Introduction

Nothing beats a perfectly crispy, gooey grilled cheese sandwich, and making it in the air fryer is quick and effortless. This recipe delivers melty cheese and golden bread with minimal mess, perfect for a satisfying snack or simple meal.

Two golden brown grilled cheese sandwiches are stacked slightly askew on a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has three layers: crispy toasted bread with a crunchy textured crust on the outside, a middle layer of melted yellow cheese oozing out from the edges showing gooey, smooth texture, and a hint of browned, slightly bubbling cheese that has spilled and hardened on the bottom slice. In the background, there is a white bowl with yellow patterns holding bright red strawberries, and a blue and white striped cloth partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 pieces sandwich bread
4 slices cheese (2 cheddar and 2 Havarti recommended)
3 tablespoons butter (or mayonnaise as an alternative)

Instructions

Step 1: Spread butter or mayonnaise evenly on one side of each piece of bread.
Step 2: Place one piece of bread, buttered side down, in the air fryer basket. Add 2 slices of cheese on top, then cover with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
Step 3: Cook the sandwich in the air fryer at 370°F for 4 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 4 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Step 4: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Tips & Variations

Try spreading mayonnaise instead of butter for a tangy, crispier crust.
Mix different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for unique flavors.
Add tomato slices or cooked bacon inside for an extra special sandwich.

Storage

Store leftover grilled cheese sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness and warm the cheese.

How to Serve

A close-up of a golden brown grilled cheese sandwich with a crispy, textured top layer of melted cheese and toasted bread. The sandwich shows slightly oozing orange melted cheese peeking out from the sides between two thick slices of toasted bread, which have a crunchy surface and a warm, golden color. It is placed on a dark grill pan with visible slots beneath the sandwich. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bread for this recipe?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw the bread first to ensure even cooking and to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can make this sandwich in a skillet over medium heat, flipping carefully until the bread is toasted and the cheese melts. Cooking times will vary.

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 128 reviews

A quick and delicious Air Fryer Grilled Cheese recipe that makes perfectly toasted sandwiches with melted cheese in just minutes. Using the air fryer ensures a crispy exterior and gooey interior without the need for traditional pan frying or butter-heavy methods.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Category: Lunch or Snack
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

4 pieces sandwich bread

Cheese

4 slices cheese (2 cheddar, 2 Havarti)

Spread

3 tablespoons butter (or mayonnaise as alternative)

Instructions

Prepare the bread: Spread butter or mayonnaise evenly on one side of each piece of sandwich bread to ensure a crispy, golden crust during cooking.
Assemble the sandwich: Place a piece of bread buttered side down into the air fryer basket. Top it with two slices of cheese, then place another piece of bread on top with the buttered side facing up.
Cook first side: Air fry the sandwich at 370°F (188°C) for 4 minutes. This step starts melting the cheese and toasts the bread nicely.
Flip and finish cooking: Carefully flip the sandwich over and continue cooking at 370°F for another 4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is thoroughly melted.
Serve: Remove the grilled cheese from the air fryer and serve warm for best taste and gooey texture.

Notes

Mayonnaise can be used instead of butter to spread on the bread for a different flavor and crispy texture.
Use your favorite type of cheese slices to customize the sandwich flavor.
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on air fryer model; adjust accordingly if bread needs more crisping or cheese is not melted enough.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if making multiple sandwiches.

Keywords: air fryer grilled cheese, grilled cheese sandwich, quick sandwich, easy lunch, melted cheese sandwich, crispy grilled cheese