Air-Fried Cheesy Bread: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Air fryers are a great way to make cheese bread, and the process is simple. You can make cheese on toast, or garlic bread, or even flatbread with cottage cheese. The circulating heat and fan of an air fryer ensure that the bread and cheese are cooked to perfection every time. The strong fan of the air fryer is more than capable of crisping the cheese and the bread, and the heat is circulated so it cooks evenly.

Choosing the right bread

Type of Bread

You can use a variety of breads for your air fryer cheese bread, including sandwich bread, French bread, Italian bread, or even rolls. Sandwich bread is a great option as it is commonly available and fits well in both small and large air fryers. French bread or Italian bread provides a chewier crust and a more substantial base for the cheese. If you want to make smaller portions, you can cut these loaves into slices or use dinner rolls.

Bread Texture

The texture of the bread can also impact the final result. Fresh bread will give you a softer texture, while day-old bread will provide a crispier and chewier base. If you want a truly crispy exterior, opt for bread that is a day or two old.

Bread Thickness

When selecting your bread, it's important to choose a thicker slice or loaf. Thinner sandwich bread may not be able to hold the weight of the cheese and toppings. A thicker slice of Italian or French bread will provide a better base and ensure the cheese bread doesn't fall apart.

Gluten-Free Option

If you're gluten intolerant or prefer gluten-free options, you can easily substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread. This way, you can still enjoy delicious cheese bread without worrying about gluten.

Bread Preparation

Before adding the toppings, you may want to consider pre-toasting the bread, especially if you want a crispier texture. Lightly toasting the bread first will give it a slight crispness that complements the melted cheese. However, if you prefer a softer bread, you can skip the pre-toasting step.

Remember, the key to choosing the right bread is finding one that can hold up to the weight of the toppings and complement the flavours. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread to find your favourite!

Picking the perfect cheese

When it comes to picking the perfect cheese for your air fryer cheese bread, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want a cheese that melts well and has a strong flavour. You should also take into account the type of bread you're using and whether you want a soft or crispy texture. Here are some specific cheese suggestions to make your cheese bread extra delicious:

• Cheddar: This is a great, affordable option that is readily available. Go for sharp cheddar to really amp up the flavour.
• Gruyere: If you want a salty-sweet taste, Gruyere is a good choice. Younger Gruyere is softer and better for baking, while aged Gruyere has a more robust and earthy flavour.
• Gorgonzola: This Italian blue cheese is bold and tangy, with a creamy texture. It's easy to mix into your dough and will definitely make an impact on your taste buds.
• Mozzarella: If you want pockets of stringy, melty cheese, go for mozzarella. It's low moisture content means it won't blend completely into the bread.
• Parmesan: Parmesan adds a fruity, savoury flavour. Go for an aged block that's firm enough to grate well.
• Asiago: Asiago has an herbal, zesty taste. It's similar to Parmesan but with a more buttery and earthy flavour.
• Provolone: This Italian cheese has a mild flavour and creamy, smooth texture. It won't dominate the taste of the bread and will add some moisture.

Butter or no butter?

When it comes to making cheese bread in an air fryer, the question of whether or not to use butter is entirely up to personal preference. Butter is not a necessity, but it does add a certain crispiness to the bread and enhances the flavour.

If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can leave out the butter or use a cooking oil spray to reduce the fat content. This will help to create a crisp texture without adding the extra calories and fat of butter.

However, if you want to indulge and make your cheese bread extra delicious, butter is the way to go. It gives the bread a golden, crispy exterior and enhances the flavour of the cheese. When spreading butter on the bread, make sure to cover the entire surface, especially if you're adding cheese on top, as this will help prevent the cheese from flying off in the air fryer.

If you're using butter, it's important to note that you should use real butter and not margarine or a substitute to get the best flavour. Softened butter is ideal, as it will be easier to spread and will mix well with other ingredients like garlic powder or herbs. If you only have unsalted butter, you can simply add a pinch of salt to it.

So, the decision of whether or not to use butter when making cheese bread in an air fryer depends on your personal preferences and dietary needs. Butter will add flavour and crispiness, but it can be omitted or substituted with a healthier alternative for a lighter snack.

How to prep the air fryer

To prep your air fryer for making cheese bread, you'll first want to decide on the type of bread you want to use. You can use sandwich bread, French bread, Italian bread, or baguette. If you're making an open-faced cheese toastie, you'll only need one slice of bread per serving. For a closed sandwich, you'll need two slices per serving.

Next, gather your other ingredients: butter, cheese, and any seasonings you want to add. For a classic UK-style cheese toastie, use butter, cheddar cheese, and Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce. For a more garlic bread-inspired take, mix butter with garlic powder, salt, pepper, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. You can also add parsley for garnish. If you want to get creative, try adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage.

Now you're ready to start prepping your air fryer! First, preheat the air fryer—some recipes specify a temperature of 180°C (350°F), while others go as high as 400°F. If your air fryer requires preheating, be sure to do so before adding your bread.

When your air fryer is ready, place your bread inside. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. For an open-faced toastie, place the bread buttered-side down. For a closed sandwich, spread the butter and toppings on the inside of the sandwich.

If you're making a classic cheese toastie, spread butter on one side of your bread and place it buttered-side down in the air fryer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted, then add your cheese and sauce and air fry for another 6-8 minutes.

For garlic cheese bread, mix your butter, garlic powder, and seasonings in a small bowl. Spread this mixture on your bread, then top with cheese. Air fry for about 5 minutes or until the bread is lightly toasted.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve your air-fried cheese bread. Here are some suggestions:

• With soup, such as tomato, pumpkin, roasted swede, or parsnip soup.
• With pizza fries or halloumi fries for a real cheese extravaganza.
• With sweet potato fries or baked carrot fries.
• On its own, with or without beans, as a snack.
• With a small amount of Marmite, Vegemite, or Worcestershire sauce spread on top of the cheese.
• With sliced brie or crumbled blue cheese instead of cheddar.
• With red onion chutney instead of mustard mayo.
• With a slice of ham or cooked bacon underneath the cheese.
• With a layer of pesto on the bread before adding the cheese.
• Topped with slices of fresh tomato and mozzarella cheese. Air fry until the cheese is melted and the tomato is slightly roasted.
• With sliced tomatoes, olives, or cooked bacon on top, either before or after air frying.
• With dips like marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
• With red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper added to the garlic butter mixture for some heat.
• Without the garlic, by spreading the butter and olive oil mixture on the bread without adding garlic or herbs.
• With fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage in the garlic butter mixture for a flavorful twist.

Frequently asked questions