Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
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My air fryer grilled cheese comes together in less than 10 minutes and turns out super crispy on the outside and gooey inside! Made with just 5 ingredients, it’s the perfect comfort food.
What can you cook in an air fryer? Literally, ANYTHING! We do anything and everything in it, including classics. My favorite thing to make, though, is a crispy and cheesy grilled cheese sandwich. It’s so much faster than the stovetop, and there is almost ZERO risk of it burning or overcooking.
After making it countless times for my partner and me, I’m convinced the air fryer is one of the easiest ways to get perfectly crisp bread and gooey melted cheese every single time.
Arman’s tips before starting
Secure the bread with a toothpick. This may sound silly, but I’ve had more than one grilled cheese lose its top slice mid-cook. A toothpick keeps everything in place while the air circulates around each sandwich.
Don’t press the sandwich. Unlike stovetop grilled cheese, there’s no need to press down on the bread. Doing so can force the melted cheese out the sides before the sandwich has finished cooking.
Cook in batches. My Phillips XL air fryer comfortably holds two full-sized sandwiches. If yours is more compact, cook the sandwiches one at a time to ensure maximum crispiness.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“Thank you for sending this recipe to my email, and yes, we made it and ate right away, even though it is morning here! We eat when hungry and YUM” – Ladnea
Key Ingredients
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Sandwich bread. I used white bread, but you can also use sourdough, whole wheat, or any other type of bread.
- Mayonnaise. The secret ingredient that guarantees the exterior to be extra crispy and delicious. I used whole-egg mayo because it has the richest flavor, but use whatever you like. Don’t worry- once cooked, you won’t actually taste it.
- Butter. Unsalted and softened to room temperature.
- Mozzarella and cheddar cheese. After making countless grilled cheeses, I’ve found the best sandwiches use at least two cheeses: one for melt and one for flavor. Mozzarella gives you those irresistible cheese pulls, while cheddar brings the sharp, cheesy flavor.
Recipe variations
Add different fillings like ham, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, or some crispy bacon.
Make it dairy-free by using dairy-free cheese, mayonnaise, and butter.
How to make grilled cheese in the air fryer
Step 1: On one side of the bread slices, spread some mayonnaise and half a tablespoon of butter on top of the mayonnaise.
Step 2- On the other side of each slice of bread, add half a cup of cheddar cheese and half a cup of mozzarella cheese.
Step 3: Place one sandwich in a greased air fryer basket. Add two toothpicks to prevent the bread from sticking.
Step 4- Let it air fry for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once the outside is golden brown, remove it from the air fryer.
Frequently asked questions
Why won’t my grilled cheese get crispy?
The most common cause is not giving it enough time in the air fryer. I always cook grilled cheese at 400°F, which crisps the bread quickly while giving the cheese enough time to melt. Overcrowding the basket can also prevent proper airflow, resulting in softer bread rather than a golden, crispy exterior.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. I like a combination of mozzarella and cheddar because you get the best of both worlds: excellent meltability and plenty of flavor. Swiss, provolone, Monterey Jack, Gouda, and American cheese all work well too.
Perfect Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Video
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread white, whole wheat, or gluten free
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Next, add half a tablespoon of butter on top of the mayonnaise. This is for the outside of the grilled cheese.
- On one side of two pieces of bread the non-mayonnaise/butter side, add half the mozzarella cheese and half the cheddar cheese on each piece of bread. Place the second piece of bread on each one, mayonnaise/butter side on the outside.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F.
- Generously spray the air fryer basket and place one sandwich in it. Add two toothpicks to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Air fry for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once the exterior is golden, remove it from the air fryer. Repeat the process with the second one.
- Slice the sandwiches in half and enjoy.
Best grilled cheese ever.love the 2 cheeses and the mayo make it perfect
Thanks so much, Starr- I’m so glad you enjoy it- how good is the mayo trick!
What is the substitute of mayonnaise? I really hate it…
Hi Mario- you can swap it out with a little extra butter 🙂
Interesting recipe. Sandwhich in different way. Italian style.
Wonderful
Thanks for the lovely feedback and review, Jacqueline!
Love cheese so much, will try.
Please do, Mario!
Love this so much!
So welcome!
Made this for my husband today for lunch! I had leftover Ham and Bean Soup and needed something to go with it. Easy, Delicious and I had all the ingredients. I shredded both mozzarella and cheddar off block bc it melts better. Added bacon and tomato and Air fryer for about 10 minutes so bread was crisp but that cheese inside so melty! Great and easy recipe. Thank you!
Oh absolutely- you know how it works, Stacey! Shredding the cheese by hand yields a much more gooey and tasty sandwich. I love that you added bacon and tomato, too!
This is so yummy delicious especially for /autumn and winter nights .with a lovely creamy Herby basil tomato soup.also tried with lovely fruity chutney ,/pickles gherkins.yummy.😋😋😋😋🥰👏👏👏xx
Mmm that soup sounds absolutely perfect- and those sandwich additions sound even better. Thanks for sharing, Rachelle!
Thank You.
Good afternoon. Found your site by way of searching for Keto cookies for my son. I went looking at what else you have and came across air fry recipes which landed me here. We do grilled cheese a lot during the winter. In your instructions you said, “Add two toothpicks to prevent the bread from sticking.” Where exactly do you add them? No, I’m not a dummy, just a first timer with the air fryer. lol Thank You in advance.
Ma G
Hi Ma! I put them in the center of the bread- it isn’t typically needed but just in case!
I didn’t think of this. Will try soon
Please do!
I want the recipe with the Blueberries and the cream cheese. Somehow I missed it
Oops forgot to rate it! 10+ Thank you for sending this recipe to email and yes we made it and ate right away even though it is morning here! We eat when hungry and YUM~
Thank you so much!
We are starting to use our Air Fryer which is the size of our microwave and Hubby calls it “Our Easy Bake Oven” which it is!
I think it will replace the microwave!
We made our EZ Bake Grilled Cheese in the EZ Bake Oven and YUM!!!
Now I know what to get the adults on our Christmas list-an EZ Bake including Armon’s EZ Recipe!
Thank you again and I am so happy I am subscribed because I am printing the recipe now!
<3