Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Air fryer grilled cheese is a modern twist on a classic favorite, combining the traditional, beloved flavors of melted cheese and toasted bread with the convenience and innovation of air frying. This method results in a perfectly crispy exterior and gooey, melted interior, all with less oil and mess than traditional frying methods.
This air fryer grilled cheese recipe promises to deliver delicious results every time, ideal for a quick lunch, a comforting snack, or a simple, satisfying meal. It’s my favorite way to prepare grilled cheese because it is quick and easy. Not to mention that clean-up is a breeze!
I wanted to try out this recipe with brioche bread that I bought from Trader Joe’s. It was so good! The one thing I wasn’t sure about is how thick it is compared to other breads, but it worked fine.
Just know that the cheese melts quicker with thinner, normal-sized bread. This recipe also works in both types of air fryers: the tray type I use here and the basket type.
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Helpful tips
- Experiment with cheese: I used sharp cheddar cheese and Colby Jack cheese, but you can get creative with other types of cheese combinations to suit your taste. Gouda, Gruyere, Havarti, mozzarella, provolone, muenster, Swiss, or pepper Jack are some of the best cheeses to use.
- Don’t overstuff: While loading up on cheese is tempting, avoid overstuffing the sandwich, as the cheese may not melt evenly.
- Serve with dipping sauce: Pair your cheese sandwich with your favorite soup, such as tomato soup, for an extra delicious experience.
- Customize: Add extras like sliced tomatoes, bacon, or even a sprinkle of herbs for a gourmet twist.
- Get decadent: Even though it’s unconventional, and I didn’t do it in this recipe, slathering the inside of the bread with mayonnaise enhances the taste of a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Butter: I use soft butter like Kerry Gold, but I take it out at least 15 minutes before starting the recipe to ensure it’s easier to spread and doesn’t tear the bread.
- Bread: I used brioche bread in this recipe, but artisan, whole wheat, white, and sourdough bread work just as nicely.
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How to make air fryer grilled cheese
Pre-step
Get out your air fryer and plug it in. Preheat the fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit and set the time to 7 minutes.
Take trays out of an air fryer while preheating but leave baskets in, depending on which type air fryer you use.
step one
Gather the ingredients – four bread slices, cheese, and softened butter.
step two
Butter each slice of bread.
step three
Place two cheese slices on each piece of bread.
(If you are going to use mayo, slather it on the bread before adding the cheese.)
step Four
Place the buttered side up on the cheese.
step Five
Add the sandwich setups to the tray if you haven’t already and put the tray in the oven, once the air fryer comes to temperature.
If you have the basket type of air fryer, add the sandwich setups to the air fryer basket, once the air fryer comes to temperature.
step Six
After three minutes, flip the sandwiches. You want the outside of the bread to be golden brown with melted cheese on the inside.
Cook for another three to four minutes, depending how toasted you want your bread.
Perfect. I cut the sandwiches in half.
Storing and reheating leftover grilled cheese sandwiches
Storing Leftovers:
- Cool down: Allow the grilled cheese sandwich to cool to room temperature on a plate or a wire rack. This step prevents excess moisture buildup inside the storage container.
- Wrap it up: Individually wrap the leftover grilled cheese sandwiches in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Ensure that they are tightly sealed to maintain freshness. Grilled cheese sandwiches can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating Leftovers:
- Oven or toaster oven: Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the wrapped sandwiches directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes or until they are heated through, and the cheese is melted.
- Air Fryer (optional): Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and unwrap the sandwiches for about 5 minutes until they are crispy and heated through.
- Microwave: I don’t recommend this method of reheating. It just makes the sandwich rubbery.
I hope you enjoyed this air fryer grilled cheese recipe.
Other air fryer recipes
And as always, may all your dishes be delish.
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread (your favorite bread – I used brioche bread)
- 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 slices Colby Jack cheese (or your favorite cheese – see notes for recommendations)
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened – the amount is approximate – use as much or as little as you like)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit and set the timer to 7 minutes.If you have the tray type of air fryer, remove the trays as you preheat. If you have the basket type, preheat it with the basket in the air fryer.
- Butter each slice of bread on one side.4 slices bread, 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- Add two slices of each type of cheese to two slices of bread.2 slices Colby Jack cheese, 2 tablespoons butter
- Place the other two pieces of buttered bread on top of the cheese.
- When the air fryer beeps that it has finished preheating, either add the trays to the air fryer OR add the sandwiches to the air fryer basket. Add in a single layer without the sandwiches touching each other.
- After 3 minutes, open the air fryer and carefully flip the sandwiches. Cook for another 3 – 4 minutes.
- Slice and serve immediately.
- Enjoy
Equipment
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
Helpful tips
- Experiment with cheese: I used sharp cheddar cheese and Colby Jack cheese, but you can get creative with other types of cheese combinations to suit your taste. Gouda, Gruyere, Havarti, mozzarella, provolone, muenster, Swiss, or pepper Jack are some of the best cheeses to use.
- Don’t overstuff: While loading up on cheese is tempting, avoid overstuffing the sandwich, as the cheese may not melt evenly.
- Serve with dipping sauce: Pair your cheese sandwich with your favorite soup, such as tomato soup, for an extra delicious experience.
- Customize: Add extras like sliced tomatoes, bacon, or even a sprinkle of herbs for a gourmet twist.
- Get decadent: Even though it’s unconventional, and I didn’t do it in this recipe, slathering the inside of the bread with mayonnaise enhances the taste of a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Butter: I use soft butter like Kerry Gold, but I take it out at least 15 minutes before starting the recipe to ensure it’s easier to spread and doesn’t tear the bread.
- Bread: I used brioche bread in this recipe, but artisan, whole wheat, white, and sourdough bread work just as nicely.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
My new oven has an air fry feature. I need to give this a try. What a great way to make lots of sandwiches at once.
My kids love having air fryer grilled cheeses! I’ll definitely have to try out your recipe for the different cheeses, they usually stick with Havarti!
I would never have thought of using the air fryer for grilled cheese sandwiches! They came out totally perfect and crispy…will definitely be trying!
That’s great, Tammy. Thank you.
Such a simple recipe, easy for teens too!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Mikayla. Thank you for your comment.
The best lunch! Grilled cheeses are so popular at my house and we loved the air fryer version! Thanks for the recipe.
That’s great, Kathryn. We love grilled cheese too! Thanks for your comment.
I wish I had an air fryer so I could make your grilled cheese; they look delicious!
Thanks Dennis.
I would have never thought to make a grilled cheese in the air fryer! 🙂 I am definitely going to try this the next time that I make tomato soup.
Yum, Carrie. Grilled cheese and tomato soup are the best combo. Thanks for your comment.
The air fryer wasn’t the first place I would have thought to make a grilled cheese but you have converted me!
Thanks, Sean. I love it in the air fryer. Cleanup is a snap.
I’m obsessed with my newest air fryer. I love making grilled cheese in them. I swear they get even crispier than the skillet! These were so good that I made them for lunch AND dinner one day!
I find that, too, Lori. Crispy and delicious. Thanks so much for your comment.
This was a brilliant idea. My grilled cheese sandwich turned out with perfectly crispy bread and gooey melty cheese.
Thanks so much, Katie! Also, thank you for your comment.
Grilled cheese is such a classic comfort recipe and I appreciate the ease and convenience that comes with this recipe and utilizing the air fryer.
Thanks, Moop. I appreciate your comment.