Rich, cheesy and extra creamy, this Air Fryer Welsh Rarebit is an easy take on a classic British favorite. Made with a velvety cheese sauce infused with mustard and Worcestershire sauce, this toast is the perfect indulgent treat for breakfast!
This Air Fryer Welsh Rarebit is the ultimate cheesy and flavorful snack or light meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! Cooking it in the air fryer makes it much faster and gives the cheesy sauce the perfect finish.
Welsh Rarebit is often seen as “fancy cheese on toast” and it’s basically next level grilled cheese toast. The flavorful cheese sauce elevates this dish into a comforting, gourmet treat.
Looking for more easy breakfast air fryer recipes? Check our these Air Fryer Bagel Breakfast Sliders, Air Fryer Prawn Toast, Air Fryer Honey Toast or Air Fryer Pizza Toast.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Welsh Rarebit
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 15 minutes, this Air Fryer Welsh Rarebit is perfect for a quick snack or breakfast.
- Extra Cheesy: The creamy cheese topping is rich, savory and packed with flavor.
- Crispy and Golden: The air fryer gives the bread a perfect crisp edge while bubbling the cheese sauce to golden perfection.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.
Ingredients Needed
- Bread – Any type of bread works! Sliced bread, thick slices of sourdough or whole grain bread work beautifully to hold the cheese sauce.
- Cheese – Cheddar is traditional for Welsh Rarebit, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Mozzarella cheese also works well.
- Butter and Flour – The base of the roux, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Milk – Adds creaminess to the cheese sauce. You can use any type of milk, even plant-based.
- Mustard – Use Dijon or English mustard for a tangy kick that complements the cheese. I prefer English mustard, since it’s sharper in flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a deep, savory flavor.
- Beer – A splash of beer enhances the richness of the sauce and adds a subtle malty flavor.
- Paprika or Cayenne Pepper – Optional, but these add a touch of spice and warmth.
How to Make Air Fryer Welsh Rarebit
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
Season the Sauce: Stir in the grated cheese, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and optional beer. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper and paprika or cayenne if using.
Prepare the Bread: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices of bread in the air fryer basket. Generously spoon the cheese sauce over each slice of bread.
Cook in the Air Fryer: Air fry the bread slices for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as a snack or light meal.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy: Add a sprinkle of hot sauce or extra cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a fiery kick.
- Fresh herbs: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley or thyme for added freshness.
- Different Cheeses: Combine cheddar with Gruyère, mozzarella or even blue cheese for a more complex flavor. You can never have too much cheese!
- Whole Grain Mustard: Swap Dijon or English mustard with whole grain mustard for some texture.
- Garlic Butter Base: Spread a thin layer of garlic butter on the bread before adding the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- Toast the Bread First: For an extra crispy base, lightly toast the bread slices in the air fryer before adding the cheese sauce.
- Choose the Right Bread: Use a sturdy, thick slice of bread to support the rich cheese sauce without becoming soggy.
- Space out the slices: Leave space between the slices in the air fryer basket to allow even air circulation for browning.
- Stir Constantly: When making the cheese sauce, stir continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or beer to thin it out slightly.
- Watch Closely: Keep an eye on the air fryer during cooking to avoid over-browning the cheese. The topping should be golden and bubbly, not burnt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-sliced sandwich bread? Yes, you can use any type of bread. However, thick cut bread works best.
How do I store leftovers? Welsh Rarebit is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes.
Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the cheese sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently in a saucepan, stirring to maintain its smooth consistency. Thin it out with some milk if needed.
What can I add for extra texture? For a crunchy topping, sprinkle fried onion or crunchy bacon over the cheese sauce after air frying.
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Air Fryer Welsh Rarebit
Description
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread, your choice, such as sourdough or whole grain
- 1 cup grated cheese, cheddar is traditional
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard, Dijon or English
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt, optional
- teaspoon black pepper, optional
- 1 tablespoon beer, optional
- 1 teaspoon paprika, or cayenne pepper, optional
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until the mixture thickens. Add the cheese, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and optional beer, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika or cayenne, if desired.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices of bread in the air fryer basket and generously spoon the cheese mixture over each slice. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a delicious snack or light meal!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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