Air-Fryer Cheese Toast: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to make cheese toast. They're quicker and easier than using a grill, and you're less likely to burn your food. The circulating heat and fan ensure the cheese is melted to perfection and the bread is toasted to a satisfying crunch.

Choosing the right bread

The bread you choose for your air fryer cheese toast can make or break the dish. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect bread for this delicious treat:

Type of Bread

You can use any type of bread for air fryer cheese toast, including white, wholemeal, sourdough, granary, or even French bread. Sourdough bread, in particular, is a great option as its sturdy texture and crust can hold up well in the air fryer. French baguette and ciabatta are also good choices. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try using Texas toast, which is known for its thicker slices.

Bread Thickness

The thickness of your bread slices is crucial to achieving the perfect air fryer cheese toast. Opt for slices of uniform thickness, as this will ensure even cooking. Thicker slices may require a slightly longer cooking time, while thinner slices might result in soggy bread. If you're using sandwich bread, consider doubling up the slices to make a cheese sandwich, as thinner bread may cook too quickly.

Pre-Toasting

Pre-toasting your bread before adding the cheese is a crucial step in achieving the perfect texture. By lightly toasting the bread first, you create a slight crispness that prevents the bread from becoming too soggy underneath the cheese. This step is especially important if you're using softer varieties of bread.

Butter or No Butter

Butter is a matter of personal preference, but it can enhance the flavour and texture of your cheese toast. Spread butter on the bread before placing it in the air fryer to add a rich, crispy element to your toast. If you're watching your fat intake, you can use a cooking oil spray instead of butter to achieve a similar effect.

Avoiding Soggy Bread

To avoid soggy bread, choose a bread with a good crust that can withstand the heat of the air fryer without becoming too soft. Additionally, ensure your bread is not too thin, as this can lead to sogginess. Pre-toasting and buttering your bread can also help prevent sogginess by creating a barrier between the bread and the cheese.

Experimenting with Different Breads

Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread to find your favourite. Each type of bread will give your cheese toast a unique flavour and texture. For example, sourdough bread has a tangy flavour and a chewy texture, while French bread is light and fluffy. Why not try a few different options to see which one you like best?

Preheating the air fryer

The process of preheating your air fryer is straightforward. First, refer to your air fryer's manual to determine if preheating is necessary for your specific model. If preheating is recommended, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Typically, you would press a preheat button, or set a temperature, and wait for a few minutes until the desired temperature is reached. For instance, the preheat setting on some models is 4 minutes at 205°C.

It's worth noting that not all air fryers are created equal, and the preheating process may vary slightly depending on the make and model of your appliance. Some air fryers have a specific preheat function, while others may not. Additionally, the ideal preheat temperature can range from 180°C to 205°C, so it's important to adjust the settings based on your air fryer's specifications.

In the context of making cheese toast, preheating your air fryer ensures that the bread gets toasted evenly and the cheese melts uniformly. It helps to create that desirable contrast between crunchy bread and creamy, melted cheese.

If you're short on time or don't want to wait for the preheating process, you can skip it. However, keep in mind that the first batch of cheese toast may take a little longer to cook as the air fryer heats up. To compensate, you can add a minute or two to the initial batch's cooking time and then adjust as needed for subsequent batches.

Slicing the bread evenly

Choose the Right Bread: Opt for a sturdy loaf with a good crust that will hold up well in the air fryer. Sourdough, French baguette, ciabatta, white, wholemeal, or granary bread are all great options. You can also use sandwich bread, but keep in mind that thicker slices may require a longer cooking time.

Slice Thickness: Cut your bread into slices of uniform thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents soggy bread. Aim for slices that are around 1 inch thick.

Pre-Toasting: To get a nice crisp texture throughout your cheese toast, it's recommended to pre-toast the bread before adding the cheese. Place the bread slices in the air fryer for a few minutes until lightly toasted. This step is especially important if you're using softer bread.

Consistency is Key: When layering the cheese on your bread slices, spread it out evenly to ensure consistent melting and flavour distribution. This will give you a nice, uniform melt and prevent any uneven browning or burning.

Avoid Overcrowding: Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. Leave enough space between slices to allow for proper air circulation, which is crucial for even cooking.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to achieving the perfect, evenly sliced bread for your air fryer cheese toast!

Evenly distributing the cheese

Choosing the Right Cheese

First, select a cheese that melts well and that you like. Go for semi-hard cheeses such as cheddar, red Leicester, or Monterey Jack. You could also use softer cheeses like brie or camembert, but they will have a different texture once melted. It's best to grate the cheese yourself rather than using pre-grated cheese, as this will give you more control over the melt.

Preparing the Bread

When it comes to the bread, opt for a sturdy loaf with a good crust, such as sourdough or French baguette. Cut the bread into slices of uniform thickness—this will ensure even cooking. If your bread is on the thinner side, consider making a cheese sandwich to prevent sogginess.

Layering the Cheese

Now it's time to layer on the cheese! Start by spreading or layering the cheese evenly on the bread slices. Make sure the cheese reaches all the edges of the bread. If using sliced cheese, try to cover as much of the surface area as possible. If using grated cheese, gently press it down to form a compact layer.

Air Fryer Setup

To prevent the cheese from blowing around in the air fryer, avoid using a rack to double stack the cheese toasts. Keep the bread at the bottom of the air fryer, and if needed, gently press the cheese onto the bread to compact it. Leave enough space between slices to allow for proper air circulation.

Cooking Time

Keep a close eye on your cheese toast as it cooks. Cheese can melt and brown quickly, so you may need to adjust the cooking time or temperature to avoid overcooking. Aim for a melted, bubbly cheese and golden, crispy toast.

Avoiding overcrowding in the air fryer

To make cheese toast in an air fryer without overcrowding the appliance, follow these tips:

• Avoid packing too much food into the air fryer basket. Leave enough space between the cheese toasts to allow for proper airflow and cooking. This is crucial, as overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steam buildup, which may cause the cheese to fly around inside the air fryer.
• Cut or slice the cheese into smaller pieces before placing them in the air fryer. This helps distribute heat more evenly and reduces steam buildup.
• Use parchment paper or aluminium foil to line the air fryer basket. This creates a barrier that prevents the cheese from getting blown around by the hot air.
• Lightly brush the bread with butter or olive oil before assembling the cheese toast. This aids the toasting process and results in a crisp exterior.
• Use a cooling rack on top of the air fryer basket to allow for more even airflow and reduce the chances of cheese escaping.
• Cook at a lower temperature. Excessive heat can cause cheese to melt faster and potentially fly out of the basket.

Frequently asked questions