Name: Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat); 2 tablespoons softened butter; 4 slices of cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese); Optional: 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (for extra crispiness)

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Crispy, golden, and irresistibly melty, this Air Fryer Grilled Cheese takes everything I love about the classic sandwich and makes it even better—faster, crispier, and without needing a skillet. With just a few basic ingredients and less than 10 minutes, I can have a warm, gooey sandwich that hits all the comfort food notes.

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)

2 tablespoons softened butter

4 slices of cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese)

Optional: 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (for extra crispiness)

Directions

I start by preheating my air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 2-3 minutes.

Then, I spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. For extra flavor and crunch, I sometimes add a thin layer of mayonnaise on the inside of the slices.

To assemble, I place two slices of cheese between two slices of bread, making sure the buttered sides face out. I repeat this for the second sandwich.

I place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket without stacking—working in batches if needed.

I air fry them for 4-5 minutes, flip them, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted.

I let them cool for about a minute before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Cooking Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories per serving: 340 kcal

Variations

I sometimes like to change things up with these variations:

Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or a smoky gouda.

Add extras inside the sandwich like sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, or cooked bacon.

Use garlic butter instead of regular for a richer flavor.

Try whole grain or gluten-free bread to match dietary preferences.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop the sandwich back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to get that crispy texture back. I avoid the microwave, since it tends to make the bread soggy.

FAQs

How do I keep the sandwich from flying around in the air fryer?

If my air fryer has strong airflow, I place a small rack or toothpicks on top of the sandwich to keep it from moving.

Can I make this with just one sandwich?

Yes, I just reduce the ingredient quantities by half. The cook time stays the same.

What’s the best bread for air fryer grilled cheese?

I like using sourdough or white sandwich bread, but any sturdy bread works well. Avoid very thin slices as they may toast too quickly.

Is mayonnaise better than butter for grilled cheese?

Mayonnaise gives a slightly tangier flavor and can make the crust extra crispy. I sometimes mix both for the best of both worlds.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely—I use dairy-free cheese slices and a vegan butter alternative. The air fryer method still works perfectly.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is one of those simple pleasures that never fails to satisfy. It’s fast, mess-free, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m in the mood for a quick lunch or a comforting snack, I know this recipe delivers the perfect combination of crispy bread and melted cheese every single time.

Recipe:

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crispy, golden, and melty, this Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is a faster, easier take on the classic sandwich. Perfectly toasted bread and gooey cheese come together in under 10 minutes using your air fryer—no skillet required.

Ingredients

4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)

2 tablespoons softened butter

4 slices of cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese)

Optional: 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (for extra crispiness)

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Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 2-3 minutes.
Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. Optionally, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the inside of the slices for extra flavor and crunch.
Assemble each sandwich by placing two cheese slices between two bread slices, with the buttered sides facing out.
Place sandwiches in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Work in batches if necessary.
Air fry for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Remove sandwiches and let cool for about 1 minute before slicing and serving.