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Air Fryer Waffle House Patty Melt

Name: Air Fryer Waffle House Patty Melt
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1/2 pound Ground beef (80/20 for best flavor); 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste); 1/2 large Yellow or White Onion (Thinly sliced ); 2 Slices American Cheese (Swiss, or cheddar cheese); 4 slices Rye bread (or your preferred bread); 2 tablespoons Butter

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Air Fryer Waffle House Patty Melt — If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying sandwich bursting with flavor, look no further than the Waffle House Patty Melt.

This Southern classic is a symphony of textures and tastes, featuring a juicy all-beef patty, melty American and Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, crisp bacon, and all sandwiched between two slices of buttery toasted rye bread.

The origins of the Waffle House Patty Melt are a bit murky, but it’s believed to have been created sometime in the 1950s or 1960s to offer customers a more upscale option than the typical burgers on the menu. And upscale it is! The combination of the savory patty, melty cheese, sweet onions, and salty bacon is irresistible.

What Makes the Waffle House Patty Melt So Special?

Several things make the Waffle House Patty Melt so special:

The patty: The patty is made from 100% pure beef and is cooked to juicy perfection.
The cheese: The combination of American and Swiss cheese provides a creamy and flavorful base for the sandwich.
The onions: The onions are caramelized to perfection, adding a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
The bacon: The bacon adds a salty and smoky element that takes the sandwich to the next level.
The bread: The rye bread is toasted golden brown, providing a sturdy base for all the delicious fillings.

What Is A Waffle House Patty Melt

The Waffle House Patty Melt is a legendary sandwich from the iconic Southern restaurant chain. It’s a classic comfort food experience, combining savory and satisfying flavors between two slices of toasted rye bread.

The beauty of the Patty Melt lies in the contrasting textures and tastes. The juicy patty and melty cheese offer a soft and decadent mouthfeel, while the crispy bacon and toasted bread provide a delightful crunch. The caramelized onions add a sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the meat and cheese, and the option of sauces allows for individual flavor preferences.

While the exact origins of the Patty Melt are debated, it’s believed to have been introduced sometime in the 1950s or 1960s as a more upscale option on Waffle House’s menu. It quickly gained popularity and became a beloved staple for locals and travelers.

The Patty Melt is best enjoyed hot and fresh at a Waffle House, where the magic of their griddle and recipe brings everything together. However, many online copycat recipes allow you to recreate the experience at home. Variations exist with different cheeses, bread options, and veggie burgers replacing the beef patty.

Whether you’re a Waffle House regular or simply curious about this Southern classic, the Patty Melt offers a unique and delicious sandwich experience. Its combination of comfort and flavor has secured its place as a legendary item, waiting to be savored by both food enthusiasts and casual diners.

Serve with air fryer sweet potato wedges, a plate of air fryer hash browns, or even a side of air fryer french fries, and this makes for an amazing and delicious homemade patty melt.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

Classic Comfort Food: Recreates the iconic and beloved flavors of the Waffle House experience at home. Nostalgia can make the taste even more enjoyable.
Customization: Control the quality and type of ingredients, from patty thickness to cheese choice. Experiment with different toppings and sauces to personalize the flavor.
Cost-Effective: It can be cheaper than ordering at the restaurant, especially if you use leftover ingredients. It allows you to stretch your groceries further.
Cooking Satisfaction: The pride of creating a classic dish yourself. It is a fun activity to share with friends or family.
Learning & Experimentation: Learn new cooking techniques like caramelizing onions. Experiment with different recipes and variations to find your perfect Patty Melt.
Juicy Beef Patty: Impress your friends and family by recreating this popular restaurant dish at home!

Remember, the key to loving any recipe is finding one that suits your preferences and experimenting to make it your own. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of a homemade Waffle House Patty Melt!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Waffle House Patty Melt

Dive into the comfort of classic diner fare with this Waffle House Patty Melt recipe, a hearty and satisfying sandwich that will delight any time of day. Known for its perfectly grilled beef patty, melted cheese, and caramelized onions sandwiched between toasted bread, the patty melt is a beloved Waffle House’s menu staple. This recipe brings the iconic taste of the roadside diner into your kitchen, offering a simple yet delicious meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack.

How To Make A Patty Melt In The Air Fryer

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.

Ground Beef: Choose a high-fat content ground beef, such as 80/20, for a juicy and flavorful patty that stays moist and tender when cooked.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Season the beef patty generously with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance its natural flavors and ensure a savory taste.
Sliced Onions: Thinly sliced onions are slowly caramelized to a golden brown, adding a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the sandwich.
Sliced Cheese: American cheese is traditional for its creamy melt and mild flavor, but you can also use Swiss or cheddar cheese for a different taste profile.
Rye Bread: The distinct flavor of rye bread complements the savory beef and sweet onions, but you can substitute it with your favorite sandwich bread.
Butter: Used to butter the bread before toasting, it adds richness and helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior key to a great patty melt.

With these core ingredients, you can recreate the classic Waffle House Patty Melt at home, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience with simple, quality components.

How To Make Waffle House Patty Melt In Air Fryer

Making a Waffle House Patty Melt in an air fryer is a modern twist on the classic diner favorite, allowing you to enjoy the same savory flavors with a slightly healthier cooking method. Here’s how to create this delicious sandwich using your air fryer:

Form the Patty: Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then form it into a patty slightly larger than your pieces of bread. Patties shrink as they cook, so account for this to ensure a good fit.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C). This ensures a hot environment for cooking the patty evenly and quickly.

Cook the Patty: Place the patty in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through or until the patty reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove the patty and set it aside. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature before removing them from the air fryer basket.

Caramelize the Onions: While the beef patty cooks, caramelize the onions in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with butter or oil until golden brown and soft. This may take about 15-20 minutes for the best flavor.

Assemble the Sandwich: Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side lay a slice of cheese, followed by the cooked beef patty, caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and finally, the second slice of bread, buttered side out.

Air Fry the Patty Melt: Carefully place the assembled sandwich back in the air fryer. Cook at 360°F (182°C) for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is toasted to your liking and the cheese has melted. You may need to press the sandwich slightly to ensure it is even cooking.

Serving: Once the sandwich is toasted and the cheese melted, could you remove it from the air fryer? Let it cool for a minute before cutting into halves.

Enjoy your Air Fryer Waffle House Patty Melt with your favorite sides for a complete diner-inspired meal. This method reduces the oil needed for cooking and delivers a deliciously crispy and juicy patty melt that will satisfy your cravings.

Pro Tips

Patty Perfection: Use high-quality ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio) for optimal juiciness—season generously with salt and pepper before cooking. Aim for medium-rare to medium doneness for maximum flavor.
Cheese Heaven: Shred your own American and Swiss cheese for superior meltability. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a nutty depth. Experiment with different ratios to find your ideal cheesiness.
Caramelized Delight: Don’t rush the onions! Slice them thinly and cook them slowly over low heat with butter or oil until deeply caramelized and almost sweet. This adds a crucial layer of flavor and texture.
Toasty Delight: Use thick-cut rye bread and toast it to a golden brown for a sturdy base and satisfying crunch. Butter the bread before toasting for extra richness.
Smoky Savior: Opt for thick-cut bacon and cook it to a crispy perfection. The smokiness beautifully complements the savory flavors.
Secret Sauce: Drizzle Worcestershire sauce on the patty while cooking for a subtle umami boost. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder for an extra savory kick.

Faq’s

Can I use pre-shredded cheese? While convenient, freshly shredded cheese melts better. However, pre-shredded can work in a pinch.

What if I don’t have rye bread? Sourdough, raisin toast, or Texas toast offer good substitutes.

Are there vegetarian options? Absolutely! Use a veggie burger patty or portobello mushroom steak instead of beef.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce? Soy sauce or a dash of balsamic vinegar are possible substitutes.

How do I prevent the burger from drying out? Don’t overcook the meat patty! Aim for medium-rare to medium doneness. Use high-quality meat with a good fat ratio.

My onions aren’t caramelizing! Be patient! Cook them slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and sweet.

My cheese isn’t melting evenly! Use shredded cheese and distribute it evenly over the patty. Cover the pan during cooking to trap heat and promote melting.

What other toppings can I add? The possibilities are endless! Sliced pickles, jalapenos, sauteed mushrooms, or fried eggs are great options. Serve with your favorite condiments.

Can I add different sauces? Sure! Experiment with BBQ sauce, mayo, or your favorite hot sauce for a flavor twist.

How to store cooked patty. Let the cooked burger cool to room temperature, and then place them into an airtight container. The cooked patties will last in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

I want it extra cheesy! Use your favorite cheeses, and add a slice of pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a spicy or creamy variation.

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