Air Fryer Grilled Cheese with Apple and Arugula

By Ramona Cruz-Peters of Fab Everyday

Did you know that you can make the easiest, crispiest “grilled” cheese sandwiches in the air fryer? It’s true, and once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to the old way. Today I’m sharing a recipe for a completely plant-based air fried grilled cheese sandwich made with vegan cheese substitute. We take the traditional grilled cheese up a delicious notch by adding arugula and apples.

Here’s what you need:

Start by preheating an air fryer at 380 degrees for 5 minutes.

While the air fryer preheats, spread vegan mayo on the outside of two pieces of sourdough bread. Yes, I said the outside of the bread! The mayo helps the bread to brown and crisp up deliciously without adding butter.

On the inside of one of the pieces, layer shredded vegan Cheddar substitute (I personally prefer Violife for how well it melts), arugula, Granny Smith apple slices, then more cheese. Top with the other piece of bread to close the sandwich.

Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray and place the sandwich inside.

Cook your vegan grilled cheese at 380 degrees for 6 minutes, then flip the sandwich.

Cook for an additional 4 minutes, or until the bread is your desired brownness.

Slice and serve!

Look how melty and delicious this vegan cheese turns out in the air fryer!

Here’s the Air Fryer Vegan Grilled Cheese with Apple and Arugula recipe. Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends and vegetable add-ons.

Air Fryer Vegan Grilled Cheese with Apple and Arugula

Serves 1 | Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 10 minutes; Total time: 20 minutes

vegan, dairy-free

Ingredients:

• 2 slices sourdough bread

• Vegan mayonnaise

• Shredded vegan Cheddar substitute (I prefer Violife)

• Arugula

• Sliced Granny Smith apple

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat an air fryer to 380 degrees F for 5 minutes.

2. While the air fryer preheats, spread vegan mayo on the outside of two pieces of sourdough bread.

3. On the inside of one of the pieces, layer vegan cheese, arugula, apple slices, and more cheese. Top with the other piece of bread.

4. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray and place the sandwich inside. Cook at 380 degrees for 6 minutes, then flip the sandwich and cook for an additional 4 minutes, or until the bread is your desired brownness.

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