Buzz
Some people may dislike American cheese, but that’s because they either don’t get it, or they’ve let elitism cloud their judgment. While it’s not the cheese of choice for an elegant cheese platter, it’s perfect for burgers, bologna sandwiches, and classic grilled cheese sandwiches, especially when paired with a warm bowl of tomato soup. Food scientists designed it to melt smoothly, stretch just right, and resist greasy separation. If it no longer has any fans, it must mean I’m gone.
Even I—the ultimate American cheese enthusiast—was taken aback by how well it works as a cheese crisp. The first person to introduce me to this revelation was my favorite TikTok chef, Kevin Ashton, and ever since, I’ve been air-frying slices of American cheese, sometimes adding pickles for an extra touch. While frying American cheese in a regular pan yields good results, the air fryer gives it a lighter, crispier texture with bubbles that’s totally unique.
What makes air fryer cheese crisps so special?
While traditional, pan-fried frico is thin and flat, an air-fried cheese crisp turns out bubbly and airy. The powerful airflow inside the fryer makes the cheese puff up, forming large air pockets that burst with just a slight pressure. Depending on the cooking time, you may also get a layer of melted, chewy cheese in the middle, offering a pleasant contrast in texture. It’s reminiscent of a cheesy version of chicharon.
Steps for making a cheese crisp in your air fryer
Apologies to those using toaster ovens; this recipe is designed for basket-style air fryers. Set your fryer to 400℉, and place a slice or more of American cheese directly onto the bottom of the basket (remove the tray). You can try using different cheeses, but you may need to adjust the cook time. Cook for around 8 minutes. (If your cheese starts flying around, don’t worry—it happens in my large fryer but not in the small one. Just check it after the first minute.) Once the cheese crisps up and turns golden on top, carefully lift it with a small silicone spatula and place it on a plate. Optionally, top with smoked paprika or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.
