Air Fryer Grilled Pimento Cheese Recipe – A Quick & Easy

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a timeless comfort food, beloved for their crispy, buttery exterior and melty, gooey interior. But what happens when you elevate the classic grilled cheese by incorporating the creamy richness of pimento cheese and cook it using an air fryer? You get an Air Fryer Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich—a delectable twist on an old favorite that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, an afternoon snack, or a fun party appetizer, this recipe is simple to prepare and bursting with flavor.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Air Fryer Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions, along with nutritional information to help you make informed choices.

Ingredients

To make an Air Fryer Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Bread: 2 slices of your preferred bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat work well).
• Pimento Cheese: 1/2 cup of pimento cheese spread. You can either make your own or use store-bought.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons of softened butter to spread on the bread for that crispy golden crust.
• Cheddar Cheese (Optional): 1/4 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for added richness and flavor (optional but highly recommended).

You can customize the pimento cheese by adding extras like jalapeños for a spicy kick or even a touch of garlic powder for depth.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

The preparation time for this recipe is quick and simple. In just a few minutes, you’ll have your ingredients ready to go, and the air fryer will do the rest!

Active Time

• Active Time: 5 minutes

Once everything is prepped, you’ll spend just about 5 minutes assembling the sandwich, applying butter to the bread, and setting it in the air fryer. The majority of the time is spent waiting for the air fryer to crisp up the sandwich perfectly.

Resting Time

• Resting Time: 1-2 minutes (optional)

Allow the sandwich to rest for a minute or two after it’s done cooking. This will help the melted pimento cheese settle, making it less likely to spill out when you take a bite.

Total Time

• Total Time: 10 minutes

This recipe is perfect for a quick meal, and you’ll have a crispy, cheesy sandwich ready in under 10 minutes, including prep and cooking time!

Course

• Course: Snack, Lunch, or Dinner

This Air Fryer Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich makes an ideal snack, light lunch, or even a satisfying dinner when paired with a side salad or soup.

Cuisine

• Cuisine: American, Southern

Grilled cheese sandwiches are an American classic, and pimento cheese is a staple of Southern cuisine. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds, with the comfort of grilled cheese and the distinctively tangy, creamy pimento cheese filling.

Servings

• Servings: 1 sandwich (can be easily doubled or tripled depending on your needs)

This recipe makes one serving, but you can easily scale it up to feed multiple people by making additional sandwiches and cooking them in batches.

Calories

• Calories: Approximately 400-450 calories per sandwich (depending on the bread and pimento cheese used)

The calorie count will vary based on the bread type, the amount of butter, and whether you add extra cheese. However, this sandwich is generally a calorie-dense comfort food that’s perfect for a treat!

Equipment

• Air Fryer: A 3.5-5 quart air fryer works best for this recipe, as it can fit one or two sandwiches at a time depending on the size.
• Butter Knife: For spreading butter on the bread.
• Spatula: To carefully remove the sandwich from the air fryer once it’s done.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the sandwich cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. This butter will help create the crispy golden crust once the sandwich is air-fried. If you want extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar cheese on the buttered sides of the bread.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

On the non-buttered side of one slice of bread, spread a generous amount of pimento cheese. You can add more if you prefer a cheesier sandwich. Place the second slice of bread on top with the buttered side facing out.

Step 4: Air Fry the Sandwich

Place the sandwich in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure it’s not overcrowded. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, then flip the sandwich over and cook for another 3-4 minutes until both sides are golden brown and crispy, and the pimento cheese is melted inside. The exact cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the bread and the specific air fryer model.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the sandwich from the air fryer and allow it to cool for 1-2 minutes. This will make it easier to slice and enjoy without the melted cheese spilling out. Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich

• Butter the Bread Generously: Don’t skimp on the butter—it’s the key to achieving that perfect golden, crispy crust.
• Use Fresh Bread: Fresh bread holds up better to the cheese and butter, preventing sogginess.
• Add Extra Flavor: Customize your pimento cheese by adding chopped pickles, jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce for a unique twist.
• Check on the Sandwich: Since air fryers vary, check the sandwich halfway through cooking to ensure it’s not overcooking. Adjust the time if necessary.

Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 400-450
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

Note that the nutritional values can vary depending on the type of bread and pimento cheese used, but this breakdown gives a rough idea of what to expect.

Conclusion

The Air Fryer Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich recipe is an easy, quick, and flavorful take on a classic comfort food. The crispy texture, combined with the creamy, tangy pimento cheese filling, makes it a mouthwatering treat. Whether you’re new to cooking with an air fryer or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

With minimal prep time, simple ingredients, and a cook time of less than 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you’re craving something delicious and comforting. So, fire up your air fryer and indulge in this cheesy, crispy delight today!