Randy Chandler
Air fryers are a great way to make grilled cheese sandwiches with crispy bread and gooey, melted cheese. The cooking time for a grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer varies depending on the source, but most agree that it takes somewhere between 3 and 6 minutes. Some recipes suggest cooking the sandwich for 3 minutes on one side and then 1-2 minutes on the other side, while others recommend cooking the sandwich for 4 minutes total, flipping it halfway through.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350°F (180°C) to 390°F |
| Time | 3-6 minutes |
| Bread Type | Sturdy bread, such as sourdough or rustic Italian, cut at least 1/2-inch thick |
| Bread Spread | Butter, mayonnaise, or mustard |
| Cheese Type | Melting cheese, such as sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or low-moisture mozzarella |
| Cheese Preparation | Grated or sliced |
| Additional Tips | Use toothpicks, a steel rack, or a steamer rack to prevent the sandwich from moving during cooking |
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What You'll Learn
How to prevent cheese from blowing off the bread
To make a grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer, you should heat the air fryer to 375ºF. Grate your chosen cheese and spread butter on your bread slices. Assemble the sandwich, then place it in the air fryer and cook for 3 minutes. You can then flip the sandwich and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
However, the fast-moving air in the air fryer can cause the cheese to blow off the bread. To prevent this, you can try the following methods:
- Using a toothpick or two to hold the sandwich together. When it's time to flip the sandwich, remove the toothpicks and use a non-metal utensil to turn it over.
- Using a small metal rack or mesh tray placed on top of the sandwich to weigh it down. Remove this when the cheese has started to melt and before you flip the sandwich.
- Gluing" the cheese to the bread with a small amount of mayonnaise, mustard, or softened butter before placing the sandwich in the air fryer.
- Using thicker shredded cheese, which is less likely to fly around.
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Best type of bread for grilled cheese sandwiches
To make grilled cheese sandwiches in an air fryer, heat the air fryer to 375ºF. You can use butter or mayonnaise on the bread. Assemble the sandwich and place it in the air fryer. It should take about 3 minutes per side to cook, or until golden brown.
Now, for the best type of bread for grilled cheese sandwiches, the right choice depends on the type of cheese and other fillings you plan to use. The bread should be soft but hearty, with an even slice of medium thickness (about 1/4 inch).
Sourdough is a versatile option that pairs well with a blend of mild and extra-sharp cheddar. It has a slightly sharp flavor that contrasts the richness of the cheese and butter in the sandwich.
Brioche is another option with a soft and sturdy texture that holds up during pan-frying. It browns quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning. It goes well with mild, melty young Gouda or thin slices of Brie and raspberry jam.
If you want to use a variety of cheeses, from gooey mozzarella to pungent, creamy blue cheese, consider using thick slices of nutty multigrain bread. This option boosts fiber and flavor in your sandwich.
For a simple, classic sandwich, thinly sliced soft white bread and gooey, meltable American cheese singles are a popular choice.
Other options to consider include Pullman loaves, rye bread, potato bread, and cranberry walnut bread.
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How long to cook for
The cooking time for a grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer varies depending on the source. Some sources recommend cooking the sandwich for 3 to 4 minutes, while others suggest 4 to 6 minutes. The difference in cooking time may be due to the different types of air fryers used, the thickness of the bread, or the amount of cheese used.
It is important to note that the sandwich should be flipped halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. Additionally, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to ensure that the sandwich starts cooking and crisping immediately.
To achieve the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, the air fryer should be set to a temperature between 350°F and 390°F. The sandwich should be cooked until it is golden brown and crispy, with the cheese melted. This usually takes around 3 minutes per side.
It is worth mentioning that the type of bread and cheese used can also impact the cooking time. For example, a sturdy bread such as sourdough or rustic Italian, cut at least 1/2-inch thick, can stand up better to the circulating heat of the air fryer. As for cheese, a combination of sharp cheddar and a melting cheese such as Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or low-moisture mozzarella works well.
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How to get the cheese to melt
To make a grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer, it is recommended that you grate the cheese first, as this helps it melt faster and gives you that desirable cheese pull. You can use a combination of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar and a melting cheese like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or low-moisture mozzarella.
Once you have grated your cheese, you can assemble the sandwich. Spread butter onto one side of two slices of bread. You can use mayonnaise instead of butter if you prefer. Flip one slice over and divide the cheese evenly over it. Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread, with the buttered side facing up. Press the sandwich slightly to close.
If your air fryer has a strong fan, you may want to use a toothpick to hold the sandwich together or preheat the air fryer, put the sandwich in, and wait until the cheese melts a little before turning the air fryer on. You can also line your air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent a mess, but make sure you don't exceed the paper's maximum temperature.
Place the sandwich in the air fryer, which should be heated to 375ºF, and air fry for 3 minutes. Flip the sandwich and air fry for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. If the bottom of the sandwich is still not golden brown, flip it again and air fry for another 1 to 2 minutes.
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What to serve with grilled cheese sandwiches
To make grilled cheese sandwiches in an air fryer, heat the air fryer to 375ºF. Grate and toss together 4 ounces of sharp Cheddar cheese and 4 ounces of Monterey Jack cheese. Assemble the sandwiches by spreading butter on one side of each slice of bread, dividing the cheese evenly between two slices, and placing the remaining bread slices on top, butter-side up. Place the sandwiches in the air fryer and cook for 3 minutes. If desired, flip the sandwiches and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
Now, here are some ideas for what to serve with your grilled cheese sandwiches:
- Soups: Tomato soup is a classic pairing, but you could also try a creamy nutty soup, potato zucchini soup, or beef vegetable soup.
- Dips and Sauces: Spicy tomato jam, basil aioli, jalapeno ranch dip, chili crisp, or a rich cheese sauce are all great options for adding extra flavor to your sandwich.
- Sides: French fries, potato wedges, or baked sweet plantains can provide a crispy and salty contrast to the grilled cheese. Pickles, sliced tomatoes, or a seasonal salad are also refreshing options.
- Beverages: Soft drinks, iced tea, or a glass of cold milk are all great choices to round out your meal.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 3-6 minutes to cook a grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer. The time may vary depending on the type of bread and cheese used, as well as the desired level of browning.
The ideal temperature for cooking a grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer is between 350°F and 390°F.
To prevent the cheese from melting off the bread, you can use toothpicks, butter, or mayonnaise to secure the sandwich together. Alternatively, you can place a steamer rack or a steel rack on top of the sandwich to weigh it down and prevent it from flying around.
For the bread, it is recommended to use sturdy bread such as sourdough or rustic Italian, cut into at least 1/2-inch thick slices. As for cheese, a combination of flavorful cheese like sharp cheddar and melting cheese like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or mozzarella works well.
