Reheating Grilled Cheese: Air Fryer Method Explored

Grilled cheese is a classic comfort food, but reheating it can be tricky. The microwave can make it soggy, and the stovetop can take a fair amount of time. Enter the air fryer—a marvel of modern kitchen technology that can reheat your grilled cheese to crispy, melty perfection. Here's how to do it right.

The best temperature to reheat grilled cheese in an air fryer

Reheating grilled cheese in an air fryer is a great way to get that crispy, golden texture without the hassle of babysitting the stove. The ideal temperature range for reheating grilled cheese in an air fryer is between 325°F and 380°F.

At 325°F, you can reheat your grilled cheese in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes, ensuring it warms up without burning the bread. This temperature is a good option if you want to take your time and monitor the progress, checking every couple of minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

If you're in a hurry, you can increase the temperature to 350°F-375°F and reheat for 3-5 minutes. This higher temperature range will speed up the process, giving you a warm, crispy grilled cheese in no time.

For the best results, it's recommended to preheat your air fryer while assembling your sandwich. This saves time and ensures the hot air is circulating for that perfect crisp and golden grilled cheese.

Additionally, flipping your sandwich halfway through the reheating process ensures even browning on both sides. Keep in mind that each air fryer is slightly different, so you may need to adjust the timing accordingly.

Now you can enjoy your grilled cheese with the perfect balance of crispy bread and gooey, melted cheese!

How long to reheat grilled cheese in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat grilled cheese in an air fryer. It's a great way to get that crispy texture without having to use a stovetop.

To reheat grilled cheese in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 325-400°F. Place the grilled cheese in the air fryer basket and heat for 2-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the bread is crispy. If you're making more than one sandwich, you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes per side. Keep a close eye on the grilled cheese as it cooks, as you don't want the bread to get over-toasted.

• Use thicker slices of bread, such as sourdough, to prevent the bread from being blown around by the fan.
• If using lighter bread, secure the sandwich with toothpicks to weigh it down.
• For extra flavour, try spreading mayonnaise or butter on the outside of the bread before cooking. This will also help the bread turn a golden brown colour.
• If you're short on time, you can reheat grilled cheese in the oven or on the stovetop. However, these methods may take longer and could result in a soggier sandwich.

The best type of bread to use for grilled cheese in an air fryer

The Best Type of Bread for Grilled Cheese in an Air Fryer

There are several types of bread that work well for grilled cheese in an air fryer. The best bread is thicker-cut sandwich bread, such as Texas toast or sourdough. This is because the air fryer's fan can blow away lighter bread. If you are using lighter bread, you can use toothpicks to secure the sandwich.

Other types of bread that work well include French bread, potato bread, rustic bread, country white, whole-wheat sandwich bread, and multi-grain bread.

The best cheese to use for grilled cheese in an air fryer

There are several types of cheese that are suitable for grilled cheese in an air fryer. The best cheese to use is one that melts well and has a good flavour. Here are some options:

• American cheese is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches and melts well.
• Cheddar cheese is a popular option and comes in sharp and mild varieties. It has a strong flavour and melts well.
• Monterey Jack is a nice melting cheese that pairs well with sharper cheeses like cheddar.
• Gruyere is a Swiss cheese that melts well and has a slightly nutty flavour.
• Provolone is an Italian cheese with a mild flavour that melts well.
• Mozzarella is a soft, stretchy cheese that melts easily and is perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Swiss cheese is a good melting cheese with a mild flavour.
• Havarti is a creamy, melting cheese that goes well with other cheeses.

You can also use a combination of cheeses to add more flavour and improve the melting capability of your grilled cheese.

How to store leftover grilled cheese

Leftover grilled cheese sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep them fresh, ensure they are properly sealed in the container before placing them in the fridge.

When it comes to reheating, there are several methods you can use to restore that crispy, golden texture and melty cheese. Here are some options to consider:

• Re-grilling in a pan: Let the pan get nice and hot at medium-high heat, add a little butter, and place the grilled cheese in the pan. Cover with a lid to help keep the heat in and melt the cheese. Make sure the lid is placed crookedly so that steam doesn't build up. After about two and a half minutes, flip the sandwich and let it cook for another two and a half minutes.
• Toaster oven: Set your toaster oven to the toast setting at level four. Place the grilled cheese directly on the rack and flip it halfway through the toasting time.
• Baking in a toaster oven: Set the toaster oven to bake at 350°F without preheating. Place the sandwich directly on the rack for 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through.
• Air fryer: Reheat your grilled cheese in a preheated air fryer set to 325-400°F for 2-4 minutes until warmed and the cheese is melted. You can also make a fresh grilled cheese in the air fryer, which typically cooks in about 5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions