Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

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Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is so simple to make, you’ll never want to use a pan again! Enjoy one for a quick and easy meal that’s mess-free too.

two halves of air fryer grilled cheese sandwich

If you’re thinking that making grilled cheese on the stovetop is easy enough, let me tell you that air fried grilled cheese is life changing!

ingredients to make air fryer grilled cheese

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

With perfectly toasted bread and a gooey center, who could resist making grilled cheese in the air fryer?

There’s less fat, the cheese melts better, and you end up with those perfectly crisp edges that make the best grilled cheese!!

If this recipe is too simple for your taste, check out my gourmet version that’s stuffed with bacon, tomatoes, and arugula.

Or, try a crispy Monte Cristo with raspberry jam – just like the kind you can get at Disneyland!

spreading mayonnaise on bread for grilled cheese

How to Air Fry Grilled Cheese

  • Use plenty of cheese. This recipe calls for 3 slices per sandwich so you can really taste the flavor.

    Adjust the amounts as needed, especially if you plan to use a bolder variety or a combination of both.
  • Assemble carefully. Be sure to keep the slices of American away from the edges of the bread. If any hangs over, it tends to get hard or spill down through the basket.
  • Toothpicks are your friend! Stick one through each sandwich to prevent any sliding or separation at first.

    You can remove it once it’s ready to flip since the air fryer grilled cheese sandwich will be melty enough to hold together.
  • Have leftovers? While these are best when freshly cooked, you can keep extras in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

    Reheat grilled cheese in the air fryer until warm and crispy again.
slices of bread topped with cheese in air fryer

Serving Suggestions

Pair your air fryer grilled cheese sandwich with a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup. It’s a classic comfort food combo for a reason!

Too hot for soup? Make a batch of sweet potato chips or crispy fries. Even a simple salad or seasonal fruit would be delicious with air fryer grilled cheese.

grilled cheese sandwiches in air fryer basket

Air Fried Grilled Cheese FAQ

Does grilled cheese in the air fryer come out soggy?

Not at all! In fact, you’re guaranteed perfectly crunchy bites when you air fry grilled cheese sandwiches.

Because of the circulation in the basket, each sandwich gets nice and crisp all around the outer layer.

Can I use butter instead of mayo?

Yes, feel free to use whichever you prefer. The flavor difference shouldn’t be too noticeable.

Mayonnaise and butter are the two most commonly used spreads for this type of sandwich, and either will create a crispy texture on the outside of the bread.

What’s the best bread and cheese combo for air fryer grilled cheese?

This really comes down to preference, and there’s no right or wrong answer. Get creative with different combinations and try two different cheeses at once if you would like!

If you do use a thinner or less dense variety of bread, keep an eye on your sandwich towards the end of cooking. You may need to pull it early so it doesn’t become too dark or crispy.

Breads: Italian, whole wheat, honey wheat, ciabatta, rye
Cheeses: Velveeta, sharp cheddar, Swiss, Havarti, fontina, gruyere, Monterey Jack

dipping air fried grilled cheese in tomato soup

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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close up: stacked grilled cheese sandwich halves

air fryer grilled cheese

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Donna Elick
Air fryer grilled cheese is so simple to make, you’ll never want to use a pan again! Enjoy one for a quick and easy meal that’s mess-free too.
5 stars from 1 review
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American
Method Air Fryer
Servings 2

Ingredients
 

  • 4 slices sourdough bread
  • 6 slices American cheese
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, divided
  • serve with dill pickle spear and tomato soup, optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer at 350°F for 4 minutes.
  • Spread 1/2 tablespoon of mayo on one side of a slice of sourdough bread. Place bread mayo-side down in the air fryer basket. Repeat for a second slice.
  • Place 3 slices of American cheese on top of each of the bread slices, keeping the cheese away from the edges.
  • Spread 1/2 tablespoon of mayo on a new slice of sourdough bread. Place the bread, mayo-side up on top of the cheese slices of the first sandwich. Repeat for the second sandwich. Secure the sandwich stack together with a toothpick.
  • Cook at 350°F for 10 minutes, removing toothpicks and flipping halfway through.
  • Flip one more time and cook an additional 1-2 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
  • Remove promptly from the air fryer and cut in half. Serve with a dill pickle spear and a bowl of tomato soup. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 503cal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 1527mg | Sugar: 4g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 693mg | Iron: 3mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
titled collage for grilled cheese air fryer recipe

Originally published September 2021

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