Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Recipe

Bread: Use your favorite vegan bread. Look for options that are clearly labeled vegan to ensure they contain no animal products.

Vegan cheese: Choose a meltable vegan cheese. There are many varieties available, so pick one that suits your taste preferences.

Vegan butter: This is used for spreading on the bread to achieve that perfect golden brown and crispy texture.

To achieve an extra crispy texture on your grilled cheese, try using a light coating of vegan mayonnaise instead of vegan butter on the outside of the bread. The oil in the mayonnaise helps to create a golden, crunchy crust while adding a subtle tangy flavor.

• vegan bread - Substitute with gluten-free vegan bread: If you have gluten intolerance or prefer a gluten-free option, this substitute ensures the recipe remains vegan while accommodating dietary restrictions.

• vegan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast and cashew cheese: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor, and cashew cheese offers a creamy texture, making this a great alternative for those who prefer whole food ingredients.

• vegan butter - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil is a healthy fat that spreads easily and provides a rich, buttery flavor, making it a suitable alternative to vegan butter.

• Allow the grilled cheese to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.

• Wrap each sandwich tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps to maintain freshness and prevents the sandwiches from drying out.

• Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against moisture and air.

• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator. The sandwiches will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the sandwiches. Wrap them in a layer of parchment paper before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Label the bag with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been stored. Frozen grilled cheese sandwiches can last up to 2 months.

• To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwich in the basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.

• Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.

• Avoid using a microwave for reheating, as it can make the bread chewy and the cheese unevenly melted.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover grilled cheese in the basket and heat for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melty.
• Warm a skillet over medium heat. Place the grilled cheese in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until the bread is golden and the cheese is gooey.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the grilled cheese in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.
• Use a toaster oven set to 350°F (175°C). Place the grilled cheese directly on the rack and heat for 5-7 minutes until the bread is crispy and the cheese is warm and melty.
• Microwave on a microwave-safe plate. Cover the grilled cheese with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to ensure the cheese is melted and the bread is warm.

• Air fryer: A countertop appliance that circulates hot air to cook food, giving it a crispy texture similar to frying without the need for oil.

• Spatula: A flat, broad tool used for flipping the sandwich halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides.

• Butter knife: A utensil for spreading vegan butter evenly on the bread slices.

• Cutting board: A flat surface to place the bread while spreading the vegan butter and assembling the sandwich.

• Bread knife: A serrated knife used for slicing the sandwich after it’s cooked.

• Tongs: A tool for safely removing the hot sandwich from the air fryer basket.

Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer while you prepare the sandwiches to save time.

Use pre-sliced cheese: Opt for pre-sliced vegan cheese to avoid the hassle of slicing.

Butter ahead: Spread vegan butter on the bread slices in advance and store them in the fridge.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple sandwiches at once if your air fryer has enough space.

Quick cleanup: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup.