Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Name: Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 11 min
Ingredients: 2 slices sandwich bread; 2 to 3 slices melting cheese ((Cheddar, Havarti, American)); 1 tablespoon mayonnaise ((or butter))

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The best Air Fryer Grilled Cheese cooks in only 5 minutes, has lots of melty cheese, and a crisp golden brown exterior. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food on a cold day and the ideal go-to when you need a quick meal for picky eaters. Trade the frying pan for the air fryer to make this satisfying sandwich with minimal prep and easy cleanup.

This recipe uses your favorite white or wheat bread and a creamy melting cheese like cheddar or Havarti. While many recipes use butter to help brown the bread, I prefer using mayonnaise. The mayonnaise adds flavor and helps the bread turn crisp and golden brown on the exterior while remaining soft on the inside for the perfect balance. For more air fryer recipes, try my air fryer stuffed peppers, air fryer chicken parm, or air fryer chicken breast recipe.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Ingredients needed to make an air fryer grilled cheese.

Bread – any store-bought or homemade sandwich bread works for this recipe. I love using white bread like potato bread, French bread, or sourdough bread for a classic sandwich taste.

Cheese – sharp cheddar cheese, Havarti, Monterey jack, American cheese, or other types of cheese that melt well all work.

Mayonnaise – spread on one side of each slice of bread, the mayonnaise adds moisture but also promotes browning for bread that is crisp but not dried out. For the best flavor, use full-fat mayonnaise, though light mayo can work in a pinch. Additionally, you can substitute butter if you prefer.

How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Set of two photos showing mayonnaise spread onto bread and placed in an air fryer basket with sliced cheese placed on top.

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spread the mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.

2. Place one slice mayo-side down in the air fryer basket. Top with the cheese slices.

Set of two photos showing the second slice of bread placed on top of the cheese then flipped.

3. Place the other bread slice mayo-side up on top of the cheese.

4. Air fry for 3 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until both sides of the bread are golden and toasted or for 2 to 3 minutes more.

A plate with an air fryer grilled cheese cut in half, stacked on top of each other. A drink and bowl of tomato soup in the back.

Pro Tips For Making This Recipe

Preheat the air fryer. Preheating the air fryer while you assemble the sandwich will save you time and get the hot air circulating for the best crisp and golden grilled cheese.
Put the mayo-side down. The slices of bread should have the mayonnaise, or butter, on the outside, not the inside. Place the sandwich mayo-side down into the air fryer basket. This promotes browning and reduces sticking.
Flip the sandwich halfway through. Use a heat-safe spatula to flip the sandwich after about 3 minutes. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melty.
Adjust the cooking time as needed. If you prefer a more lightly toasted sandwich, flip after 2 minutes. Keep in mind that each air fryer differs slightly so cooking time may need to be adjusted. If you make two sandwiches at the same time, you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes per side.
Personalize grilled cheese with additional toppings. Try making this recipe with sliced or sundried tomatoes, bacon, pulled pork, sliced ham, or a sprinkle of brown sugar on top of the cheese. You can also use more than one type of cheese.

Half an air fryer grilled cheese dipped into tomato soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover sandwiches will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated air fryer set to 400 degrees F for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts and the sandwich is heated through.

What do I serve with this?

Tomato soup is a classic complement to serve with grilled cheese. Or serve sandwich halves with minestrone soup or vegetable soup. Kids will love this recipe served with chicken nuggets or chicken noodle soup. To add heat to this air fryer recipe, add sliced jalapeno before air frying or serve with jalapeno jelly.

How do I make my grilled cheese crispy?

For grilled cheese with a crispy exterior and melty cheese, air fry your grilled cheese at 400°F. Cooking grilled cheese at the right temperature allows the bread to toast and the cheese to melt. For the best toasty bread that browns but doesn’t dry out, spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread slices before cooking.

If you love this recipe try these out!

If you’ve tried this air fryer grilled cheese recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

4.72 from 7 votes