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Indulge in the Delight of Air Fryer Waffle House Patty Melt

A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favourite

The Waffle House patty melt is a beloved staple for diners across the United States, known for its perfectly grilled beef, melty cheese, and crisp bread. But who says you can’t recreate this classic comfort food right in your own kitchen, and in a healthier way? Enter the air fryer, your kitchen’s new best friend that provides all the deliciousness without the excess oil. In this article, we’ll guide you through making a scrumptious air fryer Waffle House patty melt, allowing you to savour this indulgent dish with ease.

What Makes a Perfect Patty Melt?

At its core, a patty melt features a few key components: a juicy beef patty, gooey cheese, grilled onions, and buttery, toasted bread. Traditionally, rye bread is used, but you can opt for whichever type you fancy. The beauty of the patty melt lies in its simplicity and the harmony of flavours that come together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To recreate your own air fryer Waffle House-style patty melt, gather the following ingredients:

• For the Patty Melt:

  • 500g ground beef (ideally 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices of cheese (American, Swiss, or your personal favourite)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 slices of rye or sourdough bread
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
• For the Seasoning:
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Patties

Start by mixing the ground beef with the seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika) in a large bowl. Form the mixture into patties, making them slightly wider than your bread to allow for shrinkage during cooking.

2. Slice the Onions

In a separate pan, add a drizzle of oil and sauté the sliced onions until they are soft and caramelised. This may take around 10-15 minutes over medium heat. Once done, set them aside.

3. Air Fry the Patties

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the beef patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they reach a nice caramelisation and are cooked to your desired doneness.

4. Assemble the Patty Melts

While the patties are cooking, spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the non-buttered side of two slices, arrange a slice of cheese, followed by the cooked patty, some caramelised onions, and another slice of cheese. Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.

5. Air Fry the Patty Melts

Carefully place the assembled patty melts in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches. Cook at the same temperature (180°C or 350°F) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy while the cheese is gooey. Flip halfway through to ensure even toasting.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and let them sit for a moment. Then, slice in half and serve hot with your favourite side, such as crispy chips or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

The air fryer Waffle House patty melt is not only a delightful meal but also a demonstration of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Perfect for a family dinner or a satisfying lunch, this recipe brings the comfort of diner food to your own home, all while being a healthier option. So, dust off your air fryer and indulge in this mouth-watering treat—you won’t regret it!

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