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

Making cheese on toast in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and foolproof method that gives you a crispy texture that you won't get from a regular grill. The circulating heat and fan of the air fryer ensure the bread and cheese are cooked to perfection every time, with no burnt corners or a soggy middle.

To make cheese on toast in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 180-375 °F. While you're waiting, spread butter on one side of your bread of choice. Place the bread butter-side down in the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Add grated cheese and your desired toppings, like Worcestershire sauce, over the bread. Place it back in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, or until it's browned to your liking.

Choosing the right bread

The bread you choose for your air-fried cheese on toast can make or break the dish. The right bread will be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a slight crunch throughout. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect bread for your air fryer cheese and toast:

Type of Bread

You can use any type of bread you like for air fryer cheese on toast. White, wholemeal, sourdough, granary, multi-grain, and even gluten-free bread are all great options. However, some types of bread may not toast as evenly or get as golden in the air fryer. For example, thinner slices of bread or softer varieties like sourdough may not crisp up as well.

If you want to ensure your bread is crispy and golden, choose a thicker-cut bread like Texas toast, Sara Lee Artesano bread, or a rustic loaf. These types of bread will hold up better to the air fryer's cooking method and give you that desirable crunch.

Freshness

Always use fresh bread for your air fryer cheese on toast. Stale bread will not toast evenly and may become too hard or crispy. Fresh bread will give you the perfect balance of crispiness and softness.

Pre-Toasting

Some recipes suggest pre-toasting your bread before adding the cheese. This step is optional but can help ensure your bread has a slight crisp throughout, especially if you're using softer bread. Simply place your bread slices in the air fryer for a few minutes until lightly toasted, then add your cheese and continue with the recipe.

Butter or No Butter

Butter is a matter of personal preference. You can choose to butter one or both sides of your bread, or leave it out entirely for a lower-fat version. Butter will give your toast a crispy, golden colour and a rich flavour. If you're watching your fat intake, you can use a cooking oil spray instead of butter to help reduce the fat content while still achieving some crispness.

Toothpicks

If your air fryer has a strong fan, you may want to secure your bread and cheese with toothpicks before placing them in the air fryer. This will prevent the top slice of bread from flying off or the cheese from melting and pooling at the bottom of the basket. Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Picking the perfect cheese

When it comes to making the perfect cheese on toast in an air fryer, the cheese you choose can make all the difference. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you select the ideal cheese for this delicious treat.

Melting Qualities

The melting quality of the cheese is crucial. You want a cheese that will melt evenly and smoothly, creating a gooey and creamy texture. Cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Gruyère are excellent choices as they melt well and have a creamy consistency. Grating the cheese yourself is also recommended, as pre-grated cheese can affect the melting process and may not give you the desired result.

Flavour Profile

The type of cheese you choose will depend on your personal preference for flavour. Sharp cheddar, for example, offers a more intense and tangy flavour, while mozzarella provides a milder, slightly sweet taste. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try a combination of cheeses, such as mixing cheddar with mozzarella or Gruyère for a more complex flavour profile.

Texture

Consider the texture you want to achieve. Harder cheeses like cheddar will provide a more robust and slightly crumbly texture, while softer cheeses like mozzarella will give you a stretchier, stringier melt. If you're looking for a creamier result, you can mix the cheese with a small amount of milk or mayonnaise before adding it to your toast. This will create a richer, more indulgent mouthfeel.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the perfect cheese for your toast is the one you enjoy the most. Don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties to find your favourite. You can also customise your cheese on toast by adding condiments like Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, or mustard to enhance the flavour profile and make it your own.

Storage and Freshness

When selecting your cheese, consider how much you will use and how quickly you will consume it. Freshly grated cheese has a shorter shelf life than pre-grated options, so plan accordingly. Also, ensure you store your cheese properly, as this will impact its quality and longevity.

Choosing the perfect cheese for your air fryer cheese on toast is a delightful endeavour. By considering melting qualities, flavour, texture, and your personal preferences, you can create a mouthwatering snack that suits your tastes. Don't be afraid to experiment, as part of the fun is discovering new flavour combinations that excite your palate. Happy frying and enjoy your cheesy creation!

Butter, oil, or mayo?

When making cheese on toast in an air fryer, you can use butter, oil, or mayonnaise.

If you prefer to use butter, you can spread it on the bread before placing it in the air fryer. This will give your toast a classic buttery flavour and a crispy, golden colour.

If you opt for oil, you can spray or spread it on the bread. Oil is a good alternative if you don't want to use butter, and it will also help your toast develop a crispy texture and a golden colour.

Mayonnaise is another option, and it's ready to spread straight from the fridge, so you don't need to wait for it to soften like butter. Mayo will give your toast a nice brown colour without tasting of mayo.

Each of these options will give your cheese on toast a slightly different flavour and texture, so you may want to experiment to find your favourite.

Air fryer temperature

The ideal temperature for making cheese on toast in an air fryer is around 180°C (350°F) to 200°C.

Preheat your air fryer to this temperature while you prepare your ingredients.

Once preheated, place your bread slices in the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then, add your cheese and any other toppings, and return to the air fryer for another 6-8 minutes, until the cheese has melted to your liking.

If you are making a grilled cheese sandwich, the ideal temperature is 375°F. Assemble your sandwiches, place them in the air fryer, and cook for 3 minutes. Flip the sandwiches and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the top slice is golden brown. If the bottom slice is not yet toasted, flip again and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Some air fryers have a very strong fan, which can cause the top slice of bread to fly off during cooking. To prevent this, secure your sandwich with a toothpick before placing it in the air fryer. Remove the toothpick before serving.

Air fryers can vary in their cooking time and temperature, so it's important to keep an eye on your food and adjust the settings as needed.

Serving suggestions

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

• With soup: try tomato, pumpkin, roasted swede, or parsnip soup.
• With pizza fries or halloumi fries for a real cheese-fest.
• With sweet potato fries or baked carrot fries.
• On its own, with or without baked beans, as a snack.
• With Marmite, Vegemite, or Worcestershire sauce spread on top of the cheese.
• With sliced brie or crumbled blue cheese instead of cheddar.
• With red onion chutney instead of mustard mayo.
• With a slice of ham or cooked bacon underneath the cheese.
• With a layer of pesto on the bread before adding the cheese.
• Topped with slices of fresh tomato and mozzarella cheese. Air fry until the cheese is melted and the tomato is slightly roasted.
• Try making Welsh rarebit in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions