Tillie Doyle
Air fryers are a great way to make cheese on toast, a much-loved snack that is quick and easy to prepare. The circulating heat and fan of the air fryer ensure the cheese and bread are cooked to perfection, with a crispy texture that's hard to achieve with a regular grill. You can use a variety of cheeses, from cheddar to gruyère, and add extras like chutney, pesto, or ham for a heartier snack. The key to success is pre-toasting the bread and adjusting the cooking time and temperature to your liking, as air fryers can vary. With just a few minutes of preparation, you can enjoy a delicious, oozy, and golden treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | White or brown sandwich bread, or sourdough |
| Cheese | Cheddar, gruyère, mozzarella, or goat's cheese |
| Other ingredients | Butter, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pesto, tomato, basil, ham, bacon, chives, black pepper, etc. |
| Temperature | 180-190°C |
| Cooking time | 6-10 minutes |
| Calories | 317kcal |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days |
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What You'll Learn
Pre-toasting the bread
To pre-toast the bread, start by placing the desired number of slices in the air fryer. If you are making an open-faced cheese on toast, you can simply place the slices directly into the air fryer. However, if you are making a sandwich, you will need to assemble it first. Butter one side of each slice of bread and place them buttered-side down on a board. Spread your desired toppings, such as pesto or chutney, on the non-buttered side, and then add your chosen cheese. You can use grated or sliced cheese, and feel free to experiment with different varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyère. If you want a creamier result, mix the cheese with a small amount of milk before spreading it on the bread. Once your sandwich is assembled, place it in the air fryer.
Set the air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 180°C to 190°C (350°F). The exact temperature may depend on your air fryer model and personal preference for the toast's doneness. Cook the open-faced toast or sandwich for 3 to 4 minutes until the bread is lightly toasted. If you are making a sandwich, you may then need to flip it over and air-fry for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to ensure even cooking on both sides. Keep a close eye on your toast or sandwich during this process, as the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer's performance and the type of bread and cheese used.
Once the bread is lightly toasted to your liking, it's time to add the cheese on top if you haven't already. This step applies to those who are making open-faced cheese on toast. Place the desired amount of cheese on top of the pre-toasted bread, and return it to the air fryer. Continue cooking for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Again, the cooking time may vary, so it's important to keep an eye on your creation to ensure it doesn't burn.
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Choosing a cheese
The type of cheese you use for your air-fried cheese on toast is a key consideration. The most popular choice seems to be cheddar, which is a classic for this traditional UK snack. You can use either grated cheddar or slices, depending on what you have available.
If you want to make a healthier version, opt for reduced-fat cheddar. For a heartier snack, you could add a slice of cooked bacon or ham, and top with fresh tomato and mozzarella. For a more indulgent option, try mixing your cheddar with a little milk before adding it to the toast for a creamier result.
If you want to branch out from cheddar, you could try gruyère, mozzarella, or goats' cheese. For a next-level cheese on toast experience, try a Welsh rarebit, which includes mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ale along with a good mature cheddar.
Whatever cheese you choose, the air fryer's powerful heat and fan circulation will cook your cheese on toast to perfection, with no burnt corners or soggy middles.
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Temperature and timing
The temperature and timing of cooking cheese on toast in an air fryer depend on the type of bread and cheese used, the quantity of food, and the specific air fryer model. Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, cooking it more evenly and quickly than a regular grill. However, the powerful fan and heating mechanism can lead to burnt corners and a soggy middle if the temperature and timing are not adjusted properly.
When preparing cheese on toast, the bread can be white or brown, and plain sandwich bread or sourdough works well. If using a thicker bread, a little extra pre-toasting time may be required. The amount of bread and cheese placed in the air fryer will also impact cooking time, as a larger quantity of food will take longer to cook.
Different types of cheese have different melting properties, which will affect the cooking time. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for cheese on toast, but other options like mozzarella, Gruyère, or reduced-fat cheddar can also be used. The amount of cheese used will also impact the cooking time, as a thicker layer will take longer to melt.
The desired level of doneness for the bread and cheese is also a factor in determining the cooking time. For a simple cheese on toast recipe, the bread should be toasted and the cheese melted, which typically takes around 6-8 minutes in the air fryer. If a crispier texture is desired, the bread can be pre-toasted for a few minutes before adding the cheese. This ensures that the bread maintains a slight crisp throughout the cooking process.
It is important to monitor the cooking process and adjust the temperature and timing as needed. Some air fryers may cook faster or slower than others, so it is essential to keep an eye on the food to prevent burning. Additionally, the cheese's melting point and desired level of browning can vary, so checking periodically and adjusting the settings accordingly is crucial for achieving the desired results.
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Adding extras
There are many ways to adapt the classic cheese on toast recipe to your liking. For a heartier snack, add a slice of ham or cooked bacon underneath the cheese. You could also spread a layer of pesto on the bread before adding the cheese, and top with slices of fresh tomato and mozzarella cheese.
If you want to make a healthier version, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and a cooking oil spray to grease the bottom of the air fryer basket. This will help to reduce the fat content while maintaining the crispy texture.
For a slightly creamier result, mix the cheese with a little milk before adding it to the toast. You can also try mixing the cheese with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, or mayonnaise and anchovy-free vegan Worcestershire sauce.
If you want to add some spice, try chilli flakes, or a spoonful of fiery kimchi. For a Mexican twist, add sweetcorn kernels, mozzarella and chipotle paste, and serve with a squeeze of lime.
For a tangy flavour, add a layer of fruity chutney, such as plum and apple, blackberry, or fig and orange. You could also add some quick-pickled red onions and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
If you're serving your cheese on toast with soup, try tomato, pumpkin, roasted swede, or parsnip soup.
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Reheating
If you have any leftover cheese on toast, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. It is also possible to freeze it. However, be aware that the texture of the cheese on toast may change slightly after being stored in the fridge, and it may not be as crispy and fresh as when it was first made.
To reheat, place the cheese on toast back into the air fryer for a few minutes until it's heated through and the cheese is melted again. You can also reheat it in the oven or under a grill (broiler), but this may take longer and the results may not be as even.
The time it takes to reheat your cheese on toast in the air fryer will depend on the amount of cheese and bread, the type of cheese, and the temperature of your air fryer. It is important to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn. Check it regularly and adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed.
If you are reheating cheese on toast that has been frozen, you will need to defrost it first. You can do this by leaving it in the fridge overnight or using a microwave to defrost it. Once it is defrosted, follow the same steps as above to reheat it in the air fryer.
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Frequently asked questions
First, preheat your air fryer to 180-190C. Butter one side of two slices of bread and place them butter-side down. You can add extra flavour by spreading a thin layer of pesto, plum and apple chutney, or mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on the bread before adding the cheese. Next, add your cheese. For a creamier result, mix the cheese with a little milk beforehand. If you want a heartier snack, add a slice of ham or cooked bacon underneath the cheese. Finally, air-fry for 6-10 minutes, until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted.
Cheddar is a popular choice, but you can use whichever cheese you like best. Just be aware that different cheeses have different melting properties, so the cooking time may vary.
For the perfect texture, pre-toast the bread. This will ensure that the bread has a slight crisp throughout, rather than staying too soft underneath the cheese.
