Cheesy Toast in an Air Fryer

Equipment

• Air Fryer (basket or oven style)
• Butter knife or offset spatula
• Cheese grater
• Tongs (for safe removal from the hot basket)
• Air fryer parchment paper liner or aluminum foil (optional)

Ingredients

• Bread: 2 slices of thick-cut bread (Sourdough, Texas Toast, Brioche, or French Bread work best)
• Butter: 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• Garlic Powder (Optional): ¼ teaspoon for a savory garlic-bread style base
• Main Cheese: ½ cup freshly shredded Low-Moisture Mozzarella or Sharp Cheddar
• Secondary Cheese: ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (adds a rich, salty bite and golden crust)
• Seasoning & Herbs: ¼ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Freshly chopped parsley or chives for garnish
• Pinch of coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Bread

1. Start by making sure your butter is soft enough to spread without tearing the bread. In a small dish, mix the softened butter with the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Evenly coat one side of each slice of bread, making sure to spread the butter all the way to the edges. Buttering the edges prevents them from burning in the air fryer before the cheese fully melts.

Step 2: Combine the Cheeses

1. In a small bowl, toss together the shredded mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and grated Parmesan. Shredding your own cheese from a block rather than buying pre-bagged shredded cheese is highly recommended. Pre-shredded cheeses are coated in cellulose anti-caking agents, which prevent them from achieving that smooth, stretchy melt.

Step 3: Assemble the Toast

1. Flip the buttered bread slices over so the buttered side will face down in the basket, or keep the buttered side up if you want a double-sided garlic butter base. Generously pile the cheese mixture over the top of each slice. Press the cheese down gently with your fingers so it stays secure during cooking. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes over the cheese layer.

Step 4: Preheat and Load the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 2 minutes. Preheating ensures an immediate blast of hot air, which helps lock in crispy textures. Place the assembled toast slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Ensure the slices do not overlap so the air circulates freely around each piece.
2. Pro Tip: Air fryers rely on powerful circulating fans. If your cheese is lightweight, it might fly off the bread during the first minute. To prevent this, press the cheese firmly into the bread, or secure the top with toothpick skewers for the first two minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

1. Cook at 370°F (188°C) for 4 to 5 minutes .
2. At 3 minutes: Check on the toast. The cheese should be completely melted and starting to bubble.
3. At 4–5 minutes: The cheese should be nicely browned around the edges with a bubbling center, and the crust should be deep golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately

1. Carefully remove the hot cheesy toast from the basket using tongs. Transfer to a cutting board, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives, and let cool for 60 seconds so the cheese sets slightly. Slice diagonally and enjoy while hot and stretchy!

Nutrition

Calories: 295 kcal — · Protein: 12.4 g 25% · Fat: 18.5 g 24% · Carbohydrates: 20.1 g 7% – Dietary · Saturated Fat: 11.2 g 56% – Trans · Fiber: 1.2 g 4% – · Sugar: 1.8 g — · Sodium: 520 mg 23%