Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is a quick, crispy, and gooey comfort food that delivers perfectly toasted bread and melty cheese in under 10 minutes. Using minimal butter and an air fryer, this recipe offers a lighter, customizable twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, perfect for any meal or snack.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free bread)
Bread Options
- 2 slices sturdy sandwich bread, sourdough, or whole grain bread
Butter or Spread
- Butter or margarine, enough to lightly spread on bread slices (approx. 1 tablespoon)
Cheese Selection
- 2–3 thick slices of cheese such as American, cheddar, or mozzarella (about 2–3 oz)
Optional Layerings
- Tomatoes, sliced
- Bacon strips, cooked
- Spinach leaves
Optional Seasonings
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Sprinkle of dried herbs (e.g., parsley, chives)
- Prepare Your Bread: Lightly butter one side of each bread slice. This buttered side will be the outside that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, creating a golden finish.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place one slice of bread butter-side down on a clean surface. Layer your cheese thickly along with any optional toppings like tomatoes, bacon, or spinach. Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispness.
- Cook the Sandwich: Place the assembled sandwich in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve an even golden color and perfectly melted cheese.
- Serve Immediately: Once crispy and melty, carefully remove the sandwich, slice it, and enjoy warm for the ultimate gooey experience.
Notes
- Choose thick or artisan bread for better cheese hold and crispiness.
- Use plenty of butter for that classic golden-brown crunch.
- Flip the sandwich halfway through cooking for even crispness on both sides.
- Cook only one or two sandwiches at a time to prevent steaming and sogginess.
- Experiment with mixing different cheeses to enhance flavor and meltiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Grilled Cheese, crispy grilled cheese, quick grilled cheese, easy sandwich, gooey cheese sandwich, air fryer recipe, comfort food