Air Fryer Grilled Cheese sandwiches are truly the best ever. They’re perfectly crisp with melty cheese and they’re less greasy than a pan fried grilled cheese.
Of all of the things I cook in my Air Fryer, this is definitely a favorite.
Why I Love This Grilled Cheese Sandwich So Much
Making a grilled cheese sandwich isn’t difficult but it’s even easier in the air fryer.
- It’s easy to make 4 sandwiches at once (I have a Cosori XL 5.8qt).
- They brown perfectly on both sides (and are not greasy).
- I find them to be the perfect amount of crisp with melty cheese.
- Super easy cleanup with just a wipe to the basket.
- It’s an easy air fryer recipe and great for beginners and young cooks.
Make the classic pairing of grilled cheese and our delicious homemade fresh tomato soup.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
BREAD – Any bread will do from sandwich bread to leftover French bread. Use what you have on hand. A nice thick sourdough makes a great air fryer grilled cheese.
BUTTER – Lightly butter the bread with real butter. I love to add a tiny pinch of garlic powder to the outside of the bread but it’s optional. You can also use cooking spray or olive oil in place of butter.
CHEESE – Sharp cheddar has great flavor but don’t stop there. American cheese, provolone, gouda, gruyere, pepper jack, anything goes! I find slices work better than shredded cheese.
I often add a couple of slices of thick cheddar cheese and a single slice of processed cheese to melt together for the perfect grilled cheese.
How to Make a Grilled Cheese in the Air Fryer
Truly the best air fryer grilled sandwich ever, and so easy to make!
- Butter each slice of bread. Place the bread butter side down in the air fryer basket.
- Add cheese to each piece of bread and top with another piece of buttered bread (butter side out). Sprinkle with garlic powder if desired.
- Air fry for 4 to 6 minutes (no need to flip), or until the sandwiches are crisp & golden brown.
Cooking time can vary slightly based on your air fryer so check it early.
Air Fryer Tip If your bread (or cheese) is thin or light the sandwich may not stay together as the air blows. You can either secure the sandwich with a toothpick or ensure you have a layer of butter on each side of the bread to help it all stick together.
Tips for a Perfect Air Fryer Sandwich
- If your bread (or cheese) are thin or light the sandwich may not stay together as the air
- Keep the leftover sandwiches in a covered container in the refrigerator for about 2 days. The best way to reheat grilled cheese sandwiches is to re-toast them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes.
- Cube leftover sandwiches, toast in the oven, and make them into cheesy croutons for tomato soup!
Leftovers
- Keep the leftover sandwiches in a covered container in the refrigerator for about 2 days. The best way to reheat grilled cheese sandwiches is to re-toast them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes.
- Cube leftover sandwiches, toast in the oven, and make them into cheesy croutons for tomato soup!
Grilled Cheese Variations
Add any of the following to level up your grilled cheese.
- Bacon or ham
- Cream cheese, cheddar, and jalapeno (for a jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese)
- Grilled Cheese with Tomato
- Bacon Grilled Cheese
- Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Dill Pickle Bacon Grilled Cheese
Did you love these Air Fried Grilled Cheese Sandwiches? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder optional
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place cheese in the middle, keeping the butter on the outside of the bread.
- Sprinkle the bread with garlic powder if using and place in the air fryer.
- Cook 4-6 minutes or until golden on the outside and melted inside.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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My son love this. He’s constantly asking for “toasties”
Was looking forward to making these grilled cheese.
Did exactly what recipe stated.
After 3minutes I checked on them, the lids had flown off and cheese was all over airfryer basket. What a mess.
Another 3minutes the bread was still not toastie, turned them over and cooked another 4minutes and they were done a beautiful golden colour but dry and not edible.
So disappointing and a waste of good ingredients
So sorry that happened to your grilled cheese, Peony. We have not had that issue when making this recipe. You can definitely use toothpicks to hold the bread together or we have a delicious classic grilled cheese recipe that you may enjoy more!
I love sandwiches made in the air fryer but I have to put toothpicks through the bread to keep the top bread from flying off.
That’s a really great tip Vicki, thank you for sharing!
Thanks Vicki, great tip but won’t be making in airfryer again.