Air Fryer Grilled Cheese: How Long Does It Take?

Making grilled cheese in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a crispy exterior and a perfectly melted middle. The air fryer's convection heat means you can make a grilled cheese sandwich with minimal effort and reduced risk of burning. The process is simple: assemble your sandwich, place it in the air fryer, and cook for around 3 minutes on each side. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer, but you can expect a perfectly toasted grilled cheese sandwich in under 10 minutes.

What temperature to cook at

The temperature you cook your grilled cheese at will depend on the type of bread you are using. For thicker slices of bread, such as Texas toast or sourdough, a higher temperature of 370°F to 400°F is recommended. For thinner slices of bread, a lower temperature of around 360°F is suggested. This is because thinner bread is more prone to falling apart and burning.

It is also important to note that different air fryers may vary in terms of cooking time and temperature, so it is always good to keep an eye on your sandwich while it cooks.

• 370°F for 2-3 minutes on each side
• 370°F for 4 minutes, then 3 minutes at 370°F (7 minutes in total)
• 375°F for 3 minutes on each side, or 3-4 minutes, then 1-2 minutes
• 360°F for 4-6 minutes, then 3-4 minutes
• 380°F for 3-4 minutes, then 1-2 minutes
• 400°F for around 3 minutes on each side

How long to cook for

The cooking time for grilled cheese in an air fryer depends on the type of bread and cheese used, as well as the desired level of browning. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long to cook for:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, ranging from 360°F to 400°F. It is recommended to refer to your air fryer's instructions or a specific recipe.

Next, prepare your sandwich by spreading butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread and adding cheese and any other fillings inside. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as sharp Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, Fontina, or Mozzarella. It is best to grate the cheese to help it melt faster and give a better cheese pull. Secure the sandwich with toothpicks to prevent it from falling apart or the top slice from flying off during cooking.

Now, you are ready to cook your grilled cheese sandwich in the air fryer. Place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space around them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on the first side. Then, flip them over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the second side. The total cooking time is typically around 7-16 minutes, depending on the desired level of browning. Keep an eye on your sandwiches to ensure they don't burn.

Once the sandwiches are golden brown and the cheese is melted, they are ready to be served. Remove the toothpicks and enjoy your grilled cheese!

Whether to use butter or mayonnaise

There are various ways to make grilled cheese in an air fryer, and the choice of spread is entirely up to the user's preference. While some people prefer the traditional method of using butter, others opt for mayonnaise. Here's a detailed comparison between the two options:

Butter

The traditional choice for grilled cheese sandwiches is butter. It gives the sandwich a classic, buttery taste and a crispy, golden exterior. Using butter is a good option if you want to achieve that familiar, comforting grilled cheese flavour. It is also easy to spread, especially if you let it soften at room temperature before using it.

To make grilled cheese in an air fryer with butter, simply spread a light layer of softened butter on the outside of the bread slices. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference. Then, assemble your sandwich with cheese in the middle and cook it in the air fryer for a few minutes on each side until golden brown.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a less conventional choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, but it can be a great alternative to butter. Mayonnaise is also easier to spread than butter, and some people prefer its taste. It can help create a crispy exterior and a perfectly melted middle.

To make grilled cheese in an air fryer with mayonnaise, thinly spread mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice. Then, place one slice, mayonnaise side down, in the air fryer basket, top it with cheese, and cover it with the second slice, mayonnaise side up. Cook the sandwich until it is golden and crusty, and the cheese is melted.

Both butter and mayonnaise can be used to make delicious grilled cheese sandwiches in an air fryer. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference for taste and texture. Some people may prefer the classic flavour of butter, while others may enjoy the unique taste and ease of spreading that mayonnaise offers. Experiment with both options and decide which one you like best!

How to stop the bread from flying off

To prevent your bread from flying off in the air fryer, you can try the following methods:

Use a Toothpick

This is a commonly suggested method to keep the sandwich together. Stab a toothpick through the sandwich to keep the layers together and in place. This method is especially useful if you don't have a basket-style air fryer. Remember to remove the toothpick before eating!

Use a Stainless Steel Mesh or Rack

If your air fryer comes with a stainless-steel rack or mesh, you can place it over the sandwich to weigh it down and prevent it from flying off. The weight of the mesh is usually enough to keep the sandwich in place.

Use a Piece of Cutlery

You can also use a fork or butter knife to hold down slices of bread or sandwiches. While this method will leave a mark on the surface, it will prevent the bread from flying off and causing damage to your air fryer.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer before placing the sandwich inside can help prevent the bread from flying off. The slightly melted cheese will help keep the sandwich together.

Use a Liner

Using a liner, such as aluminum foil or parchment paper, can help prevent your food from sticking to the air fryer and making a mess. It can also catch any oil drippings and food juices, making cleanup easier.

What to serve with grilled cheese

There are many options for what to serve with grilled cheese. Here are some ideas:

Soups

Grilled cheese is often served with a bowl of soup for dipping. The classic pairing is tomato soup, but other options include pumpkin soup, borscht, chicken noodle soup, potato soup, or a creamy tomato bisque.

Salads

A crisp and refreshing salad can round out the meal. Try a simple green salad, a spinach salad, or a rocket and pear salad. If you're looking for something more hearty, a potato salad, pasta salad, or broccoli salad would be a good choice.

Fries and Chips

Fries and chips are a popular choice to serve with grilled cheese. You could go for classic French fries or potato wedges, or switch things up with sweet potato fries, onion rings, or truffle fries.

Dips and Condiments

Grilled cheese can be dipped into or spread with a variety of condiments, including pizza sauce, hummus, barbecue sauce, tomato jam, applesauce, or various aiolis such as bacon or basil aioli.

Pickles

Pickles are a common side dish for grilled cheese, and you can choose from a variety of options such as dill pickles, sweet pickles, or pickled vegetables like onions, beets, or carrots.

Fruit

Fruit can provide a sweet contrast to the savoury grilled cheese. Try sliced apples, fresh strawberries, cherries, or peaches, or a fruit salad.

Frequently asked questions