Air Fryer Grilled Cheese: Is It Possible?

Grilled cheese is a classic, beloved sandwich. But can you use an air fryer to make it? The answer is yes! Using an air fryer is a convenient way to make grilled cheese, as it requires less attention and is safer than using a stovetop. It also yields an evenly toasted exterior, crispy frico edges, and a perfectly melted middle. The air fryer's convection heat results in the ideal grilled cheese with minimum effort.

Air fryer grilled cheese recipe

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread ( sourdough, sandwich loaf, French bread, or Texas toast)
• 2 slices of cheese ( cheddar, American, Swiss, provolone, mozzarella, etc.)
• Butter or mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

• Toothpicks
• Bacon
• Ham
• Tomato
• Pimento cheese
• Aioli or flavoured mayonnaise

Instructions

• Spread butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. If you are using butter, it is best to use it at room temperature so that it is easier to spread.
• Place one slice of bread, butter or mayonnaise side down, in the air fryer basket.
• Top with 2 slices of cheese.
• Place the second slice of bread on top, with the buttered/mayonnaised side facing up.
• If your bread is thin, insert a toothpick into the centre of the sandwich to prevent the bread from moving during cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-380°F (175-190°C).
• Air fry for 3-5 minutes, then flip the sandwich over and air fry for another 1-4 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• For a lighter option, replace butter with a light spray of olive oil.
• Try different combinations of bread and cheese.
• Add bacon, ham, or tomato to the sandwich for extra flavour.
• If you want to add bacon, ham, or pulled pork to your sandwich, heat the meat separately before assembling the sandwich to ensure the cheese melts properly.
• If you want to add extra flavour, spread aioli or flavoured mayonnaise on the inside of the bread.

Air fryer grilled cheese vs stovetop grilled cheese

The grilled cheese sandwich is a classic, quick, and easy meal that can be whipped up on a stovetop in no time. But how does it compare when made in an air fryer? In this article, we will put the two methods head-to-head to find out which is the superior method for making the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.

Texture and Taste

The stovetop method is a tried-and-true way to achieve a buttery, crispy sandwich. However, it requires careful attention to ensure that the bread doesn't burn or become too toasted. On the other hand, the air fryer method delivers an evenly toasted exterior with a perfectly melted middle. The convection heat of the air fryer ensures that the sandwich is cooked to perfection with minimal effort. The air fryer also crisps up the sandwich nicely without making it greasy, and the thin layer of mayo or butter helps achieve a golden-brown colour.

Ease of Cooking

When it comes to ease of cooking, the air fryer method has some advantages. With the stovetop method, you need to keep a close eye on the sandwich to prevent burning. In contrast, the air fryer allows you to simply place your sandwich inside and walk away until it's time to flip it over. This makes the air fryer a safer option for children who want to make their own grilled cheese sandwiches but may not be ready to use the stove. Additionally, the air fryer can cook multiple sandwiches at once, making it a more efficient option.

Bread and Cheese Options

For the stovetop method, you can use any type of bread and cheese combination you prefer. However, for the air fryer method, it is recommended to use sturdy bread, such as sourdough or rustic Italian, cut at least 1/2-inch thick, to withstand the circulating heat. As for cheese, freshly grated cheese or slices are best for a creamy melt. Pre-grated cheese can work, but it may not melt as smoothly due to the anti-clumping agents.

Customisation

Both methods allow for customisation of your grilled cheese sandwich. You can spread the inside of the bread with mayo, mustard, or a flavoured spread to add extra creaminess and flavour. For a savoury kick, add pickles, sauerkraut, bacon, or sautéed vegetables. If you prefer a sweet and savoury combination, a smear of jam will satisfy your taste buds.

In conclusion, both the air fryer and stovetop methods have their advantages. The stovetop method is a classic for a reason, providing a buttery and crispy sandwich with minimal prep time. However, the air fryer method delivers consistent results with less effort, making it a convenient and tasty alternative. Ultimately, the decision between the two comes down to personal preference and the level of convenience desired.

Best type of bread for air fryer grilled cheese

There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best type of bread for an air fryer grilled cheese sandwich. The main considerations are thickness, texture, and shape.

Thickness

It is recommended to use a thicker-cut bread, such as Texas toast, sourdough, or a rustic loaf. This is because thicker slices can help prevent the bread from burning before the cheese is melted.

Texture

A sturdy, dense bread with a thick crust is ideal for withstanding the circulating heat of the air fryer. Sourdough and rustic Italian loaves are good options, and it's also worth considering potato bread or multigrain sandwich bread.

Shape

The shape of the bread slices can impact how many sandwiches you can fit in your air fryer at once. Square slices may only allow for one sandwich at a time, while slices from a round, boule-shaped loaf might fit two sandwiches snugly in the basket.

Other tips

If you want to add butter or mayonnaise to your sandwich, it is recommended to use a thin layer to prevent sogginess. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or smoked gouda, to find your preferred flavour and texture.

Best type of cheese for grilled cheese

There are many different types of cheese that can be used to make grilled cheese, and the best option often comes down to personal preference. However, some cheeses are more popular than others and are considered to produce a superior grilled cheese sandwich.

Cheddar

Cheddar cheese is a classic option for grilled cheese and is often considered the best choice for a traditional grilled cheese sandwich. It melts well and comes in mild or moderately sharp variations, allowing you to customise the flavour to your taste. It pairs well with simple sliced white bread that has been properly coated in butter.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a popular choice for grilled cheese as it melts easily and has a mild flavour. It is a good option if you want to add other ingredients to your sandwich, such as fresh heirloom tomatoes and basil leaves.

Gruyère

Gruyère is a nutty, salty cheese that is often recommended for grilled cheese sandwiches. It is a good option if you want to include ham in your sandwich, as it won't overpower the meat. It also pairs well with ingredients like jumbo lump crabmeat, French onion confit, and cornichons.

Fontina

Fontina is a mild, buttery cheese that melts easily, making it a good choice for grilled cheese. It pairs well with milder flavours like pear or fruit chutney, or stronger flavours like sautéed broccoli rabe and red pepper flakes.

Provolone

Provolone is a mild, melty cheese that can be a good substitute for cheddar or American cheese in grilled cheese sandwiches. It also comes in smoked varieties, which can add a unique flavour to your sandwich.

American Cheese

American cheese is a classic option for grilled cheese, especially the individually wrapped slices. It melts well and can provide a good cheese pull, making it a popular choice for those seeking the perfect Instagram photo.

Other Options

Other cheeses that can work well in grilled cheese sandwiches include Swiss cheese, gouda, pepper jack, blue cheese, and havarti. You can also combine different types of cheese to create your own unique flavour profile.

Air fryer grilled cheese cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for an air fryer grilled cheese sandwich will depend on the type of bread and cheese used, as well as the desired level of browning. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed for cooking grilled cheese in an air fryer.

Firstly, it is important to preheat the air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Once the air fryer is preheated, the grilled cheese sandwich can be placed inside.

The cooking time will vary depending on the source of the recipe, with some recipes suggesting a cooking time of 3 minutes per side, while others suggest a cooking time of 5 minutes for the first side and 2-4 minutes for the second side. It is important to keep an eye on the sandwich while it is cooking to ensure that it does not burn. The total cooking time will depend on the desired level of browning and the type of bread and cheese used.

Some recipes suggest grilling the sandwich for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side and then 1 to 2 minutes on the second side. Other recipes suggest grilling the sandwich for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. It is also important to note that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the number of sandwiches cooked at the same time. If multiple sandwiches are cooked at once, the cooking time may need to be increased by 1-2 minutes per side.

To get a crispy and crunchy grilled cheese sandwich, it is recommended to use a relatively thin slice of bread and a combination of flavorful cheese, such as sharp cheddar, and a nice melting cheese, like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or low-moisture mozzarella. The bread should be buttered or spread with mayonnaise on the outside before grilling, which helps with browning and prevents sticking.

Frequently asked questions