Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Category: Quick Dishes For When You're Already Hungry

Enjoy hot, melty cheese paired with perfectly crisp bread using your air fryer for a modern twist on this classic sandwich. Thick slices of bread are buttered and filled with your favorite cheese, then air fried to golden perfection. Cooking at a consistent temperature ensures the cheese melts fully while the bread develops an irresistible crunch. Customize with different breads or add-ins like tomato or bacon to create unique flavors. Quick prep and hands-off cooking make this method ideal for fast lunches or snacks, offering reliable results every time.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:54:32 GMT
Three stacked grilled cheese sandwiches. Save
Three stacked grilled cheese sandwiches. | lilicooks.com

Craving something quick cheesy and golden brown This Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is your answer With barely any prep and just a few basics it delivers a crispy outside with gooey melted cheese inside Perfect for lunch or a cozy snack and great when you do not want to stand over a stovetop

The first time I tried grilled cheese in my air fryer it was a game changer The bread browns evenly and the cheese melts all the way through My family now begs for these on busy school nights or lazy weekends

Ingredients

  • Bread: Provides the crispy structure and soaks up the butter nicely Choose white whole wheat or sourdough Look for fresh or bakery bread for the best texture
  • Cheese: Delivers the gooey stretch and flavor Use cheddar American mozzarella or any good melting cheese Always select fresh slices without added starches or fillers for the best melt
  • Butter: Creates a golden crust on the outside of the sandwich Use softened real butter for the most even spread and flavor European style butter adds richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Gather Ingredients and Lay Out:
Set out all your bread cheese and butter at room temperature Arrange them within easy reach so you can assemble fast
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius Let it preheat for three to five minutes so the sandwiches get crispy right away
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Spread butter evenly on one side of each bread slice Place the buttered side down on a clean surface Add a layer of cheese on top then cover with the other bread slice buttered side up Press gently so everything holds together
Cook in the Air Fryer:
Place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket Make sure there is space between them Air fry for eight to ten minutes checking halfway through The bread should be deep golden and the cheese fully melted
Cool and Serve:
Carefully remove the sandwiches with tongs Let them cool for a minute for perfect slicing so the cheese does not run Serve warm and enjoy the crispy edges
A grilled cheese sandwich with a slice missing. Save
A grilled cheese sandwich with a slice missing. | lilicooks.com

Melty cheese is always my favorite part When my daughter took her first bite of an air fryer grilled cheese she was amazed at how crispy it turned out compared to pan frying Now it is our snack after movie nights together

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers wrap them tightly and store in the fridge for up to two days For reheating an air fryer or toaster oven brings back that crispy texture I avoid microwaving since it makes the bread a bit chewy

Ingredient Substitutions

Gluten free bread works well if you need it For dairy free use your favorite plant based butter and vegan cheese Sourdough adds extra tanginess that many people love

A grilled cheese sandwich with cheese and herbs. Save
A grilled cheese sandwich with cheese and herbs. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Pair with tomato soup or a roasted red pepper dip Serve sliced into fingers for kids lunches or cut into triangles for a retro appetizer I sometimes add thin tomato slices or fresh herbs before cooking for a grown up twist

Brief History of Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese sandwiches have roots in early twentieth century diners originally paired with cheap sliced bread and American cheese Over time everyone has personalized theirs and now the air fryer is bringing this classic into kitchens everywhere

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the sandwich from sticking in the air fryer?

Butter the outside of each bread slice and consider using parchment liner in the basket to prevent sticking.

→ What cheeses melt best for grilled cheese?

Cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, American, and gouda melt well and create an oozy texture.

→ Can I add extra fillings to the sandwich?

Yes! Add tomatoes, cooked bacon, or fresh herbs for extra flavor before air frying.

→ What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) to ensure even toasting and melting.

→ How long does it take to cook the sandwich?

Air fry for about 8–10 minutes, checking near the end to ensure the bread is golden and crisp.

→ How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Don't overstuff the sandwich and keep the cheese away from the edges to prevent melting spills.

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Golden bread and gooey cheese meet for a quick, flavor-packed sandwich from the air fryer.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Overall Time
15 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: 30-Minute Miracles

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 2 Serves (2 sandwiches)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Bread

01 4 slices of white, whole wheat, or sourdough bread

→ Cheese

02 4 slices of cheddar, American, mozzarella, or any cheese that melts well

→ Other

03 2 tablespoons of softened butter

Steps

Step 01

Lay out your ingredients on the counter.

Step 02

Set the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.

Step 03

Lay two slices of bread buttered side down, add the cheese, and top with the remaining bread buttered side up.

Step 04

Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, checking for doneness.

Step 05

Remove the sandwich from the air fryer, let it cool for a minute, then slice and serve.

Tips

  1. Experiment with different types of bread and cheese for unique flavors.
  2. Consider adding extras like tomatoes or bacon for a gourmet twist.
  3. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Required Tools

  • Air fryer
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter)
  • Contains gluten (bread)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 400
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 16 g