Making Grilled Cheese In A Nuwave Air Fryer

The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can cook a variety of dishes, including the classic grilled cheese sandwich. With its ability to circulate heat evenly, the air fryer ensures a perfectly toasted sandwich with a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy interior. The following guide will outline the steps to create this comforting dish using a NuWave air fryer.

Choosing the right bread

The bread you choose for your grilled cheese sandwich is just as important as the cheese itself. You want a bread that will be able to stand up to the heat of the air fryer and not fall apart, but also one that will complement the cheese and other ingredients in terms of taste and texture.

Firstly, you'll want to go for a sturdy bread. Sourdough, with its slightly tangy flavour and rustic, open texture, is a great choice. It has a thick crust and chewy texture that holds up well to the circulating heat of the air fryer. Italian bread is another good option, with a similar chewy texture and a more neutral flavour that will allow the cheese to shine. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try a sourdough rye bread, which will add a nice earthy, nutty flavour to your sandwich.

The thickness of your bread slices is also important. Aim for slices that are at least 1/2-inch thick to prevent them from drying out or burning in the air fryer. If your bread is thinner than this, you might want to consider toasting it lightly before assembling your sandwich, to give it a bit more structure.

Finally, consider the shape of your bread slices. If you're using a square loaf, you might only be able to fit one sandwich in your air fryer basket at a time. Round, boule-shaped loaves are a better option if you're cooking for a crowd, as you can usually fit two sandwiches snuggly in the basket.

Selecting the best cheese

The best grilled cheese sandwiches are made with a combination of cheeses. While you can use any type of cheese, some melt better than others, and some have more flavour. Here are some tips for selecting the best cheese for your grilled cheese sandwich:

Freshly grate your cheese

For the creamiest melt, grate your own cheese. Pre-grated cheese often has an anti-clumping agent mixed in, which can get in the way of a smooth melt. If you are using slices, you will need 3 to 4 slices per sandwich, depending on the thickness of the slice and the bread.

Choose a cheese for flavour

A sharper, slightly aged cheese, like cheddar, adds a nutty tang to your sandwich. Other good options are Gruyere, Raclette, or vintage cheddar.

Choose a cheese for melt

Mozzarella is a good choice for its meltability and cheese pull. It also has a very mild flavour, so it pairs well with a stronger-flavoured cheese. Monterey Jack is another good melting cheese.

Combine cheeses for the best result

A combination of mozzarella with a flavoured cheese will give you the best of both worlds. Smoked gouda lends a super soft, melty texture and a hint of smokiness. A combination of American cheese and gouda is another good choice, giving you the classic grilled cheese flavour with a little extra depth.

How to assemble the sandwich

To assemble a grilled cheese sandwich in a NuWave air fryer, you'll need two slices of bread, butter, and two slices of cheese. You can use any type of bread and cheese, but a sturdy bread like sourdough or rustic Italian cut at least 1/2-inch thick works well in an air fryer. For the cheese, freshly grated cheese or slices will give the creamiest melt. A sharper, slightly aged cheese like cheddar pairs well with a milder, creamier cheese like Havarti or Monterey Jack.

First, butter one side of each slice of bread. Be sure to use enough butter to cover the bread, but don't over-butter. You can also spread the inside of the bread with a little mayo and mustard for a sharper, creamier flavour.

Next, place your cheese on one slice of bread. Make sure the cheese is folded and tucked inside the bread so that it doesn't hang out, as it may burn. You can also add other toppings like bacon, ham, pickles, sautéed mushrooms, or onions.

Finally, cover the cheese with the other slice of bread, making sure that the buttered sides are facing outwards.

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for grilled cheese in a NuWave Air Fryer vary depending on the model of the air fryer. For the NuWave Oven model, the ideal temperature is 350° F, and the cooking time is 3 minutes on each side, for a total of 6 minutes. For the NuWave Primo Grill Oven model, the temperature is set to 400° F, 50% Top/50% Bottom, and the cooking time is 5 minutes, flipping the sandwich after the first 3 minutes.

For other air fryer models, the cooking temperature and time can range from 360° F to 390° F, and 7 to 8 minutes in total. It is recommended to flip the sandwich halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. Some recipes suggest cooking the sandwich for 4 minutes on one side, then flipping and cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve grilled cheese sandwiches made in a NuWave air fryer. Here are some ideas:

• With a bowl of tomato soup: This classic combination is sure to bring back childhood memories. The grilled cheese and tomato soup duo is a perfect comfort food, and you can now update this combo by making your grilled cheese in the air fryer.
• With a side of vegetables: Try serving your grilled cheese with some Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, or Asparagus. These sides will add some crunch and nutrition to your meal.
• With a variety of toppings: Load your grilled cheese sandwich with toppings such as bacon, ham, mayo, and tomato. You can also spread the inside of the bread with mayo and mustard to add a sharp, horseradish-like bite. If you're feeling adventurous, add some candied jalapeños (also known as cowboy candy) for a little kick, or a smear of jam for a sweet and savory twist.
• With different types of cheese: Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite. Freshly grated cheese works best for a creamy melt, while slices come in a close second. Try a sharper, slightly aged cheese like cheddar, paired with a milder, creamier cheese like Havarti or Monterey Jack. For a super soft and melty texture, as well as a hint of smoky flavor, go for smoked gouda.
• With a cup of tea or coffee: If you're looking for a simple and relaxing meal, pair your grilled cheese sandwich with a hot cup of tea or coffee. This can be a perfect way to unwind after a long day.

Frequently asked questions