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

Making grilled cheese in an air fryer toaster oven is a quick and easy way to get a crispy, gooey sandwich. The air fryer toasts the sandwich evenly, and the cleanup is minimal. You can use a variety of breads and cheeses, and add extras like sliced apples, roasted veggies, or ham. The key to success is to preheat the air fryer, use enough butter or mayo to get a rich, crispy exterior, and secure the sandwich with toothpicks to prevent the top slice from flying off.

Choosing the right bread

The bread you choose for your grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer toaster oven is important, as it needs to be able to withstand the heat and cooking method without burning or drying out. Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing the right bread:

Type of Bread

Most types of bread will work in an air fryer toaster oven, including white sandwich bread, French bread, sourdough, multi-grain bread, rustic bread, country white, and whole-wheat sandwich bread. However, some types of bread may not toast or brown as easily in the air fryer. For example, thicker-cut bread like Texas toast or Sara Lee Artesano bread works well, but softer, squishier bread with more sugar may toast too quickly and burn. Sourdough bread may also not brown as easily, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Bread Thickness

It is recommended to use thicker-cut bread for your grilled cheese sandwich. Thicker slices, such as Texas toast, will help prevent the bread from flying off during cooking and ensure that the sandwich stays together. They also provide a more substantial base for the cheese and other fillings. If using thinner slices, you may need to adjust the cooking time or use toothpicks to secure the sandwich.

Freshness of Bread

It is best to use fresh bread that is not stale or dried out. Stale bread may not toast evenly and can become too crispy or hard during cooking. If using frozen bread, allow it to thaw completely before using it for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Bread Toppings

You can spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread slices before placing them in the air fryer toaster oven. This will help the bread to brown and crisp up during cooking. You can also try mixing butter and mayo together for the best of both worlds. Just be sure to let the butter come to room temperature first so that it spreads easily without tearing the bread.

Selecting the perfect cheese

The cheese is the star of the show when it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches, so it's important to choose the right one. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect cheese for your grilled cheese:

Type of Cheese

When it comes to grilled cheese, you'll want to choose a cheese that melts well and has a good flavour. Some popular options include:

• Cheddar: A classic option that offers a sharp flavour and melts relatively well.
• Mozzarella: Known for its stretchy, gooey texture, mozzarella is a must for that perfect cheese pull.
• Gruyere: A Swiss cheese with a slightly nutty flavour that melts beautifully.
• Monterey Jack: A mild, creamy cheese that melts well and pairs nicely with other cheeses.
• Provolone: A slightly tangy, nutty-flavoured cheese that melts well.
• Swiss: A mild, buttery cheese that adds a creamy texture to your sandwich.
• American: A classic option for grilled cheese that melts easily and has a mild flavour.

You can also get creative and experiment with other cheeses like Fontina, Havarti, Gouda, Pepper Jack, or even Brie. Play around with different combinations to find your perfect pairing.

Fresh vs Pre-Shredded

Freshly grated cheese is always best for grilled cheese sandwiches. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents or other additives that can affect its melting ability. Freshly grated cheese will give you a smoother, more even melt and a softer texture.

Amount of Cheese

Don't skimp on the cheese! A grilled cheese sandwich should be cheesy and indulgent. Use a generous amount of cheese to ensure every bite is packed with flavour. You can also sprinkle a little extra cheese on the outside of the sandwich to create a crispy, cheesy crust.

Storage and Preparation

If you're not using all of your cheese at once, properly store it to maintain its quality. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store-bought shredded cheese should be used within a few days, while blocks of cheese can last for several weeks if properly stored.

When you're ready to make your grilled cheese, bring the cheese to room temperature before shredding or slicing. This will help it melt more evenly and quickly in your sandwich.

Butter or mayo?

Whether you use butter or mayonnaise depends on your preference for flavour and convenience. Butter gives a grilled cheese sandwich a classic rich flavour, but it needs to be softened at room temperature before spreading. On the other hand, mayo is spreadable straight from the jar, but it doesn't have much flavour. It does, however, toast and brown more evenly than butter.

If you want the best of both worlds, you can try mixing butter and mayo together in a 50/50 blend.

Using Butter

If you're using butter, you'll need to let it sit at room temperature until it's softened. You can then spread it onto one side of each slice of bread, with the buttered sides facing out.

Using Mayo

If you're using mayo, simply spread it on one side of each slice of bread, again with the mayo sides facing out.

Using Both

If you want to use a mix of butter and mayo, simply combine equal parts of each and spread the mixture on one side of each slice of bread, with the mixture sides facing out.

Air fryer temperature

The optimal temperature for making grilled cheese in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F.

Sources suggest preheating the air fryer to 350°F, with some recommending a higher temperature of 370°F or 375°F. The highest preheat temperature suggested is 400°F.

The ideal temperature will depend on the type of bread and cheese used, as well as personal preference for the level of browning and crispness.

For example, a softer, squishier sandwich bread with a higher sugar content will toast faster, so a lower temperature and/or reduced cooking time is recommended.

Additionally, the colour of the pan can affect the cooking time. A darker-coloured pan will toast the bread faster, so adjustments to timing may be necessary.

It is worth noting that some sources suggest that the temperature and cooking time may need to be adjusted through trial and error to find the perfect settings for your specific air fryer.

Avoiding mess

Avoiding a Mess

Making grilled cheese in an air fryer toaster oven is a simple and quick process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid a mess. Here are some tips to help you avoid any potential mess when making grilled cheese in an air fryer toaster oven:

Use the Right Bread:

Choose a thicker-cut bread such as Texas toast, sourdough, or multi-grain bread. Thicker slices are less likely to blow off or get tossed around by the air fryer's fan. Avoid using thinly sliced bread, as it may not hold up well during cooking and could create a mess.

Secure the Bread:

To prevent the top slice of bread from flying off due to the air fryer's strong fan, secure the sandwich with toothpicks or kitchen twine before placing it in the air fryer. You can also try using a metal rack or a burger press to weigh down the sandwich.

Avoid Overfilling:

Be careful not to overfill your sandwich with too many ingredients. If the filling is too thick or unevenly distributed, it can cause the bread to separate and create a mess. Aim for a balanced amount of cheese and other fillings.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Always preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before placing the sandwich inside. This helps ensure even cooking and reduces the risk of the bread drying out or burning. Refer to your air fryer's instructions for preheating guidelines.

Monitor the Cooking Process:

Keep a close eye on your grilled cheese while it's cooking. Depending on your air fryer's settings and the type of bread used, cooking times may vary. Check on your sandwich regularly to ensure it doesn't burn or overcook, which can lead to a mess and wasted ingredients.

Use a Pan to Catch Drips:

Place a pan or baking sheet underneath the air fryer basket to catch any potential cheese drips or overflow. This will make cleanup easier and prevent cheese from sticking to the bottom of your air fryer, making it harder to clean.

By following these tips, you can minimize the chances of making a mess when preparing grilled cheese in an air fryer toaster oven. Enjoy your perfectly toasted and gooey grilled cheese sandwiches without the hassle of cleaning up a mess!

Frequently asked questions