Air-Fried Cheese Sandwich: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making a cheese sandwich in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a crispy, golden, and gooey grilled cheese sandwich. This method is also safer for children who are not yet ready to use the stove. The key to a successful air-fried cheese sandwich is to grate the cheese, use a combination of cheeses, and secure the sandwich with toothpicks to prevent the cheese from flying off. The ideal temperature for cooking a cheese sandwich in an air fryer is between 370 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking time is typically around 3 to 6 minutes per side.

Choosing the right bread

The bread you choose for your grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer is important. A sturdy, thicker-cut bread is best, as it will stand up to the circulating heat of the air fryer without burning too quickly. Sourdough, rustic Italian, Texas toast, or a country white or whole-wheat sandwich bread are all good options. You can also use leftover artisan bread, but it may not toast as evenly or get as golden in the air fryer.

The shape of your bread slices also matters, especially depending on the size of your air fryer basket. If you're using square slices, you may only be able to cook one sandwich at a time. Slices from a round, boule-shaped loaf are a better fit for most air fryers and will allow you to cook two sandwiches at once.

When assembling your sandwich, butter one side of each slice of bread, then add your cheese to the non-buttered side. You can use a combination of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar with a good melting cheese like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Havarti. Close your sandwich with the other slice of bread, making sure the buttered sides are facing out. You can use a toothpick to secure the sandwich and prevent the top slice from flying off during cooking.

Now that you've chosen the right bread and assembled your sandwich, you're ready to cook it in the air fryer! Place your sandwich in the air fryer basket and cook at 370-400°F for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Selecting the best cheese

The cheese you select for your grilled cheese sandwich is crucial to achieving the perfect combination of flavour and texture. Here are some tips to help you select the best cheese for your air fryer grilled cheese sandwich:

Texture

For the creamiest melt, it is recommended to grate the cheese yourself. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-grated cheese, which can contain anti-caking agents that interfere with melting. Cheese slices are the next best option if you don't want to grate your own cheese.

Mozzarella is an excellent choice for its stretching, non-greasy melting qualities, but it has a very mild flavour. Therefore, it is best to pair it with a cheese that has more flavour.

Flavour

When it comes to flavour, it's essential to consider your personal preference. Some popular options for grilled cheese sandwiches include:

• Cheddar: A sharper, slightly aged cheese like vintage or sharp cheddar adds a nice tang.
• Monterey Jack: This cheese is known for its mild, creamy flavour and good melting properties.
• Gruyère: Gruyère is another favourite for its flavour and melting abilities.
• Gouda: Smoked gouda lends a super soft, melty texture and a hint of smoky flavour.
• Havarti: This cheese pairs well with a sharper cheese like cheddar, as it is mild and creamy.
• Colby, Swiss, and Mueller are also mentioned in various sources as good options for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Combinations

Using two types of cheese is recommended to get the best of both worlds in terms of flavour and texture. Here are some combinations to try:

• Mozzarella and vintage cheddar or Gruyère
• Mozzarella and Monterey Jack
• American cheese and gouda
• Old cheddar and mozzarella
• Muenster and havarti with horseradish cheddar
• Mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, queso quesadilla, and asadero

Other considerations

While selecting the right cheese is essential, other factors can also impact the final result of your grilled cheese sandwich. These include:

• Bread type: Sourdough, rustic Italian, country white, or whole-wheat sandwich bread are good options.
• Butter: Using salted or unsalted butter is a matter of preference, but butter is essential for a crispy, golden sandwich.
• Mayonnaise: Adding a small amount of mayonnaise to the bread creates an extra crispy bite without altering the flavour.
• Grating the cheese: Grating your own cheese ensures a smoother, more even melt.

Butter or mayo?

The choice is yours! Butter and mayo are both delicious options for your air fryer cheese sandwich.

If you're a traditionalist, butter is the way to go. It gives your sandwich a classic, buttery flavour and a crispy crust. Just make sure to use it sparingly and let it soften at room temperature before spreading it on your bread.

If you're feeling adventurous, give mayo a try. It might seem like an unusual choice for a grilled cheese, but it adds a unique, subtle tang to your sandwich and also helps achieve that sought-after crispiness. Plus, mayo is easier to spread straight from the fridge, so you can get cooking right away.

For an extra-indulgent treat, you could even try a combination of the two! Spread a thin layer of butter on your bread, followed by a smear of mayo for extra flavour and crispiness.

No matter which option you choose, your air fryer cheese sandwich is sure to be a tasty treat.

How to stop the cheese from flying off

How to Prevent the Cheese from Escaping the Sandwich in an Air Fryer

When making a grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer, one of the biggest challenges is keeping the cheese from oozing out and making a mess. Here are some tips to ensure your cheese stays put and you get that perfect, gooey sandwich:

Choose the Right Cheese:

Opt for a cheese that melts well but also holds its shape. Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Swiss cheese are great options. Stay away from soft, crumbly cheeses like feta or goat cheese, as they are more likely to escape the sandwich.

Grate Your Own Cheese:

Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Grating your own cheese ensures a fresher product that will melt and stretch beautifully without running away.

Toast the Bread First:

Lightly toast your bread before assembling the sandwich. This creates a sturdier base that can withstand the melting cheese. Just be sure not to over-toast, or it will become too brittle and hard to contain the cheese.

Create a Barrier:

Spread a thin layer of softened butter or mayonnaise on the inside of each slice of bread. This creates a barrier that helps keep the cheese from seeping out. You can also try using a spread like hummus or pesto, which will add flavor and act as an additional barrier.

Assemble and Seal:

Place the cheese in the center of the bread, making sure to leave a border around the edges. Then, using your fingers or a pastry brush, apply a small amount of water or beaten egg around the edges of the bread. This will help seal the sandwich and create a barrier that prevents the cheese from escaping.

Use a Lower Temperature:

Cook your sandwich at a lower temperature, around 350°F (180°C), for a slightly longer time. This allows the bread to toast slowly and the cheese to melt evenly without oozing out.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a perfectly toasted, cheesy sandwich without the mess. Get creative with your fillings, but always remember to focus on sealing in that delicious, melted cheese!

Serving suggestions

The classic grilled cheese sandwich is a comforting meal, often served with a bowl of soup. Try serving your air-fried grilled cheese with roasted tomato soup, creamy tomato basil soup, or even a creamy tomato and spinach tortellini soup.

If you're looking for something different, you could try a grilled cheese with a smear of mayo and mustard on the inside of the bread, or even a pimento cheese grilled cheese. For a little kick, add some candied jalapeños, or a sweet and savoury combination with a smear of jam.

If you're serving a crowd, or simply want to make more than one sandwich at a time, you may need to cook them in batches. You could also try a different type of bread, such as a round, boule-shaped loaf, which fits better in the air fryer basket.

For a truly excellent grilled cheese, it's all about the cheese melt. To achieve the perfect melt, use freshly grated cheese, which will give you a creamier texture. Pre-grated cheese can work, but it may not melt as smoothly due to the anti-clumping agents added to it.

To prevent the cheese from flying off, which can be a common issue with air fryers, use toothpicks to secure the sandwich before placing it in the air fryer. Alternatively, you can try using a small metal steaming rack, a grill mat, or simply placing a butter knife on top of the sandwich to weigh it down.

Frequently asked questions