Air Fryer Spanish Manchego Grilled Cheese

Air Fryer Spanish Manchego Grilled Cheese — The perfect after-school snack, this Air Fryer Spanish Manchego Grilled Cheese is a delicious grilled cheese sandwich you can cook in the air fryer.

What’s your favorite comfort food? Mine is grilled cheese sandwiches. They are incredibly yummy when they have a nice, gooey center.

I know this sounds silly, but using very sharp cheddar and soft bread like challah or brioche makes all the difference. I think air frying would be an excellent way to ensure your sandwich doesn’t come out too crispy on the outside while keeping the inside just as melty as ever.

So here’s my recipe for Spanish Manchego Grilled Cheese! It’s perfect for those chilly winter nights when you want something warm and cheesy to enjoy with friends and family.

If you love a great and easy Air Fryer Sandwich Recipe, here are some of my favorites, AIR FRYER SAUSAGE, PEPPERS, AND ONIONS, AIR FRYER CRAB CAKE SANDWICHES, AIR FRYER SHRIMP PO’BOY, and AIR FRYER GARLIC BREAD PIZZA TOAST.

What Is Manchego Cheese?

Manchego cheese is a complex Spanish sheep’s milk cheese that has to be aged for seven months before being sold. It has a nutty flavor and tempered saltiness, making it an excellent table cheese or melting cheese. Manchego cheese originated in La Mancha in central Spain, but today, you can find this tasty treat all over Europe.

The best thing about manchego is how much variety there is when cooking with the different cheeses – from omelets to pasta dishes! If you want something new to try on your next dinner date, why not give some manchego a shot? You’ll never look back!

Does Manchego Cheese Melt

Yes, Manchego cheese does melt. Manchego is a popular Spanish cheese made from sheep’s milk known for its rich and nutty flavor. Its melting characteristics depend on its age:

• Young Manchego (Fresco or Curado): This variety, aged for a shorter period (around 2-4 months), is softer and melts quite well. It’s ideal for grilled sandwiches and quesadillas or topping dishes where you want a smoother, melty cheese.
• Aged Manchego (Viejo or Añejo): Aged for a longer period (over a year), this type becomes harder and more crumbly. While it still melts, it doesn’t do so as smoothly as younger Manchego. Aged Manchego is often used for grating over dishes or included in recipes where a slight melt is desirable but not the main focus.

In cooking, Manchego’s melting properties make it a versatile cheese suitable for a variety of dishes. However, it’s essential to consider the age of the Manchego when deciding how to use it, especially if you’re looking for a specific texture or degree of meltiness.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Spanish Manchego Grilled Cheese

Embark on a culinary adventure with our Air Fryer Spanish Manchego Grilled Cheese, where each ingredient plays a pivotal role in creating a sandwich that’s bursting with flavor and texture. From the heartiness of the bread to the rich, nutty essence of Manchego, every element comes together to craft a grilled cheese that’s anything but ordinary.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Manchego Cheese: Young Manchego Cheese: This younger variety of Manchego cheese, known for its creaminess and milder sheep’s milk flavor, melts beautifully, creating a rich and gooey filling.
• Sourdough Bread: The robust and slightly tangy flavor of sourdough bread provides a sturdy and flavorful base, ensuring each bite is satisfyingly crisp and hearty.
• Unsalted Butter: A touch of unsalted butter on the bread’s exterior guarantees a golden and crisp crust, enhancing the overall texture and adding a subtle richness.
• Sliced Tomato: Adding a few slices of ripe tomato introduces a juicy and slightly acidic element, balancing the cheese’s richness and the bread’s heartiness.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: A few fresh basil leaves provide a burst of herby freshness, elevating the sandwich with their aromatic and slightly peppery notes.
• Salt and Pepper: A sprinkle of salt and pepper is essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients, subtly enhancing the overall taste without overpowering.

These ingredients are crucial in creating a Spanish Manchego Grilled Cheese that’s not just a meal, but an experience. Prepare your taste buds for a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will transport you to the heart of Spain!

How To Make Air Fryer Spanish Manchego Grilled Cheese

Making a Spanish Manchego Grilled Cheese in an air fryer is a delightful way to enjoy a gourmet twist on a classic comfort food. Here’s a simple guide on how to create this delicious sandwich:

Preheat your air fryer for five minutes at 360 degrees F, air fryer setting. While the air fryer is preheating, slice the manchego and place the cheese slices on two slices of bread. The manchego cheese may break or crumble. This is okay, and you need to make sure the entire face of the bread is covered with cheese. 

Top the cheese with another slice of bread, cover the top of the sandwich with melted butter, and place it in the air fryer—Cook the sandwich for five minutes at 360 degrees F, air fryer setting.

Flip the sandwich, cover with more butter, and cook for another four minutes at 360 degrees.

Pro Tips:

• Preheating: Don’t forget to preheat your air fryer, which will cause your bread to get crispy. Check your owner’s manual for information on air fryer preheating since everyone is slightly different. If you do not have any instructions, set the temperature in the recipe and heat up for about 2 to 4 minutes.
• Timing: The timing of every air fryer is slightly different. So, for best results, check your Air Fryer Spanish Manchego Grilled Cheese frequently as it cooks up.
• Crowding: For best results, do not crowd your air fryer basket. Otherwise, the bread will be soggy in the center of the bread. The air fryer needs the air to move freely around the basket to cook the food perfectly!

Storing

If you have any leftovers, let them cool to room temperature, and then wrap them tightly in saran wrap. Placed into the refrigerator, they will last for about 1 to 2 days before getting soggy.

Reheating

This is a great way to make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese ahead of time for the perfect after-school or late-night snack.

Place your leftover grilled cheese into the air fryer basket, and air fry for 2 to 4 minutes, at 330 degrees F, air fryer setting, until warmed through.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER SAUSAGE, PEPPERS, AND ONIONS
• AIR FRYER CRAB CAKE SANDWICHES
• EASY AIR FRYER SHRIMP PO’BOY
• AIR FRYER GARLIC BREAD PIZZA TOAST
• AIR FRYER HOT DOG TAQUITOS

Don’t Forget To Pin!

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