This ultra-crispy Air Fryer Grilled Cheese takes just 10 minutes to achieve melty, golden-brown perfection. With 20g of protein and that irresistible comfort-food appeal, it’s a game-changing twist on the classic sandwich.
The air fryer creates an exceptionally crunchy exterior while maintaining that gooey cheese center we all love – no butter-soaked pan needed. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick, satisfying, and deliciously indulgent.
Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
- Bread: 8 slices of thick white bread, preferably day-old for better structure
- Primary Cheese: 4 slices sharp cheddar, thinly sliced for optimal melting
- Secondary Cheese: 4-8 slices of your choice (Swiss, provolone, American, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Fontina or Havarti)
- Butter: Room temperature for easy spreading on bread slices
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F for the perfect crispy exterior
- Assembly: Generously butter the outer sides of bread and layer your chosen cheese combinations inside
- Securing: Insert a toothpick in the center to keep the sandwich together during cooking
- First Air Fry: Place sandwiches in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes at 370°F
- Flip & Finish: Carefully turn sandwiches and cook additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown
- Final Check: Monitor closely until desired toasting level is achieved, then remove toothpick before serving
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Hey there! Want to make the best air fryer grilled cheese? Use butter at room temperature – it spreads much easier on your bread. Keep that top slice from flying away by pressing down gently on your sandwich with a toothpick. And here’s a little secret: thicker bread slices work better because they stay put and get super crispy!
Cheese Combinations We Love
Mix and match your cheeses for amazing flavors! Try sharp cheddar with creamy Havarti for the perfect balance. Or go fancy with Gruyere and Swiss – they melt like a dream and taste amazing together.
Just remember to slice your cheese thin so it melts evenly. Want extra cheesy goodness? Add an extra slice, but don’t overdo it – about 2-3 thin slices total is perfect.
Serving Ideas
Make your grilled cheese meal extra special! Pair it with tomato soup for that classic combo everyone loves. Want something lighter? A simple green salad works great.
For extra fun, cut your sandwich into triangles and put out some pickle spears on the side. And if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits between the cheese layers before cooking!
Quick Storage Tips
Grilled cheese tastes best fresh from the air fryer when it’s hot and crispy. If you need to save it for later, wrap it in foil and pop it in the fridge – but try to eat it within a day. To reheat, put it back in the air fryer at 350°F for just 1-2 minutes. The bread will get crispy again, and the cheese will melt just right!
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Toothpicks
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick slices of white bread
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese sliced thinly
- 4-8 slices Swiss, provolone, American, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Fontina or Havarti or your favorite melty cheese
- butter for spreading
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 370 degrees.
- Butter the outsides of the bread slices and assemble sandwiches with cheese in the center. Use a toothpick to secure the sandwich together (if your bread is thin, the top piece will blow off during cooking).
- Place grilled cheese sandwiches in air fryer basket or oven in an even layer—you will likely need to cook them in batches. Air fry at 370 degrees for 2-3 minutes, flip and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes.
- Check often to check that it doesn’t burn. During the first minute of cooking, check that the top slice of bread hasn’t blown off of the cheese.
- Total cook time will depend on the type of bread. Check on it periodically and continue cooking until it reaches your desired level of toasted. Remove toothpick before eating.
