Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and incredibly easy to make. With buttery golden bread and gooey cheese at the center, it’s a simple comfort food classic made even better and faster in the air fryer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me the perfect grilled cheese without needing a skillet or stovetop. The air fryer crisps the bread evenly and melts the cheese just right, all with minimal cleanup. It’s quick, kid-friendly, and endlessly customizable with different breads and cheeses.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bread slices (white, sourdough, whole wheat, or your favorite)

• Butter, softened

• Sliced cheese (cheddar, American, mozzarella, or any melty variety)

• Optional add-ins: tomato slices, bacon, ham, or mustard

directions

1. I preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C).

2. I spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.

3. I place a slice of cheese (or two) between two slices of bread, with the buttered sides facing out.

4. I place the sandwich in the air fryer basket, making sure it lays flat and isn’t overcrowded.

5. I air fry for 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

6. I let it rest for a minute before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 grilled cheese sandwich and takes 5 minutes to prep and 7–9 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in under 15 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I use different cheeses like Swiss, pepper jack, or gouda for a flavor twist. I’ve added extras like crispy bacon, sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, or a thin layer of mustard. For a grown-up version, I brush the bread with garlic butter or use sourdough and sharp cheddar.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers (which is rare), I store them in the fridge wrapped in foil or an airtight container. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to regain that crisp texture. The microwave makes it soggy, so I avoid that.

FAQs

What’s the best bread for grilled cheese?

I like using classic white, sourdough, or a hearty multigrain. Thicker slices give a crisp exterior while staying soft inside.

What cheeses melt best?

Cheddar, American, mozzarella, provolone, and Swiss all melt well. I often mix a few for extra gooey flavor.

Can I use mayo instead of butter?

Yes, mayo spreads easily and gives a golden crust. I’ve used it many times as a butter substitute.

Can I make more than one at a time?

Yes, as long as they fit flat in the air fryer basket without overlapping. I work in batches if needed.

How do I keep it from flying around in the air fryer?

If the bread is very light, I gently press the sandwich before cooking or use a toothpick to help it hold together.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is the ultimate quick comfort meal—crispy, cheesy, and effortlessly satisfying. It’s easy to make, hard to mess up, and always hits the spot whether I’m serving it with soup, salad, or just enjoying it solo. Once I try it in the air fryer, I don’t want to make grilled cheese any other way.