Melted Cheese In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, but can you melt cheese with one? The short answer is yes, but it's not as simple as putting cheese in the air fryer by itself. Most cheeses have a low melting point, so they'll melt before they crisp up. This means you'll need to adapt your approach to avoid a mess.

One option is to make dishes that include cheese, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, or cheese-on-toast. You can also make things like mozzarella sticks, mac and cheese balls, or chicken calzones, as the cheese is wrapped up and less likely to melt everywhere.

If you want to melt cheese on its own, you can use a baking pan inside the air fryer. This works best with cheeses that have a high melting point, like halloumi, feta, or ricotta.

Air fryer grilled cheese

Ingredients:

• Bread (sandwich bread, French bread, sourdough, or any bread of your choice)
• Cheese (cheddar, Havarti, Swiss, provolone, American, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Fontina, or any melty cheese of your choice)
• Butter or mayonnaise

Optional Ingredients:

• Bacon
• Ham
• Tomato
• Onion
• Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce
• Salt

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370-380 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Spread butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. You can also use a combination of both.
• Place one slice of bread, spread side down, in the air fryer basket.
• Top it with 2 slices of cheese. You can also mix two different types of cheese for added flavour.
• Place another slice of bread on top, with the spread side facing up.
• Air fry the sandwich for 2-4 minutes.
• Flip the sandwich and cook for another 2-4 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of brownness.
• Serve the grilled cheese sandwich with your favourite side dish.

Tips:

• If using thin bread, insert a toothpick in the centre of the sandwich to prevent the bread from coming off while cooking.
• To reduce calories and fat, replace butter with a light spray of olive oil.
• Try adding bacon, ham, tomato, onion, or mustard to the sandwich for extra flavour.
• For a slightly creamier result, mix the cheese with a small amount of milk before adding it to the bread.
• If your air fryer has a bake setting, you can use it to melt the cheese before switching to air fry mode.

Air fryer cheese on toast

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread (white, wholemeal, sourdough, or granary)
• Butter (softened)
• Cheese (cheddar, gruyere, or brie)
• Mustard mayo (optional)
• Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce, to taste

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
• Place the two slices of bread on a board and butter one side of each slice.
• (Optional) Mix together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl, then spread the mayo mixture onto the unbuttered side of each slice of bread.
• Top the two slices of bread with grated cheese.
• Place the cheesy topped bread slices in your air fryer, butter side down, and air fry for 4-6 minutes until the cheese has melted and the toast is crispy.
• (Optional) Top with a few shakes of Worcestershire sauce.

Tips:

• For a healthier version, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and a cooking oil spray instead of butter.
• Keep an eye on the cheese as it melts to make sure it doesn't burn, and adjust the cooking time/temperature as needed.
• If you want to add extra toppings, try adding a slice of ham or cooked bacon, spreading a layer of pesto on the bread, or topping with slices of fresh tomato and mozzarella cheese.

Air fryer cheese sandwich

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread (white or brown sandwich bread, rustic bread, country white, or whole-wheat sandwich bread)
• 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or low-moisture mozzarella)
• Butter or mayonnaise
• Salt (optional)

Optional Ingredients:

• Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce
• Ham, tomatoes, spring onions, or mushrooms

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) - 400°F.
• Spread butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
• Place one slice of bread, butter/mayo side down, in the air fryer.
• Top with cheese and any desired toppings.
• Place the second slice of bread on top, butter/mayo side up.
• Air fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Flip the sandwich and air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Tips:

• If your air fryer has a strong fan, secure the sandwich with toothpicks before air frying to prevent the bread from flying off.
• For extra crispiness, pre-toast the bread before assembling the sandwich.
• Grate the cheese for faster melting and a better cheese pull.
• If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of bread and cheese!

Air fryer cheese melting point

Air fryers are a great way to melt cheese, but it's important to be careful as the powerful fans in some models can blow the cheese off your food and around the appliance.

The circulating hot air in an air fryer can melt cheese quickly and evenly without overcooking it. However, because most cheeses have a low melting point, they will begin to melt before they get crispy. Therefore, it's best to cook cheese in an air fryer when it's contained in or on something, such as pizza, grilled cheese, or in a heat-resistant bowl.

If you're making cheese on toast, it's recommended to pre-toast the bread, as this helps the cheese stick to the bread and prevents it from blowing away. You can also try using toothpicks to hold the cheese in place.

When melting cheese in an air fryer, it's best to use a non-stick air fryer basket and to leave some space between the cheese slices to allow for even melting. The ideal temperature for melting cheese is between 350-400°F (175-200°C) for 2-5 minutes.

Different types of cheese have different melting points, so it's important to keep an eye on the cheese to prevent overcooking or burning. Harder cheeses like Parmesan have lower moisture content and melt well, whereas softer cheeses like mozzarella will not melt as easily.

Air fryer cheese with other ingredients

While it is not recommended to cook cheese by itself in an air fryer, there are several recipes that combine cheese with other ingredients that can be cooked in an air fryer. Here are some ideas for air fryer recipes that feature cheese:

Cheese Fries

A popular and easy option is to make cheese fries in the air fryer. Simply add your favourite brand of frozen french fries to the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook for 8 minutes. Open the basket, shake the fries around, and cook for another 5 minutes. Then, add some salt and sprinkle shredded cheese over the fries. Close the basket and cook for another minute or until the cheese is melted. You can use any type of shredded cheese, such as pepper-jack, Colby jack, or cheddar.

Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms

For a tasty snack or appetiser, try making air fryer stuffed mushrooms. The filling is made with a mixture of cream cheese and sharp cheddar, which gives a good bite to complement the super-soft mushrooms.

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

These are perfect as party appetisers or for picky eaters. The combination of comfort food and finger food makes them a fun and easy option for any gathering.

Air Fryer Mini Peppers Stuffed with Cheese and Sausage

This recipe is a hit with both adults and kids. It combines cream cheese and cooked peppers, along with sausage, to create a delicious and satisfying snack.

Air Fryer Keto Garlic Cheese 'Bread'

This keto-friendly bread alternative is quick and easy to make, requiring only four ingredients and 15 minutes of your time. You can use different types of cheeses and seasonings to customise it to your taste.

Air-Fried Jalapeño Poppers

These jalapeño poppers have a unique twist with the addition of salami. If you prefer your bacon crisp, be sure to pre-cook it before wrapping it around the stuffed jalapeños.

Air Fryer Cheese-Stuffed Mini Italian Meatloaves

Give your classic meatloaf a fun twist by making mini versions stuffed with mozzarella and pepperoni. This recipe is perfect for those who don't consider themselves expert cooks but want to impress their guests.

Air-Fried Pizza Egg Rolls

The combination of mozzarella and wonton wrappers in the air fryer is a match made in heaven. The crunchy outside keeps the melted cheese from escaping, ensuring a mess-free and tasty snack.

Air-Fried Chicken Calzone

This recipe uses pre-made pizza dough and is a hearty option for a quick and easy meal. The air fryer's strong fan will crisp up the outside while keeping the cheese inside melted and gooey.

Air Fryer Prosciutto and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese

This grilled cheese sandwich is a filling option for lunch or can be cut in half and shared as a snack. It's a great way to enjoy the flavours of your favourite Italian deli sandwich in the comfort of your own home.

Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

These air fryer eggplant Parmesan rounds are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a finger food or served over spaghetti and marinara sauce. The air fryer gives them a crisp texture that's hard to achieve with a traditional oven.

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Bites

These everything bagel bites are simple and delicious, featuring Greek yogurt dough and a garlic and herb Boursin cheese filling. They are perfect for brunch or as an after-school snack.

Air-Fried Mozzarella Cheese Bites with Spicy Marinara Sauce

These mozzarella sticks are a classic option for air fryer cooking. Be sure to freeze them before cooking to prevent the cheese from escaping and sticking to the inside of the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions