Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich in your air fryer! With gooey cheese and crispy bread, this easy recipe is perfect for a quick and tasty meal.

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food.

It's perfect for a quick lunch, a simple dinner, or even a late-night snack.

The air fryer gives the bread a crispy texture while keeping the cheese melted and gooey inside. You can use your favorite cheeses and customize it to your taste.

Whether you’re feeding the kids or treating yourself, this recipe will satisfy your craving for a warm, cheesy sandwich in just a few minutes.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Sourdough bread or another good crusty bread: Sourdough bread always tastes great for making grilled cheese. We also LOVE using the asiago cheese sourdough bread found in the bakery section of Winco.

Mild cheddar cheese, grated: Grating the cheese helps it melt more evenly and quickly.

Monterey jack cheese, grated, or your favorite: Feel free to substitute with another cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, gouda, or Swiss.

Butter, melted: This helps to create a golden-brown, crispy exterior. Brush it on the outside of the bread for even coverage.

Mayonnaise: Helps to achieve a crispier crust. Spread it on the outside of the bread along with the butter.

How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Prep

Start by preheating your air fryer to 360°F for about 5 minutes. If you are using a block of cheese, grate it now. Otherwise, you can use cheese slices or pre-shredded cheese.

Assemble

Take two pieces of bread and spread butter on one side of each piece.

On one of the buttered sides, pile on your grated or sliced cheese.

Next, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich.

Cook

Place the sandwich into the preheated air fryer basket with the mayonnaise side facing down.

Once in the basket, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the top side of the sandwich.

Cook the sandwich at 360°F for 5 minutes, then flip it over and continue cooking for another 3 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and crispy.

Serve

Once cooked, take the grilled cheese out of the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips & Tricks to Make the Best Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Here are some tips and tricks for making the best Air Fryer Grilled Cheese:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Heat it to 360°F for about 5 minutes before you start cooking. This makes the sandwich cook more evenly.

Use Grated Cheese: If you have a block of cheese, grate it. Grated cheese melts faster and spreads more evenly than sliced cheese.

Experiment: Use different types of cheese or add extras like ham, tomatoes, or pickles.

Watch the Time: Different air fryers may cook differently, so keep an eye on your sandwich to prevent burning.

Keep It Flat: Place a small, heatproof weight like a ramekin on top of the sandwich while it cooks to keep it flat and even.

Try Garlic Butter: Love garlic? Mix a little garlic powder into your butter for extra flavor on the crust.

How to Store Leftovers

Grilled cheese sandwiches are definitely best eaten freshly cooked, but if you have leftovers you can store them in a plastic bag or wrap in plastic wrap and store in the fridge up to 3 days.

Pop them back in the air fryer or oven to reheat until they are warm and crispy.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Tomato Soup: A classic pairing that tastes wonderful when dipping your grilled cheese into.

Fresh Salad: A light and refreshing option.

Pickles: These are always a great side with grilled cheese sandwiches.

French Fries: A popular side.

Coleslaw: Pairs well with the gooey grilled cheese.

Fruit Salad: A healthy and sweet option.

Potato Chips: An easy and quick side.