My air fryer grilled cheese is one of the top made recipes on this website. If you’re craving golden, buttery bread with gooey cheese inside (and zero stovetop babysitting), you’re in the right place. This method is foolproof, fast, and totally crave-worthy. Let’s make your grilled cheese game next-level.

Make it a meal and serve it with one of these 25 sides for grilled cheese.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Easy lunch idea. The perfect quick lunch you can make in under 10 minutes with pantry staples.
• Air fryer recipe for beginners. A great starter recipe if you are new to using the air fryer.
• Perfectly toasty. Forget the skillet, the bread gets beautifully toasty in the air fryer.
• A family favorite. Everyone loves this air fryer grilled cheese. It’s easy to customize with your favorite cheese and is always a hit with family and friends.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Reader Review: Made this for me and my bf and he loves it! I can officially say no more skillet grilled cheese. – Ej Marie

This sandwich is the lazy genius move you didn’t know your lunch routine needed. It’s everything you love—crispy, golden bread and melty cheese—without the stovetop babysitting. Just assemble, toss it in the basket, and let the air fryer do the work. This grilled cheese in the air fryer is faster, easier, and honestly, more foolproof than the pan. Perfect for busy weekdays, picky eaters, or anytime you’re craving serious comfort food in minutes.

If you are looking for more air fryer recipes be sure to try my air fryer meatloaf, air fryer thin chicken breasts, and air fryer Alexia sweet potato fries.

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to make the best grilled cheese sandwich, and chances are they’re already in your kitchen. Here’s what to grab and a few tips to help you get the best results every time:

• Bread: Stick with classic white or sourdough for that golden crunch, but feel free to use what you love. Avoid anything too thin or flimsy.
• Cheese: Cheddar is the go-to, but don’t stop there. Try American for ultra-melty goodness, or mix in a little mozzarella for a stretchier bite.
• Butter or mayonnaise:  Butter gives that rich, classic flavor, but mayo spreads easier and browns beautifully. Either works like a charm.

That’s it! Simple ingredients, big grilled cheese energy. Now let’s throw it all together and let the air fryer work its magic.

How to make air fryer grilled cheese

Here’s an overview of how to make this recipe. You can jump to the recipe for full instructions.

1. Spread: Spread one side of each piece of bread with either softened butter or mayonnaise.
2. Build: Place the bread spread side down in the air fryer basket. Top with the cheese slices and then top with another piece of bread, spread side up.

3. Cook: Set the air fryer on 370 degrees F an cook for 4 minutes. Flip the sandwiches over and cook at 370 degrees for another 4 minutes.

That’s it! Crisp on the outside, melty on the inside, and no stove required. Perfect for a fast lunch or snack.

Recipe tips

• I did not preheat my air fryer for this recipe but if your machine requires it, preheat for 2-3 minutes.
• Use sturdy bread. Thicker sliced bread like white bread, sourdough, potato bread, and Texas toast hold up well to the air fryer.
• Be sure not to overcrowd the basket. I can usually fit two sandwiches in my air fryer basket depending on the bread size.
• Check early the first time cooking. Each air fryer cooks a little different so you might want to check the sandwich a minute or two before it’s done.
• Use a toothpick to prevent the bread from moving. 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, it could possibly blow off.

Substitutions and variations

Want to mix things up? This air fryer grilled cheese recipe is super customizable. Whether you’re out of an ingredient or just in the mood to switch it up, here are a few easy swaps and fun variations to try:

• Swap the bread: No white bread? No problem. Try sourdough for extra crunch, whole wheat for a healthier spin, or even a croissant for an upgraded twist.
• Change the cheese: Go beyond cheddar with gouda, Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack. Mixing two kinds (like sharp cheddar and mozzarella) adds extra flavor and melt.
• Use mayonnaise instead of butter: It spreads easier, doesn’t tear the bread, and gives a beautiful golden crust. You can even brush on olive oil to help get the bread golden brown.
• Add fillings. Try adding dijon mustard, pesto, ham, turkey, or even a slice of tomato.
• Make it a pizza. Add a thin layer of marinara sauce, pepperoni, and sliced mozzarella.

Don’t be afraid to get creative. This sandwich is the ultimate blank canvas.

Serving suggestions

After making and testing so many air fryer grilled cheese sandwiches, I decided to come up with a list of side dishes to make a complete meal. Things like french fries, onion rings, pasta salads, and more. Be sure to check out this list of 25 sides for grilled cheese for more options.

Storage instructions

Grilled cheese is best fresh, but if you’ve got leftovers or want to prep ahead, here’s how to make it work:

Store: Let the sandwich cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Pop it back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes, flipping once, until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave. It’ll make the bread soggy.

Make-ahead: Assemble the sandwiches (but don’t cook them), then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, air fry straight from the fridge. Add an extra 1–2 minutes to the cook time.

Recipe FAQ’s

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 parites.
• Air fryer rotisserie chicken – Make your own rotisserie style chicken and home.
• Air fryer bbq chicken breasts – A simple dinner idea.
• Air fryer meatloaf – Tender meatloaf with a sweet glaze.

If you made this sandwich recipe, feel free to leave a comment and star rating below.