Air Fryer Cheese Toastie: How Long To Cook?

A cheese toastie is a classic comfort food that is typically made in a toaster or under a grill. However, cooking it in an air fryer gives it a perfectly crispy and crunchy texture, while also melting the cheese to gooey perfection. The air fryer's strong fan and even heat distribution ensure that the toastie is cooked evenly, without the risk of burning. The cooking time for a cheese toastie in an air fryer is generally around 7-10 minutes, depending on the make and model of the air fryer, as well as the thickness of the bread and the amount of cheese used.

How to make a cheese toastie in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Bread (white, wholemeal, sourdough, rye, gluten-free, etc.)
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, gruyère, etc.)
• Butter
• Salt and pepper (optional)
• Additional toppings of your choice (ham, tomatoes, pesto, etc.)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 180-190°C.
• Butter one side of each slice of bread.
• If desired, mix butter with mustard, chives, and/or other herbs/spices. Spread this mixture on the opposite side of the bread slices.
• Place your desired toppings/fillings on one slice of bread, making sure to include a good melting cheese to help everything stick together.
• Place the other slice of bread on top, with the buttered sides facing outwards.
• Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping the toastie halfway through, until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.

Tips

• Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the sandwich to prevent sogginess and ensure even cooking.
• Use grated cheese rather than sliced for more even melting.
• For a healthier option, use reduced-fat cheese and a cooking oil spray instead of butter.

The best bread for a cheese toastie

There are several options for the best bread to use for a cheese toastie.

Firstly, it is recommended to use day-old bread, as this will create a crispier crust. Bread that is not too soft or thinly sliced is ideal.

Penny Lawson of Penny's Cheese Shop in Sydney, who is known for her famous cheese toasties, uses day-old sourdough. She believes that the slightly reduced moisture in the bread makes for a crispier crust, and the flavour of the sourdough improves.

Fiona Mair, a kitchen guru, recommends a thick-cut bread, which can be sourdough, sandwich bread, or rye, depending on your preference.

White bread is also a popular option, as seen in the "ultimate grilled cheese sandwich" recipe by Delicious Magazine.

For a gluten-free option, gluten-free bread can be used instead of regular bread.

When making a cheese toastie in an air fryer, plain sandwich bread is typically used. However, thicker bread can also be used, but it may require a little extra pre-toasting time.

So, while there are several options for the best bread for a cheese toastie, the key factors to consider are the age and thickness of the bread, as well as personal preferences for flavour and texture.

The best cheese for a cheese toastie

There are many types of cheese that can be used for a cheese toastie, and the best one for you will depend on your personal preferences. Here are some options to consider:

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for cheese toasties due to its strong and tangy flavour. It pairs well with buttery bread and is widely available. Cheddar also comes in different varieties, such as mature cheddar or extra-mature cheddar, which offer stronger flavours.

Gruyère

Gruyère is a Swiss cheese that is known for its melting properties. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour, making it a good option for those who want a more complex taste in their toastie. It is also a good melting cheese, so it will combine well with other cheeses.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a mild-flavoured cheese that melts well and can be combined with stronger-flavoured ingredients such as char-grilled vegetables or spicy meats. It is also a good option for those who want a stringy, stretchy cheese in their toastie.

Red Leicester

Red Leicester is an English cheese with a strong, tangy flavour. It has a crumbly texture similar to cheddar, making it a good melting cheese. It also adds a vibrant orange colour to your toastie.

Gouda

Gouda is a Dutch cheese with a mild, nutty flavour. It melts well and has a creamy texture, making it a good choice for those who want a smooth and rich toastie.

When choosing the cheese for your toastie, consider the flavour profile you want to achieve and whether you want a cheese that will melt well. It is also important to use good-quality cheese and to grate it yourself, as pre-grated cheese can affect the melting properties and texture of the final dish.

How to make a healthier cheese toastie

A cheese toastie is a beautiful thing. Salty, crispy, toasted bread with oozy, molten cheese is a match made in heaven. But it's not exactly a health food. Here are some tips to make your cheese toastie a little healthier:

Choose Your Bread Wisely

Opt for a sturdy bread that can hold the cheese without becoming too soggy. Sourdough is a good choice, as it is thicker and has a stronger structure than regular sandwich bread. You could also try rye bread or gluten-free bread. Avoid soft bread, as it will get squished by the cheese.

Go Easy on the Butter

Instead of spreading butter on your bread, try using a cooking oil spray. Alternatively, use a plant-based spread or a light coating of olive oil or mayonnaise. If you can't resist the butter, use a light coating of salted butter on the outside of the bread only.

Choose Your Cheese

Go for a strong-flavoured cheese so that you can use less of it. Mature cheddar, Gruyère, or extra-mature cheddar are good choices. Grate your own cheese rather than using pre-grated cheese, which is coated in an anti-caking agent that can affect the texture of your toastie. You could also try using a reduced-fat cheddar or a plant-based cheese.

Get Creative with Fillings

Add some vegetables to your toastie to boost its nutritional content. Try sliced tomatoes, grilled peppers, artichokes, mushrooms, or halved cherry tomatoes. Spinach, butternut squash, and tamarind are also tasty additions. If you're a meat-eater, add some sliced ham or grilled bacon.

Air Fryer Method

Using an air fryer is a healthier alternative to frying your toastie in a pan. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook your toastie for a total of 10 minutes, flipping it once halfway through. This method will give you a crispy, golden exterior and perfectly melted cheese.

Portion Size

Finally, remember that portion size matters. A cheese toastie can be part of a balanced diet, but it's important to watch your serving size. Enjoy your toastie with a side of soup or a salad to round out your meal.

Now you have all the tips and tricks to make a healthier cheese toastie. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious treat!

How to make a crispy cheese toastie

Ingredients

• Bread (white, brown, sourdough, rye, gluten-free, etc.)
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, gruyère, etc.)
• Butter
• Salted butter (for extra flavour)
• Olive oil or cooking spray (for a healthier option)
• Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
• Optional: mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, ham, pear, etc.

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 180-190°C.
• Butter one side of each slice of bread.
• If you want to add mustard, spread it on the opposite side of the bread.
• Place the bread, buttered side down, in the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted.
• Add your cheese and any other desired toppings.
• Place the other slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
• Air fry for 6-10 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

Tips

• Pre-toasting the bread will give your toastie a crispier texture.
• Grated cheese melts more evenly than sliced cheese.
• To prevent the cheese from flying around in the air fryer, gently press it onto the bread.
• For gluten-free toasties, use gluten-free bread.
• To make a healthier toastie, use reduced-fat cheese and cooking spray instead of butter.

Frequently asked questions