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This classic air fryer grilled cheese sandwich is buttery, crunchy, and filled with gooey cheese, everything a grilled cheese should be. And thanks to the air fryer, it’s perfectly toasted without needing a skillet or stovetop. Ready in minutes and easy enough for kids to help make.
“Such an easy way to make a grilled cheese! The air fryer makes it so crispy!”
-Becky
These sandwiches are a delicious lunch with yummy melty cheese in between your favorite slices of bread. It pairs so well with a bowl of tomato soup, Cabbage Roll Soup, or just a Beet and Kale Salad, and has almost no prep time!
It’s pretty simple to make up to four sandwiches at a time, instead of having to make them in a frying pan, one or two at a time. And the crunch is just perfect after air frying.
If you are looking for more sandwich recipes, you will love Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches, Air Fryer Caprese Grilled Cheese and Air Fryer Ham and Swiss Sliders too. Looking for more recipes? Check out this list of over 100 Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Will Need
- 2 slices of bread – White, sourdough, or whole wheat all work great.
- 1–2 slices of cheese – American, cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite combo.
- 1 tablespoon butter or mayonnaise – For that golden, crispy finish.
A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.
Recipe Variations
- Use mayo instead of butter – Mayo gives the sandwich a tangy flavor and even crispier texture.
- Mix up the cheese – Try a combo of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, or add pepper jack for a kick.
- Add extras – Try thin tomato slices, crispy bacon, or a light spread of pesto before cooking.
- Make it open faced – Toast a single slice of bread with cheese on top for a quick snack.
- Low-carb option – Use low-carb bread or even chaffles (cheese waffles) for the base.
If you love cheese, check out these Air Fryer Cheese Curds, Air Fried Babybel Cheese, or these easy Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Roll Ups.
Looking for the BEST accessories to use with your air fryer? We’ve put together this list of our favorite Air Fryer Accessories.
How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
- Spread butter or mayo on one side of each slice of bread. Place a slice of cheese between the unbuttered sides so the buttered sides are on the outside.
- Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes. Then place the sandwich in the air fryer basket. To keep the bread from lifting while cooking, you can secure it with toothpicks. Just remember to remove them before serving.
- Cook at 370 degrees F (188 degrees C) for 4–5 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let it cool for a minute or two, then slice and serve.
Expert Tips
- Preheat the air fryer – A quick preheat helps the bread start crisping right away.
- Use toothpicks – This helps prevent the top slice from blowing off during cooking.
- Don’t overload with cheese – Too much can melt out the sides before the bread toasts.
- Flip gently – Use a spatula or tongs to turn the sandwich without squishing it.
Looking for the BEST accessories to use with your air fryer? We’ve put together this list of our favorite Air Fryer Accessories.
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese FAQs
Any bread will work, but thicker slices like sourdough or Texas toast give you the best structure and crunch.
Yes, but it’s a little messier. Use just enough to cover the bread and press it down so it doesn’t blow around and melt inside the air fryer basket.
Either works! Mayo gives a slightly tangier flavor and crispier finish. Butter is classic and gives that rich, golden toast.
More Air Fryer Meals
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Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 slices white bread
- 1 tablespoon butter, or mayo
- 1-2 slices cheese
Instructions
- Spread butter or mayo on one side of each slice of bread. Place a slice of cheese between the unbuttered sides so the buttered sides are on the outside. To keep the bread from lifting while cooking, you can secure it with toothpicks. Just remember to remove them before serving.
- Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes. Then place the sandwich in the air fryer basket. Cook at 370 degrees F (188 degrees C) for 4–5 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let it cool for a minute or two, then slice and serve.
Video
Notes
- Preheat the air fryer – A quick preheat helps the bread start crisping right away.
- Use toothpicks – This helps prevent the top slice from blowing off during cooking.
- Don’t overload with cheese – Too much can melt out the sides before the bread toasts.
- Flip gently – Use a spatula or tongs to turn the sandwich without squishing it.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
When i make grilled cheese the top bread flies off the sandwich. Why
Hi Kim. That can happen if the air circulating catches it just right. You can use a tooth pick to anchor it down.
This looks great! I’m planning on making roasted tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches soon. My problem with grilled cheese is the bread usually burns before the cheese melts. This seems like the perfect solution. Two questions for you: 1) Do you set your air fryer to the bake setting rather than air fry setting? 2) Can you make three or four sandwiches in one batch, or is it best just to do two at a time?
Hi there! I typically use the air fry setting for everything I do. You can make 4 sandwiches if your air fryer basket allows the room. Some baskets are smaller than others so they can be hard to fit in so many. If your air fryer has the room, you can cook as many as will fit! 🙂
The only way I make my grilled cheese since the 1rst time I made them in my air fryer.
Thank you! So glad you liked it!
I’m going to try this one.
You will love it! It is so easy! Please let us know what you think.