Air Fryer Cheese On Toast: Quick, Easy, Delicious

How to Make Cheese on Toast in an Air Fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to grills when making cheese on toast. They're easier to use and give better results. The circulating heat and fan of an air fryer ensure the cheese melts to perfection and the bread is evenly cooked.

Ingredients

- Bread (white, brown, sourdough, gluten-free, etc.)

- Butter or oil

- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, Gruyère, etc.)

- Salt (optional)

- Other toppings/seasonings of your choice (e.g. ham, tomato, Worcestershire sauce, mustard)

Method

1. Preheat the air fryer to around 180-200 °C.

2. Lightly butter one side of the bread and place it butter-side down in the air fryer.

3. Cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted.

4. Add cheese and any other toppings/seasonings.

5. Place back in the air fryer for 5-8 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the bread is golden brown.

Choosing the right bread

The bread you choose for your air fryer cheese on toast is important, as it needs to be able to withstand the heat and cooking method without falling apart or becoming too crispy. Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing the right bread for your air fryer cheese on toast:

• Bread Type: You can use any type of bread you like for air fryer cheese on toast. White, wholemeal, sourdough, granary, and even gluten-free bread are all great options. Choose a bread that is thicker cut, such as Texas toast or Sara Lee Artesano bread. This will help to ensure that the bread toasts evenly and doesn't burn.
• Freshness: It is best to use fresh bread that is not too stale or soft. Stale bread may become too hard and crispy, while soft bread may not hold up well in the air fryer.
• Size and Shape: Consider the size and shape of your air fryer when choosing bread. You need to make sure that the bread fits comfortably in the air fryer with enough room for air to circulate. If your air fryer is small, look for bread that is more squat or rectangular in shape rather than a large, round loaf.
• Pre-Toasting: Some recipes recommend pre-toasting the bread in the air fryer before adding the cheese. This can help to ensure that the bread is crispy and cooked through. However, others suggest that this step is not necessary and may make the bread too dry.
• Butter or No Butter: Buttering the bread can add flavour and help the bread to crisp up. However, it is not essential, and you can leave it out for a lower-fat version. If you are buttering the bread, spread it on the outside of the sandwich, which will be in contact with the air fryer basket. This will help to create a golden, crispy texture.

Overall, the most important factor when choosing bread for your air fryer cheese on toast is to use something that you enjoy eating and that will fit well in your air fryer. Experiment with different types of bread to find your favourite!

Picking the perfect cheese

The best cheese for your air fryer cheese on toast will depend on your personal preference, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's best to use a cheese that melts well. Some good options include:

• Mozzarella
• Semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, red Leicester, double Gloucester, creamy Lancashire, Monterey Jack, gouda, Edam, and Gruyère
• Flavoured semi-hard cheeses like spicy Mexicana, pepper jack, smoked cheddar, or something with garlic and herbs
• Softer cheeses like brie, Camembert, port salut, fontina, or taleggio

It's best to avoid drier, crumbly cheeses like Wensleydale, feta, or very hard cheeses like Parmesan, as they don't melt as well. Cream cheeses like ricotta, mascarpone, and regular cream cheese are also not ideal, as they don't melt.

When choosing your cheese, consider using a combination of cheeses for extra flavour. For example, you could use mozzarella for its stretching qualities, along with a flavoured cheese like vintage cheddar or Gruyère.

It's also important to grate your own cheese rather than using pre-grated cheese, as the pre-grated variety is coated with anti-caking agents that can affect the melting process.

Finally, when preparing your air fryer cheese on toast, be sure to weigh down the cheese with a toothpick or by gently pressing it onto the bread. This will prevent it from flying away in the air fryer.

Butter or no butter?

When it comes to making cheese on toast in an air fryer, the question of whether or not to use butter is entirely up to personal preference.

Butter is often spread on the bread before toasting to add flavour and help the bread crisp up. However, it is not essential, and some people prefer to leave it out to create a lower-fat version of the dish. If you don't want to use butter, you could use a drizzle of olive oil or another oil instead.

If you do decide to use butter, it is generally recommended to spread it on the bread before toasting, rather than adding it to the air fryer basket or spraying it on top of the bread. This helps the butter melt into the toast, keeping it moist and crisp.

How long to air fry for

The length of time you air fry your cheese on toast for will depend on a few factors, including the type of bread and cheese you use, and how crispy you like your toast.

If you are using a soft white bread, you may want to toast the bread first to ensure it doesn't become soggy. This can be done in the air fryer in around 2-3 minutes.

For the cheese, it is recommended to use a variety that melts well. Cheddar, red Leicester, double Gloucester, Monterey Jack, and Gruyère are all good options. You can also use sliced cheese, which may be less messy than grated cheese. If you do use grated cheese, it is a good idea to press it down onto the bread so that it doesn't blow off or around the air fryer.

Once you have assembled your cheese on toast, the air frying time will be around 5-8 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it. Keep an eye on it, as the cheese can burn easily.

So, in total, you are looking at around 7-11 minutes of air frying time, plus the time it takes to preheat the air fryer (if necessary).

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve your air-fried cheese on toast. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• With Soup: Cheese on toast goes well with soup, especially tomato soup. Try it with roasted swede, parsnip, or pumpkin soup for a comforting meal.
• Pizza Fries or Halloumi Fries: For a true cheese-lover's experience, serve your cheese on toast with a side of pizza or halloumi fries.
• Sweet Potato or Baked Carrot Fries: These sweet and savoury options can complement the salty, crispy cheese on toast.
• On Its Own: Cheese on toast is a classic snack that can be enjoyed by itself, perhaps with a cup of hot tea or a glass of cold milk.
• With Baked Beans: For a heartier snack, serve your cheese on toast with baked beans on the side.
• Toppings: Experiment with different toppings like Marmite, Vegemite, Worcestershire sauce, or a slice of ham or bacon underneath the cheese.
• Different Cheeses: Try using sliced brie or crumbled blue cheese instead of cheddar for a unique flavour.
• Chutneys: Swap out the mustard mayo for red onion chutney to add a sweet and tangy twist to your snack.
• Pesto: Spread a layer of pesto on the bread before adding the cheese for a burst of herbal flavour.
• Tomato and Mozzarella: Top the cheese on toast with slices of fresh tomato and mozzarella, then air fry until the cheese melts and the tomato is slightly roasted.
• Welsh Rarebit: If you're feeling adventurous, try making Welsh Rarebit in the air fryer by adding milk or condiments to the cheese mixture.

Frequently asked questions