Few things are as comforting as a perfectly toasted ham and cheese sandwich.
Whether you call it a toastie, grilled cheese, or toasted sandwich, it’s a beloved staple of British cuisine.
Thick-cut bread, plenty of butter, and that irresistible cheese pull are all essential components.
But when it comes to cooking methods, one woman is making waves by declaring that pan-frying is outdated, and she’s found a game-changing alternative.
In a post shared on the Facebook group Air Fryer: Easy Recipes, an unnamed woman revealed that she had completely ditched the frying pan in favour of her air fryer.
Sharing a photo of her perfectly golden toastie, she described her method in detail:
- Butter both sides of the bread and sprinkle it with garlic salt for added flavour.
- Fill the sandwich with deli ham, a slice of American cheese, and a slice of Gouda for the ultimate melt.
- Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (370°F) for five minutes.
- Place the sandwich inside and cook for five minutes, flipping it over halfway through.
The result? A crispy, golden-brown toastie that she insists is better than anything cooked in a pan.
“Oh my gosh, I tried an air fryer ham and cheese today, game changer. I will never pan-fry again,” she wrote.
Her revelation quickly divided opinions. Some users were eager to try it, with one responding:”That looks delicious! I’m going to have to try this.”
Another enthusiastically agreed, they added: “This is my favourite cooking method for grilled cheese!”
Others chimed in with more air fryer tips, suggesting that swapping butter for mayonnaise can take the toastie to the next level.
The higher smoke point of mayo results in an even crispier crust, according to some home cooks.
However, not everyone was convinced. Some toastie purists argued that nothing beats the classic pan-fried method, where slow toasting in butter creates the perfect crunch.
Others insisted that a traditional sandwich press or grill is still the best way to achieve that authentic, melty goodness.
