I’m not usually one for specialty kitchen gadgets, but I have to admit I’ve become truly obsessed with my air fryer. The name can be misleading—there’s no deep frying involved—just hot air circulated quickly to produce crisp, crunchy results. It also makes an outstanding grilled cheese: crispy outside, gooey and melty inside. After trying it this way you may never make a grilled cheese another way.
How to make a grilled cheese sandwich in the Air Fryer?
Keep a couple of simple tips in mind to get the best results when making grilled cheese in the air fryer:
- Apply the crisping fat directly to the bread. I like mayonnaise for this purpose—surprisingly, it gives an even golden crust and you won’t taste it once cooked.
- Air fryers move a lot of air. Secure the sandwich with toothpicks (my preferred method) or use an air-fryer-safe trivet or weight so the bread and cheese don’t shift or blow around while cooking.
With those basics covered, choose your cheese (or combination) and cook the sandwich at 380°F for about 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
What cheese makes the best grilled cheese?
Cheese choice is personal. Below are common options and what to expect from each so you can pick the flavor and texture you want.
- American Cheese – ultra melty and gooey, with a mild salty tang.
- Cheddar – flavorful; sharp varieties add more bite and can be slightly stringy when melted.
- Mozzarella – very mild and exceptionally stringy, great for dramatic cheese pulls.
- Provolone – mild flavor and stretchy texture; smoked provolone adds depth.
- Swiss – tangy and stringy; pairs well with other cheeses.
- Gruyère – rich and nutty with moderate stretch; excellent in blends.
- Pepper Jack – spicy and more gooey than stringy.
- Brie – ranges from mild to mushroomy; firmer brie becomes gooey, soft Brie becomes very runny.
- Goat Cheese (Chevre) – tangy and creamy, not stringy; good for adding brightness.
- Havarti – hit-or-miss for grilled cheese: some brands melt beautifully, others can separate and get oily, so use caution.
What are some good cheese combos for grilled cheese?
The definition of a “true” grilled cheese varies—some insist it’s only bread and cheese, while others welcome additions. Air fryer cooking works well with both simple and slightly fancier combinations. Here are some ideas:
- Classic American cheese alone for comfort-food nostalgia.
- Mozzarella and Cheddar for a balance of stretch and flavor.
- Pesto, mozzarella, spinach, and tomato for a bright, fresh lunch.
- Swiss or Gruyère with ham and a smear of mustard for a savory, melty sandwich.
- Brie with a fruit jam (blackberry is lovely) and arugula for sweet‑and‑salty contrast.
- Goat cheese with thyme and honey for a tangy, slightly sweet twist.
What to serve with grilled cheese?
- Tomato soup — the classic pairing and always comforting.
- Marinara sauce for dipping if you prefer something lighter than a bowl of soup.
- A fresh green salad to brighten the meal.
- French fries for a heartier, indulgent pairing.
For more ways to use your air fryer, explore air fryer recipes and try other favorites like air fryer wings. Below is a straightforward recipe you can follow to make one sandwich in a basket-style air fryer.
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 slices Italian bread (or your favorite bread)
- 1 slice cheddar cheese
- 1 slice mozzarella cheese
- 1 Tablespoon mayonnaise
Equipment
- Air Fryer (basket-style)
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Layer the cheeses on the side of the bread that does NOT have mayonnaise, then top with the other slice so the mayonnaise is on the outside.
- Place the sandwich in the air fryer and secure it with two toothpicks, one on each side, or use an air-fryer-safe trivet to hold it in place.
- Set the air fryer to 380°F. Cook for 4 minutes, then check the top. If it has started to brown, carefully remove the toothpicks, flip the sandwich, and cook another 4 minutes. If it hasn’t browned yet, cook an additional 1 minute before removing toothpicks, flipping, and cooking for about 5 more minutes, until golden and the cheese is melted.
Notes
This method was tested in basket-style air fryers; results may vary by model and basket size.
Trim any cheese that hangs over the bread before cooking—loose cheese can move around the basket as air circulates.
