Air Fryer Frozen Cheese Toast: Quick And Easy?

Yes, you can put frozen cheese toast in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to make cheese on toast, with a crispy texture that you won't get from a regular grill. The circulating heat and fan of the air fryer ensure the bread and cheese are cooked to perfection.

To make frozen cheese toast in an air fryer, place the frozen slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-10 minutes, without flipping, until the cheese is melted and golden. You can also add butter or mayo to the bread to help the cheese stick and enhance the flavour.

How to make frozen cheese toast in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen cheese toast
• Salted butter (optional)
• Salt (optional)

Method:

• Place the frozen cheese toast slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
• If your air fryer requires pre-heating, do so now. Most air fryers have a pre-heat function, but if yours does not, simply turn it on to the desired temperature and let it heat up for a few minutes before adding your food.
• Air fry your frozen cheese toast at 350°F for 6-10 minutes. If you are making more than one layer of frozen cheese toast, flip the slices halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• If you are feeling adventurous, you can add some extra ingredients to your frozen cheese toast before air frying. Try adding a slice of ham or some chopped tomatoes and basil leaves.
• For an extra crispy texture, spread some butter on one side of the frozen cheese toast before placing it in the air fryer. You could also sprinkle on some salt to give it a savoury kick.
• Depending on your air fryer model and the desired level of crispiness, the cooking time may vary. Keep an eye on your frozen cheese toast to avoid overcooking or burning.
• Once the cheese is melted and golden, your frozen cheese toast is ready to be enjoyed!

Tips:

• To avoid the cheese from blowing off, you can use toothpicks to hold it in place. Alternatively, preheat the air fryer and let the frozen cheese toast sit in the hot basket for a minute to allow the cheese to melt and adhere to the bread before turning it on to the full blast.
• If your air fryer has a "'bake' setting, use this instead of the "air fry" setting to prevent the powerful fan from blowing the cheese off.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• If you are making fresh (non-frozen) cheese toast, air fry at 350°F for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For a healthier version, use reduced-fat cheese and a cooking oil spray instead of butter.
• Get creative with your toppings and experiment with different types of cheese and bread!

Tips to prevent cheese from flying off

• Use sliced cheese instead of grated cheese. Grated cheese that isn't well anchored down can fly away and get stuck in the air fryer elements.
• If using grated cheese, press it down gently onto the bread before placing it in the air fryer. This will help to keep it in place.
• Use a toothpick to hold the cheese in place. This is especially useful if you are making a grilled cheese sandwich or a cheese toastie.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding the cheese toast. This will help the cheese to melt and adhere to the bread.
• Use a lower temperature setting on your air fryer. A higher temperature may cause the cheese to melt too quickly and fly off the toast.
• Place the cheese toast in the centre of the air fryer basket, away from the direct path of the fan. This will reduce the force of the air current on the cheese.
• Cover the cheese with another slice of bread to create a sandwich. This will help to keep the cheese in place and prevent it from flying off.

Best types of bread to use

The best types of bread to use for cheese toast in an air fryer are white, wholemeal, sourdough, or granary. You can also use gluten-free bread. The bread can be buttered or unbuttered, depending on your preference. However, buttering the bread will make it crispier.

If you are using sliced cheese, it is recommended to use a thicker slice of bread so that the cheese does not fly away in the air fryer. If you are using grated cheese, it is best to use freshly grated cheese from a block instead of pre-grated cheese.

Best types of cheese to use

The best types of cheese to use for your air fryer cheese toast are those that melt well. Here are some options to consider:

• Mozzarella: Go for the drier versions designed for pizzas, as fresh mozzarella balls can make the toast soggy.
• Semi-hard cheeses: Cheddar, Red Leicester, Double Gloucester, Creamy Lancashire, Monterey Jack, Gouda, Edam, and Gruyère are all great choices.
• Flavoured semi-hard cheeses: Try Spicy Mexicana, Pepper Jack, Smoked Cheddar, or varieties with garlic and herbs.
• Softer cheeses: Brie, Camembert, Port Salut, Fontina, Taleggio, or Stinking Bishop will work but will have a different texture.

On the other hand, it's best to avoid certain types of cheese:

• Dry and crumbly cheeses: Wensleydale, flavoured with cranberry, and Feta don't melt as well.
• Very hard cheeses: Parmesan, Grana Padano, Cotija, and Manchego don't melt well but can be mixed in small amounts with other cheeses to add flavour.
• Cream cheeses: Ricotta, Mascarpone, and regular cream cheese are best served raw as they don't melt.
• Squeaky cheeses: Paneer and Halloumi are great served hot but won't melt in the air fryer.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer cheese 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. To reheat, pop it back into the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted again.

• With Soup: Pair it with tomato, pumpkin, roasted swede, or parsnip soup.
• Pizza Fries or Halloumi Fries: For a real cheese-fest experience!
• Sweet Potato Fries or Baked Carrot Fries: A delicious side to complement the cheesy toast.
• On its Own: Serve it as a quick and easy snack, with or without baked beans.
• Marmite, Vegemite, or Worcestershire Sauce: Spread a small amount on top of the cheese before serving for a unique flavour twist.
• Sliced Brie or Crumbled Blue Cheese: Instead of using cheddar, try these alternative cheeses for a different taste.
• Red Onion Chutney: Swap out the mustard mayo for this sweet and tangy condiment.
• Ham or Bacon: Add a slice of ham or some cooked bacon underneath the cheese for a heartier snack.
• Pesto: Spread a layer of pesto on the bread before adding the cheese for a flavourful twist.
• Tomato and Mozzarella: Top the cheese on toast with slices of fresh tomato and mozzarella. Air fry until the cheese is melted and the tomato is slightly roasted.
• Welsh Rarebit: Try making this in the air fryer for a twist on the classic cheese on toast!

Frequently asked questions