Air Fryer Grilled Cheese: Perfect Temperature Settings

Air fryers are a great alternative to making grilled cheese sandwiches in a skillet. They are quicker, easier, and result in a crispier sandwich. The ideal temperature for making grilled cheese in an air fryer is between 360 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The sandwich should be cooked for 3 to 6 minutes on each side, depending on the desired level of brownness.

Bread options: sourdough, sandwich, rustic, country white, whole-wheat, etc

The bread you choose for your grilled cheese sandwich is important, as it will affect the taste and texture of the final product. Here are some bread options to consider:

Sourdough

Sourdough bread is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a tangy flavour and a chewy texture that can add depth to your sandwich. Sourdough bread also tends to be denser than other types of bread, so it may take a little longer to toast in the air fryer.

Sandwich Bread

Sandwich bread, such as soft white or wheat bread, is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It is usually softer and less chewy than other types of bread, making it easier to bite into. Sandwich bread is also a good option if you want a crispier sandwich, as it tends to toast well in the air fryer.

Rustic Bread

Rustic bread, such as a country loaf or a baguette, can add a nice crunchy texture to your grilled cheese sandwich. It often has a thicker crust and a more open crumb, which can give your sandwich a heartier feel.

Country White

Country white bread is a type of rustic bread that is made with white flour, giving it a softer texture than some other rustic options. It can be a good choice if you want a sandwich with a slightly lighter feel but still want the rustic flavour and texture.

Whole-Wheat

Whole-wheat bread is a healthier option that can add a nutty flavour to your grilled cheese sandwich. It tends to be denser and chewier than white bread, so it may take a little longer to toast in the air fryer. Consider using a light spray of olive oil or butter to help it toast evenly.

Other Options

Other bread options that you could consider include brioche, English muffins, multi-grain bread, or leftover artisan bread. You can also experiment with different types of bread to find your favourite combination.

Remember that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of bread you use. Softer, thinner breads may cook faster, while denser, thicker breads may take a little longer to toast to a golden brown.

Cheese options: sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, mozzarella, etc

Cheese Options

When it comes to grilled cheese in an air fryer, you have a variety of cheese options to choose from, including:

Sharp Cheddar

A classic choice for grilled cheese, sharp cheddar offers a flavorful and tangy taste. It pairs well with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a mild and creamy cheese that melts beautifully, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that complements the sharpness of cheddar.

Gruyère

Gruyère is a Swiss cheese with a unique flavor profile. It has a slightly salty and nutty taste with a hint of sweetness, making it a delicious addition to your grilled cheese.

Mozzarella

For a stretchy and gooey texture, low-moisture mozzarella is a perfect choice. It melts evenly and has a mild flavor that lets other ingredients shine.

Other Options

You can also experiment with other cheese varieties like Swiss, provolone, American, Fontina, or Havarti. These cheeses melt well and add their unique flavors to your sandwich. Feel free to mix and match cheeses to find your favorite combination!

Butter vs. mayonnaise

When making grilled cheese in an air fryer, you can use either butter or mayonnaise to prepare the bread. Both will give you a golden brown colour, but there are some differences to consider.

Butter

If you prefer the traditional route, butter is the way to go. It will give your grilled cheese a buttery, crispy, golden crust. It is best to let the butter come to room temperature so that it is easier to spread. You can use either salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a great alternative to butter for grilled cheese sandwiches in an air fryer. It has a higher smoke point than butter, which means it won't burn as quickly, and you can turn up the heat for a faster cooking time. Mayonnaise is also more convenient as it is already smooth and spreadable, and you can get away with using less. It gives the sandwich a light, tangy flavour that won't overpower the cheese.

Temperature

When making grilled cheese in an air fryer, the ideal temperature seems to be around 370-380°F (175-180°C). At this temperature, the sandwich will cook in around 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bread.

Spreads: Greek yoghurt and Dijon mustard, pimento cheese, etc

Spreads: Greek Yogurt and Dijon Mustard

The combination of Greek yoghurt and Dijon mustard is a great spread for grilled cheese sandwiches. To make this spread, simply mix together 1 tablespoon of nonfat plain Greek yoghurt (or 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise) and 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard. You can then spread a thin layer of this mixture on one side of each slice of bread before grilling your sandwich.

Temperature and Timing

To make a grilled cheese sandwich with Greek yoghurt and Dijon mustard spread in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Once the air fryer is preheated, place your sandwich in the basket and cook for 4 to 6 minutes. Then, flip the sandwich and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese is a popular spread for grilled cheese sandwiches, especially in the South. It is made with a combination of cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise, and garlic. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. This spread has a tangy flavour and a light, creamy texture that pairs well with grilled cheese.

Temperature and Timing

To make a grilled pimento cheese sandwich in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Place your assembled sandwich in the basket and cook for about 4 minutes. Then, flip the sandwich and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Customisations

You can customise your pimento cheese spread by adding ingredients like crispy bacon, grilled ham, sliced tomato, or jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Storage

Pimento cheese spread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. However, it is not recommended to freeze pimento cheese as it can affect the texture.

Temperature and timing

Preheat your air fryer to between 360 and 400°F. The ideal temperature will depend on your air fryer, but most sources recommend heating it to between 360 and 380°F. If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat for 3 to 5 minutes.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place your sandwiches inside and cook for 3 to 6 minutes. Then, flip the sandwiches and cook for another 3 to 6 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of brownness. The total cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the type of bread you use, so it's important to keep an eye on your sandwiches while they cook.

If your air fryer has a strong fan, the top slice of bread may fly off during cooking. To prevent this, secure each sandwich with a toothpick before placing it in the air fryer. Remove the toothpicks before flipping the sandwiches.

Frequently asked questions