Air Fryer Grilled Cheese: Timing For Perfection

The air fryer is a great alternative to the stovetop for making grilled cheese sandwiches. It yields an evenly toasted exterior, crisped frico edges, and a perfectly melted middle. The air fryer's convection heat results in the ideal grilled cheese with minimum effort and in record time. The total cooking time for a grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer is between 7 and 16 minutes.

How to make grilled cheese in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Bread (white sandwich bread, sourdough, rustic bread, country white, whole-wheat sandwich bread, Texas toast, or French bread)
• Butter (salted or unsalted)
• Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, Fontina, Havarti, gouda, mozzarella, Swiss, American, or provolone)
• Mayonnaise (optional)
• Greek yogurt (optional)
• Dijon mustard (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 360-400°F.
• Lightly spread butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
• Place one slice of bread, butter or mayonnaise side down, in the air fryer basket.
• Top with cheese.
• Place the second slice of bread on top, butter or mayonnaise side up.
• Air fry for 3-6 minutes.
• Flip the sandwich and cook for another 3-6 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.

Tips

• Use a toothpick to secure the sandwich and prevent the bread from flying off while cooking.
• Shred your own cheese for the best melting texture.
• For a classic pairing, serve with tomato soup.

The best bread for grilled cheese in an air fryer

There are a variety of bread options that work well for grilled cheese in an air fryer. The best bread will be thickly sliced, and preferably rustic or country-style. Here are some options to consider:

Rustic Bread

Rustic bread is a great option for grilled cheese in an air fryer. Its thick and sturdy texture can withstand the heat and air circulation of the air fryer without falling apart. It also has a crispy crust and soft interior, which makes for a delicious contrast in textures.

Country White Bread

Country white bread is another good choice. It has a similar texture to rustic bread and will hold up well in the air fryer. The white bread also provides a neutral flavour that pairs well with various cheeses.

Whole-Wheat Sandwich Bread

If you prefer a healthier option, whole-wheat sandwich bread is a great choice. It has a nutty flavour and a denser texture than white bread, which makes it a hearty option for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Thick-Cut White Bread

A thick-cut white bread can also work well in an air fryer. Its sturdy texture will prevent it from falling apart, and it provides a neutral flavour that lets the cheese shine.

French Bread

French bread is another option that can work for grilled cheese in an air fryer. It has a crispy crust and airy interior, creating a light and crispy sandwich.

Sourdough Bread

Sourdough bread has a tangy flavour and a chewy texture, which can add an interesting twist to your grilled cheese sandwich. It also tends to be denser, which helps it hold up in the air fryer.

When making grilled cheese in an air fryer, it's important to note that thinner or lighter breads may blow off the sandwich during cooking due to the intense air circulation. To prevent this, use thicker slices of bread or secure the sandwich with toothpicks until the cheese starts to melt.

The best cheese for grilled cheese in an air fryer

Making grilled cheese in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve the perfect level of crispiness without burning your sandwich. But what type of cheese should you use?

A good grilled cheese sandwich starts with a cheese that has excellent melting properties. Some of the best melting cheeses include:

• Fontina
• Cheddar
• Gouda
• Muenster
• Monterey Jack
• Gruyère
• Mozzarella
• American
• Pepper Jack

For the best results, it's recommended to grate your cheese, regardless of variety. Grated cheese melts faster and gives you that desirable cheese pull when you bite into your sandwich. You can also combine different cheeses to create a unique flavour profile. For example, try mixing a sharp cheddar with a milder melting cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.

When making grilled cheese in an air fryer, it's important to note that the intense air circulation may cause the top slice of bread to fly off. To avoid this, simply secure the sandwich with a toothpick before placing it in the air fryer.

Butter or mayonnaise for grilled cheese in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to make grilled cheese sandwiches with an evenly toasted exterior, crispy frico edges, and a perfectly melted middle. But what's the best way to prepare your bread—with butter or mayonnaise? Here's a detailed look at both options to help you decide which one to go for.

Butter

Using butter on your grilled cheese sandwich is a classic choice. It adds a nice buttery flavour to the bread and ensures it crisps up nicely. When using butter, it's best to let it soften at room temperature before spreading it evenly on your bread. This helps the grilled cheese sandwich cook evenly and prevents it from tasting dry.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a less traditional option for grilled cheese sandwiches, but it has some advantages. It's usually easier to spread than butter straight out of the fridge, and it can give your sandwich a nice golden colour when toasted. Mayonnaise also has a higher smoke point than butter, which means it can withstand higher temperatures without burning. This can be beneficial when using an air fryer, as the intense heat can sometimes cause butter to burn.

Both butter and mayonnaise can be great choices for grilled cheese sandwiches in an air fryer. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you prefer the taste of butter and don't mind letting it soften before use, go for it! If you're looking for a spread that's easier to work with straight from the fridge and want a darker toast colour, mayonnaise might be the better option.

Tips for Using an Air Fryer

When making grilled cheese in an air fryer, it's important to keep an eye on your sandwich to ensure it doesn't burn. The cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer model, so adjust accordingly. Additionally, using toothpicks to secure your sandwich can prevent it from falling apart during cooking.

Whether you choose butter or mayonnaise for your grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer, the most important thing is to use what you have available and what you enjoy. Both options will give you a delicious, crispy sandwich with a melted cheese centre. So, experiment with both and see which one you like best!

Grilled cheese in an air fryer: cooking time and temperature

Air fryers are a great alternative to making grilled cheese sandwiches in a skillet. They are quick, easy, and convenient, and can produce a grilled cheese with a crispy exterior and a melted middle.

Ingredients

• Bread: sandwich bread, French bread, sourdough, rustic bread, country white, whole-wheat sandwich bread, or Texas toast.
• Cheese: melting cheese such as sharp cheddar, American, pepper jack, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, Fontina, or Havarti.
• Butter: salted or unsalted butter, or a buttery spread.
• Mayonnaise: an alternative to butter.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Preheat the air fryer to between 360ºF and 400ºF. The higher the temperature, the shorter the cooking time.

Place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket, leaving space around them. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then flip the sandwiches and cook for another 2-4 minutes, until the bread is golden brown. The total cooking time is between 7 and 16 minutes.

If your bread is thin, you can secure the sandwiches with toothpicks to prevent them from coming apart during cooking.

Frequently asked questions