You want to know how to cook Sandwich Bros chicken melts in an air fryer. It’s a quick way to get a hot, satisfying meal with minimal effort. This guide will walk you through the simple process, ensuring you get that perfect crispy outside and melted inside every single time.
Air fryers are fantastic for heating frozen foods like these. They use hot air to create a crispy texture without needing a lot of oil. For stuffed sandwiches like chicken melts, this method is often better than a microwave, which can leave the bread soggy.
How To Cook Sandwich Bros Chicken Melts In Air Fryer
This is the core method for cooking your Sandwich Bros chicken melts. The process is straightforward, but a few key tips make all the difference. Always start with a preheated air fryer for the most consistent results.
What You’ll Need
- Sandwich Bros Chicken Melts (any variety, like Southwest or Three Cheese)
- An air fryer
- Air fryer parchment paper liners or a light spray of oil (optional)
- Tongs or a spatula
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Turn your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Let it heat for about 3 minutes. This helps the cook start immediately for a crispier finish.
- Prepare the Basket: If you’re worried about sticking, you can use a parchment paper liner designed for air fryers. A very light spray of oil on the basket works too, but it’s often not nessesary as the melts have some oil in them.
- Arrange the Melts: Place the frozen chicken melts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not stack them. Leave at least half an inch of space between each one so the hot air can circulate properly.
- Cook: Air fry at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes. The exact time can vary based on your air fryer model and how many your cooking.
- Check and Flip: At the 6-minute mark, carefully open the basket. Use tongs to flip each chicken melt over. This ensures both sides get golden and crispy.
- Finish Cooking: Continue cooking for another 2 to 4 minutes, or until the outside is a deep golden brown and the inside is piping hot. The total cook time is usually between 8 and 12 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the melts from the air fryer and let them cool for 1-2 minutes. The filling will be extremely hot, so this rest time is important for both safety and taste.
Important Tips for Perfect Results
- No Thawing Needed: Always cook the melts straight from frozen. Thawing them first will make the bread soggy and they won’t hold their shape.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cooking in batches is better than cramming them in. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and a steamed texture instead of a crispy one.
- Adjust for Your Model: Smaller, basket-style air fryers might cook faster than larger oven-style ones. Start checking at the 6-minute mark on your first try to learn your appliance’s timing.
- For Extra Crispiness: If you prefer a very crispy crust, you can increase the temperature to 375°F for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
How to Know When They’re Done
The visual and textural cues are your best guide. The outer bread should be a uniform golden brown and feel crisp to the touch. There should be no pale, doughy spots. When you press lightly on the side, it should feel firm, not soft. You can also carefully peek inside to check that the cheese is fully melted and the chicken is hot all the way through.
Serving Suggestions
These melts are a complete meal on their own, but you can easily round things out. Serve them with a simple side salad, some carrot sticks, or a bowl of tomato soup for dipping. They make a great quick lunch, easy dinner, or even a hearty snack.
Cleaning Your Air Fryer Afterwards
Any cheese or filling that may have leaked out can stick. Always unplug the air fryer and let it cool completely before cleaning. Remove the basket and tray and wash them with warm, soapy water. For stubborn bits, let them soak for a few minutes. Wipe the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth. Making sure it’s dry before the next use prevents any funky smells.
Comparing Cooking Methods
You might wonder how the air fryer stacks up against other methods.
- Air Fryer vs. Microwave: The microwave is faster (about 1-2 minutes) but yields a soft, sometimes soggy sandwich. The air fryer takes longer but gives you a crispy, toasted texture that is vastly superior.
- Air Fryer vs. Oven: A conventional oven can achieve similar crispiness, but it takes much longer (often 15-20 minutes) and uses more energy. The air fryer’s speed and efficiency wins here.
- Air Fryer vs. Skillet: A skillet on the stove can create a nice crispy crust, but you need to add oil and watch it closely, flipping carefully. The air fryer is more hands-off and uses less oil.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
It’s rare to have leftovers, but if you do, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, the air fryer is again the best choice. Reheat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, until hot and re-crisped. The microwave will make them soft again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting with a Cold Air Fryer: Skipping the preheat step can lead to uneven cooking.
- Forgetting to Flip: Not flipping will leave one side pale and less crispy.
- Using Too High Heat: Cooking at 400°F or above might burn the outside before the inside is fully heated. 350°F is the sweet spot.
- Not Letting Them Rest: Biting in too soon can lead to a burned mouth from the super-hot filling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What temperature should I use for chicken melts in the air fryer?
350°F (175°C) is the ideal temperature. It heats the filling thoroughly while crisping the bread without burning it.
How long to cook Sandwich Bros melts in air fryer?
Cook for 8 to 12 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Always start checking at the 8-minute mark, as air fryer models vary.
Can I cook multiple Sandwich Bros chicken melts at once?
Yes, but they must be in a single layer with space between them. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches for the best results.
Do I need to spray the air fryer basket with oil?
Usually not. The melts contain enough fats to crisp up and release. If you have sticking concerns, a quick spritz of oil or a parchment liner can help.
Why are my chicken melts not crispy?
The most common reasons are overcrowding the basket, not preheating the air fryer, or not flipping them during cooking. Make sure you leave enough space for air flow.
Can I cook other Sandwich Bros items in the air fryer?
Absolutely! The same basic principle applies to their pocket melts, breakfast sandwiches, and burgers. Adjust the time slightly based on thickness, starting with the 350°F temperature.
Is it safe to cook them straight from frozen?
Yes, it is both safe and recommended. Cooking from frozen ensures the struture holds up and the bread gets crispy instead of soggy.
Troubleshooting Guide
Problem: Bread is burning but inside is cold.
Solution: Your temperature is too high. Lower it to 350°F and increase the cook time slightly, ensuring you flip halfway.
Problem: Bread is pale and soft.
Solution: Cook time is too short, or you didn’t preheat. Ensure the air fryer is hot before adding the melts and cook for the full recommended time, flipping once.
Problem: Cheese is leaking out everywhere.
Solution: A small amount of leakage is normal. For major leaks, check that the seams of the melt are intact before cooking. Also, avoid pressing down on them with the spatula during flipping.
Final Thoughts
Using your air fryer to cook Sandwich Bros chicken melts is a game-changer. It turns a convenient frozen item into a truly tasty meal with a fantastic texture. The process is simple, fast, and reliable once you get the hang of your specific appliance. By following these steps—preheating, spacing, flipping, and checking for doneness—you’ll get perfect melts every time. It’s an easy solution for busy days when you want something good to eat without any fuss.