Is it possible to make an air fryer cheese toastie as good as one you’d make in a pan or press? Yes, it is! This recipe is made with good quality white bread, a little mustard, and two types of cheese with ooey, gooey results.
A cheese toastie is one of those simple, comforting meals that never goes out of style.
The combination of crisp, buttery bread and gooey, molten cheese is irresistible, whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a late-night snack.
Using an air fryer takes out the guesswork, ensuring an evenly golden, crunchy exterior without needing to flip the sandwich mid-cook.
The blend of mature (sharp) cheddar and mozzarella strikes a perfect balance between flavour and texture.
Cheddar brings a rich, savoury sharpness, while mozzarella ensures that satisfying, stretchy melt.
The mustard adds just a hint of tang, cutting through the richness and enhancing the overall depth of flavour. A pinch of black pepper brings a little warmth, rounding everything out.
Choosing the right bread is key to getting the best texture. A good-quality crusty white loaf works well, providing structure without becoming too dense.
Sourdough or a seeded bloomer can also add extra flavour and crunch, if that's your preference. Whichever bread you use, spreading butter right to the edges ensures an even, golden finish.
For a bit of extra crunch and the joyful nuttiness that caramelised cheese can bring, in this recipe you'll sprinkle a little grated cheese onto the outer surface before air frying.
This creates a bubbly, lacy, crispy cheese crust that I find heavenly against the fluffy inner of the bread and smooth ooziness of the filling.
As someone who loves great fuss without a great fuss, I love that this air fryer method delivers all the indulgence of a classic toastie without the need for a sandwich press or frying pan.
Serve it on its own or pair it with a bowl of tomato soup for a classic, comforting meal.
For a smoky twist, you could swap the cheddar for a slice of smoked gouda. And if you're in the mood for even more flavour, you could try adding garlic mushrooms to your toastie, or a spoonful of caramelised onions, or even a few sundried tomatoes to take it to the next level.
Read on for the full recipe with detailed instructions and a helpful photograph for every step. And if you have any questions, just leave me a comment. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 4 slices crusty bread
- 75 g (2.6 oz) cheddar cheese
- 75 g (2.6 oz) mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp mustard
- Pinch black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Mine defaults to 4 minutes at 205C.
Butter each slice of bread. Place two slices of bread in the air fryer, butter side down.
Spread with the mustard.
Top 3/4 of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Add a pinch of black pepper.
Top each toastie with the remaining slices of bread, butter side up.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
Set the air fryer to 160C/320F and bake for 10 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. Cut in half to serve.
Once you've given my recipe a go, I'd love you to come back and leave a comment letting me know how yours turned out.
I'd love to see your videos and pics, too! Just tag me on social media. I'm @emilylearycooks on Twitter and TikTok or @amummytoo on Instagram.
Print this air fryer cheese toastie recipe
Air Fryer Cheese Toastie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 4 slices crusty bread
- 75 g (2.6 oz) cheddar cheese
- 75 g (2.6 oz) mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp mustard
- Pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Mine defaults to 4 minutes at 205C.
- Butter each slice of bread.
- Place two slices of bread in the air fryer, butter side down.
- Spread with the mustard.
- Top 3/4 of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Add a pinch of black pepper.
- Top each toastie with the remaining slices of bread, butter side up.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
- Set the air fryer to 160C/320F and bake for 10 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. Cut in half to serve.
Nutrition
More air fryer recipes to try
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