Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Discover the amazing air fryer grilled cheese sandwich: perfectly browned and oozing with melty cheese in just 6 minutes!
This air fryer grilled cheese sandwich is a snap to fix and make, and it’s delicious! The air fryer might seem an unlikely appliance choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, but it works beautifully! Within about 6 minutes, you’ll have perfectly browned grilled cheese sandwiches oozing with melty cheese.
Depending on the size of your bread, you can probably do from 2 to 4 sandwiches at a time. I used a combination of sliced American cheese and some shredded mild cheddar, and the sandwich was excellent.
Why You’ll Love It
Quick and foolproof. Ready in about 6 minutes with no flipping mess or uneven toasting.
Perfectly crisp texture. The air fryer browns bread beautifully while melting the cheese evenly.
Endlessly customizable. Switch up the cheese, spreads, or add-ins for new variations every time.
Ingredient Notes
- Bread: Use a sturdy sandwich bread, sourdough, or brioche for best results.
- Cheese: American, cheddar, Fontina, Gruyère, or muenster all melt well — combine two for more flavor.
- Butter: Gives the bread a classic golden crust; mayonnaise or garlic butter are tasty alternatives.
- Oil or spray: Lightly coat the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
Steps to Make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Preheat the air fryer: Brush or spray the basket lightly with oil or ghee. Preheat to 400°F (200°C); preheating is optional depending on your air fryer model.
- Assemble the sandwich: Spread butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. Place one slice, buttered side down, on a cutting board. Add cheese (sliced or shredded), then top with the second slice, buttered side up.
- Air-fry: Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket. Cook for 3 minutes, flip carefully with a spatula, and air-fry for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
- Serve: Transfer to a plate, slice if desired, and serve hot with soup, salad, or chips.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
- Don’t overload with cheese — 1½ to 2 ounces is plenty for even melting.
- Preheat if your air fryer tends to brown unevenly.
- Flip halfway through cooking for the best golden color.
- If making multiple sandwiches, keep finished ones warm in a 200°F (90°C) oven while you cook the rest.
Recipe Variations
- Cheese: Use your favorite cheeses. Try Fontina, Gruyère, mild cheddar, sliced American, muenster, or a combo.
- Spreads: I used butter, but mayonnaise is also excellent, or use a garlic butter spread.
- Bacon or Ham: Add a few slices of crisp, cooked bacon or a thin slice of ham to each sandwich for smoky flavor.
- Kimchi: Add about 1/4 cup of drained kimchi to the filling.
- Caramelized Onions: Top grated Gruyère cheese filling with caramelized onions for a French onion grilled cheese sandwich.
- Olive Salad: Spread olive salad on the bread before you add the cheese.
What to Serve With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Salad: Coleslaw goes well with sandwiches, or serve a simple green salad with Italian dressing.
- Soup: Serve air fryer grilled cheese sandwiches with a cup of tomato soup, pea soup, or a heartier soup like this zuppa toscana or bacon cheeseburger soup.
- Chips: Potato chips, fries, or sweet potato fries are excellent choices.
How to Store and Reheat Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Refrigerate: Wrap cooled sandwiches in foil or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 3 minutes, or bake in the oven until the bread is crisp and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from getting soggy.
Freeze: Not recommended, as the bread texture softens when thawed.
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread
- 2 slices cheese, or 3, or use shredded, about 1 1/2 to 2 ounces
- 4 teaspoons salted butter, or to cover
Instructions
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Brush the air fryer basket with a little oil or spray with ghee or olive oil. Preheat the air fryer to 400 F (200 C). Preheating is optional and depends on the air fryer.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread butter over one side of each slice of bread. Place a slice, buttered side down, on a cutting board, wax paper, or parchment paper. Top with the cheese of your choice.
- Air-Fry: When the air fryer is ready, place the cheese-topped slice in the basket, buttered side down, and top with the other slice of bread, buttered side up. Cook for 3 minutes, flip it over, and air fry for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve: Use a spatula to transfer the sandwich to a plate. Add your favorite sides, a cup of soup, pickles, or vegetables, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
