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

Air fryers are a great alternative to making grilled cheese sandwiches in a skillet. They are easy to make, quick, and result in a crispy and crunchy texture. The best types of bread to use are Texas toast, Sara Lee Artesano bread, sourdough bread, multi-grain bread, or rustic bread. For cheese, it is recommended to use cheddar cheese and another melty cheese such as Swiss, provolone, American, or Monterey Jack. To get the perfect golden-brown colour, spread butter or mayonnaise on the bread slices. The air fryer should be preheated to around 370-400°F and the sandwich should be cooked for 3-4 minutes on each side.

Choosing the right bread

When it comes to choosing the right bread for your grilled cheese in an air fryer, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to go for a thicker-cut bread, such as Texas toast, Sara Lee Artesano bread, or French bread. This is because thicker slices tend to toast better and achieve that golden, crispy exterior that is desired in a grilled cheese sandwich.

However, this does not mean that thinner slices of bread cannot be used. Sandwich bread, sourdough bread, multi-grain bread, and leftover artisan bread are all viable options and can still produce delicious results. If using thinner slices, it is advisable to use a toothpick to secure the sandwich and prevent the bread from flying off during cooking.

The type of bread you choose can also depend on your personal preference and what you have available. White bread, such as potato bread or country white, is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. But you can also experiment with rustic bread, whole-wheat sandwich bread, or even potato bread for a unique twist.

Ultimately, the key to choosing the right bread is to select a variety that will complement the cheese and other ingredients you plan to use. For a truly satisfying grilled cheese experience, aim for a combination of flavorful and melting cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Havarti, paired with a bread that will toast to a golden, crispy perfection in your air fryer.

Picking the perfect cheese

When it comes to crafting the ultimate grilled cheese in your air fryer, selecting the right cheese is crucial. The perfect cheese will melt beautifully, complement your chosen bread, and elevate your sandwich to a whole new level of deliciousness. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you choose the ideal cheese for your air fryer grilled cheese:

Melting Ability

The key to a great grilled cheese is melted cheese. Look for cheeses that are known for their melting prowess, such as cheddar, Havarti, Monterey Jack, American cheese, or Swiss cheese. These varieties tend to melt smoothly and evenly, creating a gooey and indulgent texture.

Flavour Profile

Consider the flavour profile you want to achieve. For a classic grilled cheese, sharp cheddar is a popular choice due to its tangy, savoury flavour. If you want something milder, Monterey Jack or Havarti offer a creamy, buttery taste. For a more robust flavour, consider Gruyere, which has earthy, nutty notes. You can even experiment with combinations, such as cheddar and Swiss, or provolone and American.

Bread and Condiment Pairing

The type of bread and condiments you use can also influence your cheese selection. If you're using a thicker, more robust bread like sourdough or multi-grain, you might opt for a stronger-flavoured cheese like sharp cheddar or Gruyere. On the other hand, if you're spreading mayonnaise on your bread (a popular choice for grilled cheese in the air fryer), a milder cheese like Havarti or Monterey Jack might be preferable, as they won't overpower the flavour of the mayo.

Experimentation

Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and create your own unique combinations. Try using two or more types of cheese in your grilled cheese for added depth of flavour. Some fun combinations to try include cheddar and Gruyere, provolone and American, or Havarti and Swiss. You can also mix and match cheeses based on your personal preferences or what you have on hand.

Storage and Freshness

When selecting your cheese, consider how much you'll be using and how quickly you plan to consume it. Freshness is important for achieving the best flavour and melting ability. Store your cheese properly, and if you have leftovers, wrap them well to prevent drying out.

In summary, the perfect cheese for your air fryer grilled cheese will depend on your personal preferences, the type of bread and condiments you use, and your desired flavour profile. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the combination that suits your taste buds!

Butter or mayonnaise?

Butter or Mayonnaise for Grilled Cheese in an Air Fryer?

There are benefits to using both butter and mayonnaise as a spread for grilled cheese sandwiches in an air fryer. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, but here are some things to consider:

Butter

• Butter gives a crispy, golden colour and flavour to the sandwich.
• Salted or unsalted butter can be used, depending on your preference.
• Butter can be difficult to spread straight from the fridge and may tear the bread. Leaving it at room temperature for a while can help with this.
• Using butter may require a lower cooking temperature than with mayonnaise (around 370-380 degrees Fahrenheit).

Mayonnaise

• Mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter, so it takes longer for the bread to become golden and crispy. This means the cheese has more time to melt.
• Mayonnaise is easier to spread than butter, reducing the risk of tearing the bread.
• Mayonnaise does not have a strong flavour and can create a golden crust that spreads evenly.
• If you are using butter as well, you can mix the two together for a perfect spreadable topping.

Tips for Using an Air Fryer

• Air fryers circulate air, so if you are using lightweight bread, secure the sandwich with a toothpick to prevent the bread from flying off.
• Every air fryer is different, so you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time.

How to assemble the sandwich

To assemble the sandwich, you will need bread, butter or mayonnaise, and cheese.

Firstly, take your bread and butter one side of each slice. If you are using butter, it should be at room temperature. Alternatively, you can spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.

Next, place one slice of bread, butter or mayonnaise side down, into the air fryer basket. If you are making more than one sandwich, you will likely need to cook them in batches.

Now, add your cheese. A classic grilled cheese uses cheddar, but you can also add another slice of your favourite melty cheese, such as Swiss, provolone, American, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Fontina or Havarti.

Finally, place the second slice of bread on top, with the buttered or mayonnaise side facing up. You can use a toothpick to secure the sandwich if your bread is thin.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for grilled cheese in an air fryer will vary depending on the desired level of browning and the type of bread and cheese used. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed.

Firstly, it is important to preheat the air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating to between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also important to note that some air fryers may require preheating for 3-5 minutes, while others may not require it at all.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it is time to cook the grilled cheese. The cooking time will vary depending on the desired level of browning, but most recipes recommend cooking the sandwich for a total of 6 to 8 minutes, flipping it halfway through. For example, one recipe suggests cooking the sandwich for 3 minutes on the first side, then flipping it and cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes on the second side. Another recipe suggests cooking for 4 minutes on each side, for a total of 8 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the sandwich while it is cooking, as the cooking time may need to be adjusted to avoid burning.

In addition to the cooking time, the temperature at which the grilled cheese is cooked will also affect the outcome. Most recipes recommend cooking the sandwich at the same temperature at which the air fryer was preheated, between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. However, one recipe suggests lowering the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for cooking, especially if using butter instead of mayonnaise.

It is worth noting that the type of bread and cheese used can also affect the cooking time and temperature. Thicker slices of bread, such as Texas toast or sourdough, may require a longer cooking time, while thinner slices may cook more quickly. Similarly, different types of cheese may melt at different rates, so it is important to keep an eye on the sandwich while it is cooking to ensure that the cheese is melted to your desired level.

Frequently asked questions