Everyone’s favorite comfort food just got even more delicious! This Air Fryer Grilled Cheese recipe is made with two types of cheese and is cooked to gooey, crispy perfection!
What’s in an Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich?
Bread, cheese, and butter are all you need, and you are on your way to perfect comfort food. Make a classic grilled cheese even easier in the air fryer!
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich flavor and helps the sandwiches brown up beautifully.
- White Sandwich Bread: A classic, tried-and-true choice for grilled cheese.
- Cheese: I used a combination of cheddar and Swiss, but you can use your favorites! American is the classic choice.
Pro Tip: Try swapping the butter for mayonnaise!
Variations on Grilled Cheese in the Air Fryer
Once you get the basics down, you can make this sandwich just about any way you like. Some classic choices to add are sliced tomatoes, air fryer bacon, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or basil. For a heartier sandwich, try adding pulled pork, grilled chicken, or barbacoa beef.
Try slathering the inside of the sandwich bread with garlic aioli, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, Buffalo sauce, or pesto to amp up the flavor even more!
You sure can! And let me tell you, it might just be better than the original!
This is not a health food! While cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, these sandwiches are high in carbs, saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
I make these with cheddar and Swiss cheese slices. I find that sliced cheese creates a super even filling, but you can use shredded if you prefer. You can make these with other cheeses too, as long as they are quite melty. Jack or mozzarella would work well.
For me, run-of-the-mill white sliced bread is perfect for the most comforting grilled cheese, but you can of course make these with whatever you have to hand. Whole wheat or sourdough both work great. I have a recipe for sandwich bread if you want to try your hand at something fully homemade!
If your cheese isn’t melting, make sure it is sliced thin enough. Thick slices will not melt well in the air fryer, and pre-shredded cheese also takes much longer to melt.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover air fryer grilled cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F air fryer for 3-5 minutes.
How to Freeze
Place sandwiches in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and place in the freezer until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag with parchment or wax paper between sandwiches to store for up to 3 months. Air fry directly from frozen for 5-10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe is almost perfect just by itself for a light lunch, or serve it up with some tomato soup, cabbage soup, buttered egg noodles, or a fresh Olive Garden salad. For something a bit more filling and carb-heavy, it’s great to serve with some shoestring fries.
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Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature (¼ stick)
- 4 slices white sandwich bread
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 slices Swiss cheese
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Spread the butter on one side of each of the bread slices. Place one slice of cheddar and one slice of Swiss cheese between the slices of bread with the buttered sides facing out. Repeat to make 2 sandwiches.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 slices white sandwich bread, 2 slices cheddar cheese, 2 slices Swiss cheese
- Place the sandwiches in an air fryer basket evenly spaced, then place the basket into the air fryer. Air fry at 365°F for 3 minutes, then flip the sandwiches and air fry for another 2 minutes, or until light and golden on each side.
- Serve immediately.
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- Butter the side of the bread that will be on the outside of the sandwich to get it nice and crispy.
- Try swapping the butter for mayonnaise!
- Feel free to add in other fillings to the sandwich like pulled pork, green onions, or bacon.
Nutrition Information
I followed the directions and my air fryer seemed to lift the top piece of bread off and the cheese ended up on the bottom of my air fryer rather than on my bread. I enjoyed buttered bread with little cheese on it. Back to using the stove for grilled cheese.
Hmm, we’ve never had that happen before! We’re sorry this recipe didn’t work out for you!
“Spread butter on each side of the bread slices” sounds like you’re supposed to put butter on both sides of each slice of bread instead of just one side of each slice. Could be confusing for someone very very new to cooking.
We’re sorry the wording was confusing! We’ll take a look at it!
I love grilled cheese. I was skeptical as I make a mean grilled cheese. I was impressed. It was gooey and the bread crisp. Clean up was a breeze.
That sandwich is making my mouth water it’s so perfect!