Andy Montoya
Air fryers are a great way to make grilled cheese sandwiches with a crunchy exterior and soft, melty cheese centre. The air fryer's convection heat results in the ideal grilled cheese with minimal effort and grease. The best temperature to make grilled cheese in an air fryer is between 360 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The time taken to cook the sandwich varies between 4 to 10 minutes, depending on the air fryer model and the level of brownness desired.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 360-400°F |
| Bread | Thick-cut, rustic, country white, whole-wheat sandwich bread, Texas toast, sourdough, multi-grain bread, artisan bread, French bread, white bread |
| Butter | Unsalted, softened |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, low-moisture mozzarella, muenster, fontina, havarti, American cheese, gouda, parmesan, Swiss, mozzarella |
| Condiments | Mayonnaise, gochujang, kimchi, sauerkraut, buffalo sauce |
| Time | 3-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer temperature for grilled cheese
A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic, comforting meal, and using an air fryer to make one streamlines the process and is much more hands-free. The air fryer's convection heat results in the ideal grilled cheese with minimum effort.
The best temperature to use when making grilled cheese in an air fryer is between 360 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature may depend on the model of your air fryer, so it is important to pay attention to the timing the first time you make a grilled cheese sandwich in your air fryer.
To make a grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer, start by spreading butter or mayonnaise on one side of two slices of bread. Place one slice, butter or mayonnaise-side down, in the air fryer basket. Top with your desired amount of shredded or sliced cheese. You can use any type of melting cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, or gruyère. If using sliced cheese, it is recommended to use two slices. Add a few slices of crisp, cooked bacon or some chopped onion on top of the cheese for extra flavour. Top with the second slice of bread, butter or mayonnaise-side up.
Secure the sandwich with toothpicks to keep it from falling apart in the air fryer. Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket and cook for 4 to 6 minutes. Flip the sandwich and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Carefully remove the sandwich from the air fryer, slice in half, and serve immediately. The total cooking time should be around 10 minutes.
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Bread type for grilled cheese
When making grilled cheese in an air fryer, it's important to choose a bread type that can stand up to the melted cheese and get nicely golden in the air fryer.
For a classic grilled cheese, sandwich bread is a good option. This type of bread tends to be soft and light, which is perfect for a grilled cheese. White sandwich bread is a common choice, but you can also use whole-wheat, multigrain, oatmeal, or potato bread. If you want to add a little tang to your grilled cheese, try using sourdough bread. Sourdough has a slightly sharp flavor that pairs well with the richness of the cheese and butter. It also has a crispier crust, which can add a nice crunch to your sandwich. Just be aware that sourdough may not toast as easily in the air fryer and has irregular holes that could make cheese drips a challenge. If you're looking for a sturdier option, Texas toast or Sara Lee Artesano bread are thicker cuts that work well.
If you want to get a little more creative, there are several other types of bread that can work great for grilled cheese. Brioche, for example, is a rich, buttery bread that makes for an extra-decadent grilled cheese sandwich. Just be aware that brioche may brown more quickly, so you may need to cook it over lower heat to avoid burning. Rye bread is another option that can add extra flavor to your grilled cheese. It has a strong flavor that pairs well with mild cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Gouda. If you're feeling adventurous, cinnamon raisin bread can add a unique mix of sweet and savory to your sandwich.
When choosing bread for your grilled cheese, it's important to consider the thickness and texture of the slices. For even cooking, look for bread with uniform thickness and avoid bread with large holes, as these can allow cheese to leak out. The ideal thickness is about 1/4 inch. You also want to make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up to the melted cheese and not fall apart.
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Cheese type for grilled cheese
To make grilled cheese in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to between 370 and 380 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use either butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread. For the cheese, you can use anything you have lying around, but some common options include cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, and American cheese. For a more premium grilled cheese, you could use brie, gouda, or fontina. For a more complex flavor, you could combine two types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar and Gruyère.
A basic grilled cheese can be made with sliced bread, butter, and a single type of cheese. However, there are many ways to elevate this simple dish. One way is to use a combination of two types of cheese, with one that melts well and another for flavor. For example, mozzarella is a good melting cheese, but it has a mild flavor, so you may want to pair it with a more flavorful cheese. Another way to elevate grilled cheese is to use a more premium bread, such as sourdough, rustic bread, or ciabatta, instead of plain sliced bread. You can also add extras like mustard, sliced apple, or sweet-tangy jam.
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Butter type for grilled cheese
While making grilled cheese in an air fryer, you can set the temperature to around 370-380°F (175°C). The air fryer is a great way to get a crispy and crunchy grilled cheese sandwich.
Now, when it comes to the butter, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, the type of butter itself is important. Unsalted butter is recommended, as it lets the flavour of the cheese shine through. You can also use salted butter if you prefer a saltier taste, but this may overpower the cheese. Let the butter sit at room temperature until softened, as this will make it easier to spread.
Next, the amount of butter to use is worth noting. Generally, you'll want to spread around 1/2 a teaspoon of butter on each slice of bread. This will ensure an even coating and help achieve that golden brown colour.
If you're looking for alternatives to butter, there are a few options. You can use mayonnaise, which adds creaminess and a touch of saltiness to the sandwich. Margarine is another substitute, as it has a similar consistency to butter and is easy to spread. If you're feeling adventurous, coconut oil can be used, adding a subtle coconut flavour to the sandwich. Bacon fat is another option with a high smoke point, infusing your sandwich with a unique flavour.
So, to summarise, when making grilled cheese in an air fryer, use softened unsalted or salted butter, with around 1/2 a teaspoon per slice of bread. If you want to switch things up, try mayonnaise, margarine, coconut oil, or bacon fat for a unique twist on this classic comfort food.
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Grilled cheese sandwich serving suggestions
The classic grilled cheese sandwich is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your grilled cheese sandwich:
Soup
Pairing your grilled cheese sandwich with a bowl of soup creates a comforting and satisfying meal. Try serving it with a classic tomato soup, either roasted tomato, creamy tomato basil, or tomato and spinach tortellini. For a heartier option, go for a tomato bisque. If you want to add some spice, drizzle your grilled cheese with buffalo sauce before dipping it into the soup.
Salad
For a lighter option, serve your grilled cheese sandwich with a refreshing salad on the side. Some options include a creamy cucumber salad, arugula salad, or a healthy coleslaw. This combination will give you a balance of indulgent and nutritious.
Sides
There are several side dishes that go well with grilled cheese sandwiches. Try some sweet potato fries or homemade fries for a classic comfort food pairing. If you're looking for something crunchy, go for air fryer pickles or refrigerator pickles. You could also add a side of crispy, cooked bacon or thinly sliced ham to your sandwich.
Condiments
Experiment with different condiments to elevate your grilled cheese sandwich. You can try gochujang, kimchi, or sauerkraut for an added kick of flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, add some chopped onion on top of the cheese before grilling.
Drinks
A grilled cheese sandwich can be paired with a variety of drinks, depending on your preference. For a classic combination, serve it with a glass of milk. If you're looking for something more refreshing, try a crisp lemonade or an ice-cold glass of beer.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal temperature to cook grilled cheese in an air fryer is between 360-400°F.
It takes between 4 to 10 minutes to cook grilled cheese in an air fryer.
Thick-cut bread works best for grilled cheese in an air fryer. You can use sourdough, white bread, French bread, or any bread of your choice.
Cheddar, Gruyère, Swiss, Gouda, Mozzarella, Fontina, Monterey Jack, and Muenster are some of the best cheeses for grilled cheese in an air fryer.
