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.
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 an excellent choice, use a garlic butter spread.
- Bacon or Ham: Add a few slices of bacon or a 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.
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Make the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer. Enjoy ooey-gooey cheese and perfectly toasted bread in minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
2 slices bread
2 to 3 slices of cheese (or 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!
