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Airfryer Fakeaway Chopped Cheese
Air Fryer Chopped Cheese is the easiest way to make this classic New York-style sandwich at home. Juicy seasoned beef, melted cheese, and toasted buns come together for the ultimate comfort food.
SERVES
2
COOKING TIME
20 mins
DIFFICULTY
simple
What Is Chopped Cheese?
The chopped cheese sandwich is an iconic New York City staple, often found in corner bodegas across Harlem and The Bronx. It’s a no-fuss, ultra-satisfying sandwich made with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, all packed into a toasted sub roll or brioche bun. Think of it as New York’s answer to a cheeseburger—but chopped up, loaded into bread, and bursting with flavour.
Traditionally, chopped cheese is cooked on a flat-top griddle where the beef is chopped as it cooks, seasoned to perfection, and topped with slices of American cheese. Once the cheese is melty and gooey, it’s scooped into a soft hero roll and finished with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and classic condiments like mayonnaise or ketchup.
But what if you could enjoy this legendary sandwich without the trip to NYC or the takeaway bill? That’s where the air fryer chopped cheese fakeaway comes in – a delicious homemade version that’s quick, easy, and full of flavour.
Why Chopped Cheese Is the Ultimate Fakeaway
When you’re craving a dirty burger or loaded sandwich but want to stay in control of ingredients (and calories), this chopped cheese fakeaway hits the spot. Using lean ground beef or turkey, your favourite cheese, and fresh salad toppings, you can recreate that bodega-style indulgence at home.
It’s fast food made healthier—especially when you use the air fryer to cook or crisp it up. Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or a weekend treat, a homemade chopped cheese sandwich is an affordable and satisfying alternative to a greasy takeaway.
What Ingredients Do I Need for a Chopped Cheese Fakeaway?
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own air fryer chopped cheese at home:
- Ground beef or turkey
- American cheese (use cheddar, mozzarella, or whatever melts well)
- Sub rolls, brioche buns, or hero bread – something soft but sturdy.
- Seasonings (garlic and onion powder, Cajun, or even Worcestershire sauce)
- Lettuce & tomato
- Mayonnaise or ketchup – or both!
Feel free to customise with caramelised onions, pickles, jalapeños, or mustard.
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Chopped Cheese
Don’t overfill the air fryer – work in batches if needed.
- Wrap sandwiches in foil to avoid mess and keep things neat while toasting.
- Use good bread – a soft bread roll or brioche holds up best to the heat and fillings.
- Meal prep friendly – cook the beef in advance, then reheat and assemble when ready.
Method
Step 1
Heat a pan over medium heat and add your chopped pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté until softened. Add the mince along with 1–2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook until mince is fully browned. Stir in the ketchup, mustard then add the cheese and let it melt.
Step 2
Spread 1 tablespoon of mayo onto each sub roll, then layer with lettuce, tomato, the cooked beef, and more cheese. Wrap the subs in foil and air-fry at 180°C for 8 minutes.
Step 3
Slice in half and enjoy 😊
Ingredients
400g beef mince
1 white onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1-2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
15g ketchup
15g yellow mustard
Grated cheese blend (I used mozzarella and red Leicester)
2 sub rolls (hoagie)
2 tbsp spicy mayo
Shredded iceberg lettuce, for serving
Tomato slices, for serving
