Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic for good reason. This childhood favorite is quick, easy, comfort food.

Making a grilled cheese sandwich in the air fryer is so fast and easy. They’re a little crisp with lots melty cheese – no flipping required!

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese cut into halves

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is a Simple Comfort

Loved by kids and adults alike, grilled cheese are perfect for an easy lunch or dinner with soup or salad!

You can make 4 sandwiches at once (I have a Cosori XL 5.8qt).
The air fryer toasts both sides evenly and the sandwiches are perfectly crispy with gooey melted cheese.
Cleanup is a breeze, just a wipe of the basket!

Pair with homemade fresh tomato soup for a delicious and comforting meal.

ingredients to make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Ingredients for Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Bread – Any type bread will work. Try white sandwich bread, French bread, or sour dough.

Butter – Lightly spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of each slice. Replace butter with cooking spray or olive oil.

Cheese – Choose cheese slices over shredded cheese if possible – real sharp cheddar cheese or processed cheese slices are both great (my favorite is to include a slice of each).

Variations

Swap out cheddar cheese for American cheese, provolone, gouda, gruyere, or Swiss.
Add thin slices of apple or pears – sharp or bold flavors are the best cheeses with fruit.
Add a tomato slice, crispy bacon, thin slices of ham, or jalapenos.

bread and cheese in air fryer to make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Two Air Fryer Grilled Cheese sandwiches cooked in an air fryer basket

How to Make Grilled Cheese in the Air Fryer

Butter both slices of bread and place two slices in the air fryer basket, butter side down.
Top with cheese and another piece of buttered bread.
Air fry for 4-6 minutes until golden brown.

Cooking time can vary slightly based on your air fryer so check it early.

If the bread (or cheese) is thin or light, it might blow off the sandwich while cooking.

To ensure your sandwich stays together, use thicker bread and cheese slices or secure it with toothpicks until the cheese begins to melt.

plated Air Fryer Grilled Cheese with pickle slices on top

No need to flip the sandwiches, the air fryer will toast it evenly on both sides.
Mayo can be used in place of butter.
Use a toothpick to secure the layers until the cheese melts.

Reheating Leftovers

Keep leftover sandwiches in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes.

Cube leftover sandwiches, toast them in the oven, and make them into cheesy croutons for tomato soup!

Grilled Cheese Variations

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Cheesy and golden brown, these air fryer grilled cheese sandwiches are so easy to make for lunch, dinner, or a snack!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place the cheese between the pieces of bread, with the buttered side facing out.
Place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Optional: Add a toothpick to each sandwich to hold the bread in place until the cheese melts.
Cook at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Tip: If the bread (or cheese) is thin or light, it might blow off the sandwich while cooking. To ensure your sandwich stays together, use thicker slices of bread and cheese or lightly butter both sides of the bread. You may also secure it with toothpicks. Cooking time: Air fryers can vary, you may need to cook your sandwiches for a minute more or less. Variations: Swap out the cheddar for any cheese you have on hand. A pinch of garlic powder can be added to the outside of the bread. Add in your favorites. Bacon, tomato slices, jalapenos, the possibilities are endless.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dinner, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine American

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