Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is a simple recipe that even the kids can make. Perfectly toasted bread with melted cheese, a classic sandwich that can be paired with many different side dishes for a delicious meal.
We love serving this air fryer sandwich with Air Fryer French Fries or Air Fryer Tator Tots for a fun family dinner.
My air fryer has been working overtime lately. There are so many things you can easily make in it and best of all, even my kids can use it to cook. I like that they don’t have to turn on the gas stove, they just add food to the fryer basket and go.
After making these grilled cheese in the air fryer, I don’t think I will be going back to the skillet.
Why these sandwiches are delicious
- Forget the skillet, the bread get beautifully toasty in the air fryer.
- A quick and satisfying snack or meal.
Ingredients needed
I have found that there are two different kinds of people, those who make grilled cheese with butter and those that make it with mayonnaise. I’m still not sure which way I prefer so this recipe includes both in the ingredient list.
Bread – Use your favorite like sandwich bread, french bread or sourdough.
Cheese – For this recipe I used one slice cheddar and one slice Havarti. Some of the best cheeses to use are ones that melt well like Provolone, Mozzarella, Swiss and American. Feel free to also use your favorite shredded cheese.
Butter OR Mayonnaise – They are both so good, you can’t go wrong.
How to make air fryer grilled cheese
Scroll to bottom for full printable recipe, ingredients and video.
- Spread: Spread one side of each piece of bread with either softened butter or mayonnaise.
- Build: Place bread spread side down in the fryer basket. Top with cheese and then top with another piece of bread, spread side up.
- Cook: Air fryer on 370 degrees F for 4 minutes, flip the sandwiches over and cook at 370 degrees for another 4 minutes.
Recipe tips
- I did not preheat my air fryer for this recipe but if you machine requires it, preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Be sure not to overcrowd the basket. Two sandwiches should be able to fit depending on the bread size.
- If the bread you are using is thin, you might want to insert a toothpick in the center of the sandwich to prevent the bread from coming off while cooking. Air fryers cook by circulating hot air and if the bread is light and then it could possibly blow off.
Variations
- To reduce calories and fat, replace butter with a light spray of olive oil.
- Change it up by trying different breads and cheeses.
- Try adding bacon or mustard to the sandwich.
Best air fryer to use
There are so many great options on the market today. I use a Cosori 5.8 quart, you can read all about my experience and review here. A few other options to consider:
- OMORC – 5.8 quart basket with a great price point.
- Ninja Foodie – This machine is an air fryer, slow cooker and pressure cooker in one.
- Instant Vortex – Made by Instant Pot, this is a 6-quart fryer.
More easy air fryer recipes
- Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs – Tender, meatballs that work well for a variety of recipes.
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus – A wonderful side dish to impress guests.
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Smokies – A favorite appetizer for parties.
- Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken – Make your own rotisserie style chicken at home
- Air Fryer Chicken Breasts – These cook up fast.
- Air Fryer Meatloaf – Tender meat with a slightly sweet sauce.
***If you made this sandwich recipe, feel free to leave a comment and star rating below.
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 pieces sandwich bread
- 4 slices cheese I used 2 cheddar and 2 Havarti
- 3 tablespoons butter could also use mayonnaise
Instructions
- Spread butter or mayonnaise on one side of each piece of bread.
- Lay a piece of bread, spread side down, in air fryer basket. Top with 2 slices of cheese and place another piece of bread, spread side up, on top of cheese.
- Cook sandwiches at 370 degrees F for 4 minutes, flip the sandwiches over and cook at 370 degrees for another 4 minutes or until desired toast.
- Serve warm.
Jessica
Awesomely easy! I added a sprinkle granulated garlic in the middle of the cheese, yum! For me, it worked with better with the Mayo option rather than the first time where I used butter – crisped up great even with my gluten-free bread. Thanks!
Bob
Best grilled cheese sandwich bar none. I may add a bit of garlic salt on the outside next time to try.
Michelle
I used this recipe as a guide as I’m an air fryer newbie. I didn’t butter bread. Only used one slice American cheese. Cook 3 minutes at 375 for each side. Delicious quick bite.
Bev Furnell
I’m wondering why you didn’t oil, butter or mayonnaise the bread? It is those ingredients which make the sandwich toasty and crispy..
heather
Hi Bev, I did use butter (in the ingredients). I also noted that you can use mayonnaise instead. Hope this helps.
Kenneth
🤤🤤🤤
David
Loved it, but added a slice of ham and tomato to really make it special.
Muriel
Just seen this recipe and definitely going to try it
Wayne
I just love this recipe. It’s so much easier than pan frying and tastes great. It is also very adaptable if you want to change things up a bit. I have already tried some different variations using pepperoni, bacon, and even sliced meatballs between the two slices of cheese and all turned out excellent.
Sharon Linger
Followed recipe exactly. Used mayo. Delicious!!!
Tracy
I’ll use 350 for 6 minutes next time – it was too hard.
David
Excellent recipe!! Use mayo!! Makes it more crispy!
ThickLilMiss
Love building recipes off others. You can’t go wrong with traditional grilled cheese ever, but you can take this 5 star recipe and make it 10+ stars!
Allow me to introduce you to ‘The Ultimate Grilled Cheese’ AKA BLT+… Allow both pieces of buttered/mayo bread to cook next to each other both topped with your cheese of choice, once finished layer bacon, lettuce and tomato on one side and then place the other piece of bread on top to complete your sandwich and ENJOY!! (Remember you can make every recipe your own by adding, subtracting or substituting any ingredients)