it up a notch by adding basil pesto, tomato, and oven-roasted turkey. For something more sophisticated, try a pear and brie cheese panini, or a fig and goat's cheese panini with a sprinkle of rosemary and a drizzle of honey. Beetroot, goat's cheese, and rocket (arugula) is another tasty combination.

Leftover Makeovers

If you're looking to use up some leftovers, a panini is a great option. You can use pretty much any ingredients you would eat in a cold sandwich. Just put your meat, cheese, and sauce/condiments in the panini press, then add your cold ingredients like lettuce, tomato, or slaw after it's cooked.

Sweet Treats

Who says paninis are just for savoury fillings? For a sweet treat, make a dessert panini stuffed with marshmallow creme, chocolate-hazelnut spread, strawberries, and sliced almonds.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to panini fillings. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite!

Frequently asked questions