Air Fryer Cheese on Toast (8 Minutes)

Nutrition per serving

Calories

490 kcal

Protein

20 g

Carbs

41 g

Fat

25 g

Fibre

2 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

855 mg

Values are estimates based on USDA FoodData Central and vary with brands and portioning.

Chef notes

Air fryers blast hot air from above, which is exactly the job a grill (broiler) does, so they make very good cheese on toast. The two things that go wrong are both about that fan: thin slices of cheese or loose shreds get blown around, and untoasted bread steams underneath. Toast it bare first, then press the cheese down hard. A strong, aged cheddar melts with more flavour than a mild one, and Worcestershire sauce is the classic British finish.

Substitutions

• Cheddar — Red Leicester, Gruyere or mozzarella mixed with cheddar for more stretch
• Worcestershire sauce — a smear of English mustard on the toast under the cheese
• Thick bread — sourdough, or a halved English muffin or crumpet

Serving suggestions

Sliced tomato, a pickle such as Branston on the side, or a bowl of tomato soup for dipping. Add a fried egg on top for a fuller meal.

Storage

Best eaten straight away; it does not keep well once made.

Reheating

If needed, reheat at 350°F (180°C) in the air fryer for 2 minutes. The microwave makes the bread chewy.

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Grater
• Butter knife

Variations

• Welsh rarebit-style: mix the cheese with 1 tablespoon milk, 1/2 teaspoon mustard and the Worcestershire before spreading
• Masala cheese toast: add finely chopped onion, green chilli and cilantro to the cheese
• Cheese and tomato: lay thin tomato slices on the toast under the cheese

Why it works

Toasting the bread bare first dries its surface, so it stays crisp under the melting cheese instead of soaking up its fat and steam. The air fryer cooks from above at high speed, so the cheese bubbles and browns before the toast underneath overcooks.

Tags