Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is the ultimate quick and easy comfort food! With perfectly golden, crispy bread and deliciously melted cheese, this simple sandwich is ready in minutes. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a satisfying snack, this air fryer grilled cheese recipe delivers everything you love about the classic sandwich without needing a frying pan.
Key Ingredients
One of the best things about making grilled cheese in the air fryer is that you only need a handful of simple ingredients. The key to a perfect sandwich is choosing the right bread, using cheese that melts well, and adding just enough butter for a beautifully golden crust.
Bread: Choose your favourite sandwich bread. White bread is a classic option because it becomes beautifully golden and crispy while remaining soft inside. Sourdough, wholemeal bread, brioche, and thick-cut farmhouse bread are also excellent choices.
Cheese: Cheddar is a popular choice for grilled cheese because it has a deliciously rich flavour and melts beautifully. You can also use mozzarella, American cheese, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, or a combination of cheeses.
Butter: Softened butter helps create that irresistible golden-brown exterior. Spread a thin, even layer over the outside of each bread slice before air frying.
Mayonnaise: If you prefer, mayonnaise can replace butter on the outside of the bread. It spreads easily and helps create a crisp, golden finish.
Garlic Powder: Optional, but a small sprinkle adds extra savoury flavour.
Italian Seasoning: A pinch of Italian seasoning can give your grilled cheese a delicious herby twist.
How Much Do You Need?
For one classic air fryer grilled cheese sandwich, you’ll need:
- 2 slices of sandwich bread
- 2–3 slices of cheddar cheese, or approximately ½ cup of shredded cheese
- 1 tablespoon of softened butter
- Optional: a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning
These quantities are easy to double or triple if you’re preparing sandwiches for the whole family. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
Recipe variations
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is delicious in its simplest form, but there are so many ways to customise it. Whether you want something extra cheesy, spicy, or packed with additional ingredients, these variations are worth trying.
Three Cheese Grilled Cheese
Combine cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack for an extra-creamy sandwich. Cheddar adds flavour, mozzarella provides that irresistible cheese pull, and Monterey Jack melts smoothly.
Garlic Butter Grilled Cheese
Mix softened butter with garlic powder and a little dried parsley before spreading it over the bread. This creates a delicious garlic bread-inspired grilled cheese.
Ham and Cheese
Add a slice or two of cooked ham between the cheese layers for a more filling sandwich. This variation is perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.
Bacon Grilled Cheese
Add crispy, fully cooked bacon for a smoky, savoury flavour. The combination of crunchy bacon and melted cheddar is especially delicious.
Tomato Grilled Cheese
Place a few thin slices of fresh tomato between the cheese. Pat the tomato slices dry before adding them to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
Spicy Jalapeño Grilled Cheese
Add thinly sliced jalapeños and pepper Jack cheese for a spicy twist. You can also spread a little hot sauce inside the sandwich.
Pizza Grilled Cheese
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce inside the bread, then add mozzarella and a few slices of pepperoni. Serve with extra warm pizza sauce for dipping.
Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
Spread a small amount of basil pesto inside the sandwich and add mozzarella cheese. This variation pairs beautifully with tomato soup.
Caramelised Onion Grilled Cheese
Add a spoonful of caramelised onions with cheddar or Gruyère cheese. The sweetness of the onions balances the rich, savoury cheese.
Wholemeal Grilled Cheese
Use wholemeal bread and your favourite melting cheese for a different flavour and texture. The nutty taste of wholemeal bread pairs particularly well with mature cheddar.
How to make grilled cheese in the air fryer
Making grilled cheese in the air fryer is incredibly easy. The hot circulating air helps toast the bread evenly while melting the cheese inside.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for approximately 2–3 minutes, if recommended by your appliance manufacturer.
Preheating helps the bread begin to toast as soon as the sandwich enters the basket.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Place two slices of bread on a clean work surface.
Spread softened butter evenly over one side of each slice. Make sure the butter reaches close to the edges for even browning.
If you prefer mayonnaise, spread a thin layer over the outside instead.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Turn one slice of bread over so the buttered side faces down.
Arrange the cheese over the unbuttered side. Use enough cheese to cover most of the bread without overfilling the sandwich.
Place the second slice of bread on top with the buttered side facing outward.
Press the sandwich gently to help hold everything together.
Step 4: Place the Sandwich in the Air Fryer
Carefully place the sandwich into the air fryer basket.
Make sure it sits flat and has enough space around it for the hot air to circulate.
If your air fryer has a particularly powerful fan, the top slice of bread may lift during cooking. You can secure the sandwich with an air fryer-safe toothpick, remembering to remove it before eating.
Avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook sandwiches in batches if necessary.
Step 5: Air Fry Until Golden
Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for approximately 6–8 minutes, flipping the sandwich halfway through cooking.
After about 3–4 minutes, carefully turn the sandwich using a spatula.
Continue cooking until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, bread thickness, and type of cheese. Check the sandwich early the first time you make it.
If the bread is browning too quickly before the cheese melts, reduce the temperature slightly and continue cooking.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Carefully remove the grilled cheese sandwich from the air fryer.
Allow it to rest for approximately 1 minute before slicing. This helps the melted cheese settle slightly and makes the sandwich easier to cut.
Slice diagonally for a classic presentation and serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Use Cheese That Melts Well: Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and American cheese are excellent choices.
Butter the Outside: A thin, even coating of butter helps the bread become golden and crispy.
Don’t Overfill: Too much cheese can melt out of the sandwich and make a mess in the air fryer basket.
Flip Halfway Through: Turning the sandwich helps both sides become evenly toasted.
Watch the Cooking Time: Every air fryer is slightly different. Start checking the sandwich before the suggested cooking time ends.
Choose the Right Bread: Medium-thickness sandwich bread is a great starting point. Very thick bread may need extra cooking time.
Serve Fresh: Air fryer grilled cheese tastes best immediately after cooking, while the bread is crispy and the cheese is warm and gooey.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make grilled cheese in an air fryer?
Absolutely! The air fryer is an excellent way to make grilled cheese sandwiches. It circulates hot air around the bread, creating a crispy exterior while melting the cheese inside.
It’s a convenient alternative to using a frying pan, especially when you want a quick lunch with minimal cleanup.
What temperature should I use for air fryer grilled cheese?
A temperature of 370°F (188°C) works well for most air fryers.
If your bread is particularly thick or your cheese takes longer to melt, you can reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook the sandwich a little longer.
How long does grilled cheese take in the air fryer?
Most grilled cheese sandwiches take approximately 6–8 minutes at 370°F (188°C).
The exact cooking time depends on the bread, cheese, and air fryer model.
For the best results, flip the sandwich halfway through and check that the cheese is completely melted before serving.
Do you need to flip grilled cheese in the air fryer?
Flipping is recommended because it helps both sides of the sandwich become evenly golden and crispy.
Some air fryers may cook both sides reasonably well without flipping, but turning the sandwich generally gives more consistent results.
What is the best cheese for grilled cheese?
Cheddar is one of the best choices because it has a rich flavour and melts well.
American cheese is another popular option because it creates a smooth, creamy filling.
For an extra-cheesy sandwich, try combining cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Can I use shredded cheese instead of cheese slices?
Yes! Shredded cheese works perfectly in air fryer grilled cheese.
Spread it evenly between the bread slices and avoid using too much so it doesn’t spill out during cooking.
Freshly grated cheese often melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Can I make grilled cheese without butter?
Yes. You can use mayonnaise, a light coating of olive oil, or simply toast the sandwich without added fat.
However, butter or mayonnaise helps create a richer flavour and a more golden exterior.
Why is my grilled cheese not crispy?
If your sandwich isn’t crispy, there may be too much moisture in the filling, insufficient cooking time, or too little airflow around the bread.
Avoid adding wet ingredients without draining them first, and make sure the sandwich has enough space in the air fryer basket.
You can also cook it for another minute or two until the bread reaches your preferred level of crispness.
Why isn’t my cheese melting?
If the bread browns before the cheese melts, your air fryer temperature may be too high.
Try reducing the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cooking for a little longer.
Using thinner cheese slices or freshly shredded cheese can also help the filling melt more evenly.
Can I cook two grilled cheese sandwiches at once?
Yes, provided your air fryer basket is large enough to hold both sandwiches in a single layer without overlapping.
Leave some space between them so the hot air can circulate properly.
If your air fryer is small, cook one sandwich at a time for the best results.
Can I make air fryer grilled cheese ahead of time?
Grilled cheese is best enjoyed immediately after cooking because the bread is at its crispiest and the cheese is perfectly melted.
However, you can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
For the best results, add the butter to the outside of the bread shortly before air frying.
How do I store leftover grilled cheese?
Allow leftover grilled cheese to cool, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Store for up to 3–4 days, depending on the freshness and type of fillings used.
For the best texture, reheat the sandwich in the air fryer rather than the microwave.
How do I reheat grilled cheese in the air fryer?
Place the leftover sandwich in the air fryer basket and heat at 325°F (165°C) for approximately 3–5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Continue heating until the bread is crispy and the cheese is warm and melted.
What can I serve with air fryer grilled cheese?
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of simple side dishes.
Tomato Soup: The classic combination. Dip your crispy grilled cheese into a bowl of warm tomato soup for a comforting meal.
French Fries: Crispy air fryer fries make a delicious side for lunch or dinner.
Potato Chips: A handful of crunchy crisps is a quick and easy accompaniment.
Garden Salad: A fresh green salad adds colour and balances the richness of the cheese.
Pickles: Dill pickles provide a tangy contrast to the buttery bread and creamy cheese.
Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw makes a refreshing side dish.
Whether you keep it classic with cheddar and white bread or experiment with exciting fillings, this Air Fryer Grilled Cheese recipe is a simple, satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.
PrintAir Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: lunch, Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 slices white bread
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 slices cheese
Instructions
- Spread a light layer of the butter on one side of each piece of bread.
- Place the buttered side down in the air fryer basket.
- Cover the slice of bread with a piece of cheese. Then top the cheese with another slice of bread, with the buttered side up.
- Air Fry at 370 degrees F for 3-5 minutes. Then flip, and air fry for 2-3 additional minutes, until bread reaches desired crispness.
Notes
Make this a heartier meal by adding a few slices of bacon to the sandwich, avocado slices, or on inside of slices, spread bread with pesto sauce before adding cheese.
Depending on the type of bread you use, you may want to adjust the cook times. For softer bread, or French Bread, air fry until it reaches your desired crispness.
