Air Fryer Grilled Cheese: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer grilled cheese is a quick and easy meal that can be made in under 10 minutes. The air fryer's convection heat results in an evenly toasted exterior, crisped frico edges, and a perfectly melted middle with minimal effort. The recipe is also flexible, allowing for the use of any sliced bread or melting cheese, and the addition of condiments such as gochujang, kimchi, or sauerkraut. To make an air fryer grilled cheese, preheat your air fryer to between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit, butter or spread mayonnaise on the outside of two slices of bread, place your desired amount of cheese on one slice, top with the other, and air fry for 2-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Choosing the right bread

White sandwich bread is another classic option, and you can also try potato bread, French bread, or wheat bread for a slightly different flavour. If you want to get creative, you can even use buttered tortillas or corn tortilla wraps instead of bread.

Regardless of the type of bread you choose, it's important to make sure that your bread slices are no more than 1/2-inch thick. This will ensure that the sandwich cooks evenly and that the cheese melts properly.

To add extra flavour and promote browning, you can spread mayonnaise or butter on the outside of each slice of bread before placing the sandwich in the air fryer. This will give your grilled cheese sandwich a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and melted.

Selecting the best cheese

• Sharp Cheddar: A classic choice for grilled cheese, sharp cheddar offers a robust flavour and melts relatively easily.
• American Cheese: This processed cheese product is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its smooth texture and mild flavour.
• Monterey Jack: A semi-soft cheese with a mild flavour, Monterey Jack melts beautifully and is a great option for grilled cheese.
• Havarti: This Danish cheese has a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavour, making it an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Fontina: With its slightly nutty flavour and creamy texture, Fontina is another superb melting cheese.
• Provolone: Provolone has a slightly sharper flavour than some of the other options, but it still melts well and can add a nice tang to your sandwich.
• Gruyere: Gruyere is a Swiss cheese with a slightly sweet, nutty flavour. It melts incredibly well, making it a fantastic choice for grilled cheese.

When selecting your cheese, it's also important to consider the thickness of the slices. Thicker slices may take longer to melt, so you might need to adjust your cooking time accordingly. Additionally, you might want to experiment with different combinations of cheeses to find your favourite flavour profile.

Remember, the key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is a cheese that melts well and complements the other flavours in your sandwich. So, feel free to get creative and find the perfect combination of cheeses for your air fryer grilled cheese masterpiece!

Butter vs mayonnaise

When it comes to making grilled cheese in an air fryer, you might be wondering whether to use butter or mayonnaise. Both options have their own advantages and will deliver a delicious, crispy sandwich.

Butter

Butter is the traditional choice for grilled cheese sandwiches and is a must for achieving that classic buttery, crispy golden colour and flavour. It's also a good option if you don't want to stray too far from the familiar taste of a grilled cheese made on a stovetop. When using butter, it's best to use it at room temperature so that it's easy to spread. You can also spray the top of the bread with oil after placing the sandwich in the air fryer if you prefer.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a less conventional choice but is favoured by some for its ability to spread easily and create a nice, crispy texture. It's also a good option if you don't want to wait for butter to soften. While it adds a slight change in flavour, it's not overpowering and still allows the cheese to shine.

Tips for Using Butter or Mayonnaise in an Air Fryer Grilled Cheese:

• Don't over-saturate the bread with mayonnaise or butter, as this can make the sandwich soggy and affect how well it toasts.
• Use thick-cut bread, such as Texas toast, as it holds up well to the spread and provides a nice, crispy texture.
• If using butter, let it soften before spreading to ensure it coats the bread evenly.
• If you don't want to use butter or mayonnaise, you can simply spray the top of the bread with oil after placing the sandwich in the air fryer.
• For extra security, use toothpicks to hold the sandwich together and prevent the bread from flying off during cooking.

In the end, the choice between butter and mayonnaise comes down to personal preference. Both options will result in a delicious, crispy grilled cheese sandwich when used correctly, so feel free to experiment and see which method you prefer!

Avoiding cheese flying off

When making grilled cheese in an air fryer, the top slice of bread may fly off due to the strong fan in the appliance. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

• Secure the sandwich with a toothpick before placing it in the air fryer. This will hold the sandwich together and prevent the top slice from flying off. Just remember to remove the toothpick before serving!
• Use a round rack, such as the one that comes with instant pots, and place it on top of the sandwich to weigh it down and prevent the bread from flying off.
• If your air fryer basket has a lid or a grill, you can place it on top of the sandwich to prevent the bread from flying off.
• Butter all four sides of the bread before adding the cheese. This will help the sandwich stick together better and reduce the chances of the top slice flying off.
• If using mayonnaise instead of butter, spread it on both sides of the bread to create a sticky barrier that will help keep the sandwich together.
• Choose a thicker-cut bread, such as Texas toast or Sara Lee Artesano bread. Thicker bread has more structural integrity and is less likely to fly off in the air fryer.
• Avoid pre-sliced or pre-shredded packaged cheese. Instead, grate your own cheese, as this will help it melt faster and reduce the chances of the bread flying off.
• If your air fryer has a strong fan, lower the temperature by a few degrees. This may give the cheese more time to melt and stick to the bread before the top slice can fly off.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve an air fryer grilled cheese sandwich. Here are some ideas:

• Soups: The classic pairing is with tomato soup, but you could also try minestrone or vegetable soup.
• Sides: Chicken nuggets, or chicken noodle soup are great options for kids.
• Toppings: Try adding sliced or sundried tomatoes, bacon, pulled pork, sliced ham, or a sprinkle of brown sugar on top of the cheese. You could also add sliced jalapenos or serve with jalapeno jelly for some heat.
• Cheese: While cheddar is a classic, you could also use Havarti, Monterey Jack, American cheese, Swiss, provolone, Gruyere, Fontina, or even a combination of cheeses.
• Bread: White sandwich bread is a traditional choice, but thicker slices like Texas toast or Sara Lee Artesano bread will give you a better melt. Sourdough, multi-grain, or leftover artisan bread are also delicious options, but may not toast as easily.
• Condiments: Spread mayonnaise or butter on the outside of the bread to get that golden, crispy crust. You could also spread a light layer of mayo, pimento cheese, or gochujang on the inside of the sandwich.

Frequently asked questions