Easy Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Recipe

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Discover the ultimate comfort food with our easy Air Fryer Grilled Cheese recipe! Enjoy crispy, golden-brown perfection in minutes. This air fryer sandwich is an easy recipe the whole family will love! If you love easy air fryer recipes, you’re going to LOVE this classic grilled cheese recipe.

Take your grilled cheese sandwiches to the next level with this easy and delicious Air Fryer Grilled Cheese recipe. We love making grilled cheese sandwiches and I’ve found the best way to make them – in the air fryer! 

Can we all agree that the air fryer just makes everything so much easier?! This is definitely the perfect way to make grilled cheese sandwiches. Get ready to indulge in the tastiest, crispiest grilled cheese ever thanks to this simple air fryer recipe.  And, if you love easy sandwich recipes, you’ll love these Italian Sandwich Roll Ups and this delicious Chicken Salad.

Why You’ll Love This Sandwich Recipe

• 3 Ingredient Recipe – Made with simple ingredients, it doesn’t get better than this!
• Effortless Cooking: Say goodbye to flipping sandwiches on a stove top. With the air fryer, you can enjoy this simple recipe with minimal prep work and cleanup.
• Customizable Creations: Get creative with your grilled cheese by experimenting with different breads, cheeses, and added ingredients.
• Quick and Easy: Craving a comforting grilled cheese sandwich? The air fryer creates a crispy sandwich in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods, making it a great recipe for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.
• Versatile Anytime Meal: Enjoy air fryer grilled cheese for lunch, dinner, or even as a late-night snack. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it perfect for any meal of the day and the perfect comfort food.

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Ingredients

• Bread – You can use any type of bread you would like. I reach for white bread a lot but feel free to do oat bread, potato bread, whole wheat, etc.
• Butter – You will find that real butter works best for this recipe, as it helps to add flavor but creates that perfect crispy bread. Unsalted and room temperature is key.
• Cheese – Here is where you can get creative. Reach for a classic American cheese or step out of the box. Gruyere, pepper jack, sharp cheddar cheese, etc. You can use one type of cheese or do a mix of different cheeses.

How to Make Grilled Cheese in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat the air fryer as directed. Then spread the butter on the side of each slice of bread.
2. Once the air fryer is heated, place the butter side down in the basket.
3. Add your cheese to the bread, and top with the other piece of buttered bread, butter side up.
4. Close the air fryer and cook as directed. After a few minutes, flip to get an even cook on the bread.
5. Once toasty, remove and serve right away with your favorite sides.

Grilled Cheese Variations

Here are a few ways to serve up this classic grilled cheese with a twist. You will find the options are endless so get creative and make a sandwich that is perfect for you.

• Top your cheese with your favorite deli meat like turkey, ham, pastrami, pepperoni, etc.
• Add sliced tomatoes and/or avocado.
• Add some pizza sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese to create a pizza sandwiches.
• Use mayonnaise in place of the butter for spreading on the sides of the bread.
• Top cheese with crispy bacon.

Tips for Making the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

• Preheat Your Air Fryer – To ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior, preheat your air fryer before adding your sandwiches.
• Butter Both Sides – Spread a thin layer of butter on the outside of your slices of bread. This helps achieve that golden-brown crust and adds flavor.
• Avoid Overfilling – While it’s tempting to pack your sandwich with extra ingredients, be mindful not to overfill it. Too many toppings can prevent the bread from crisping up properly.
• Use Parchment Paper – Placing a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket can help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Flip Halfway Through – To ensure both sides of your grilled cheese are perfectly crispy, flip the sandwich halfway through the cooking time.
• Multiple Sandwiches – If you are cooking more than one sandwich, make sure to leave space between the bread and don’t let the edges touch. This will create an uneven cook area for the bread.
• Keep an Eye on It – Air fryers can cook quickly, so pay careful attention to your grilled cheese sandwich to prevent it from burning.
• Let It Cool – Allow your grilled cheese to cool for a minute or two before slicing into it. This helps the melted cheese set and prevents it from oozing out too much when you cut into the sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of bread for air fryer grilled cheese?

Absolutely! Whether you prefer white sandwich bread, whole wheat, sourdough bread, French bread, or gluten-free, feel free to use your favorite bread for the perfect grilled cheese in the air fryer.

What kind of cheese works best for air fryer grilled cheese?

The beauty of a delicious grilled cheese sandwich is that you can add your favorite cheese! From classic cheddar to creamy mozzarella or even a gourmet blend, choose your favorite cheese or mix it up. We always do a mix of cheddar, swiss cheese, and Monterey jack. Experiment with different types of cheese to create the perfect sandwich for you and your family. 

Is butter or mayonnaise better when making grilled cheese sandwiches?

Honestly you can use either butter or mayo for spreading on the bread slices to make a grilled cheese. The goal when making a grilled cheese is to create a nice crispy golden brown crust on the bread. Both spreads will provide that texture.

Should I slice or grate cheese for grilled cheese?

Slices of cheese or grated cheese will definitely work. If using shredded cheese, I recommend purchasing a block of cheese and shredding it yourself. Pre-grated cheese contains extra starch to help the cheese from sticking together so it will affect the texture and the way the cheese melts.

Do I need to flip grilled cheese sandwiches in the air fryer?

You will flip the grilled cheese half way through cooking. Just make sure that you allow it to cook for a few minutes, and then with a spatula carefully flip the sandwich over to create that even crispy bread.

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Sausage Cheese Balls
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots
• Air Fryer Donuts