Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Making grilled cheese in the air fryer has definitely changed our lunch game. Much easier than making it on the stove. It is really quick to make wonderfully melted cheese sandwiched in nicely toasted bread with the help of an air fryer. 

We are the happiest when we have a French toast breakfast sandwich or a grilled cheese sandwich paired with a bowl of warm soup or fresh salad for lunch. 

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• It is really easy and quick to make. 
• It makes a delicious lunch on its own or when paired with a side dish.
• It is a great quick snack for kids after school.
• The bread is perfectly toasted until golden while the cheese melts wonderfully.
• It is easy to customize. You can make it low calorie buy substituting oil for butter or make it richer by adding your favorite sandwich toppings.

About The Ingredients

Just like making a classic grilled cheese, you basically need 3 ingredients to make this grilled cheese air fryer recipe: Bread, butter and cheese. But you are never limited to these. 

You can always make your own twist either by changing the type of bread and cheese or by making additions to your taste. So don't afraid of making experiments to create your best cheese melt sandwich.

Bread

We use sourdough bread because we love its taste when toasted and it holds the melting cheese better. You can use white or whole-grain sourdough bread. These can easily be found at the bakery section of grocery stores. And of course, you can prefer making your air fry grilled cheese with regular white bread or sandwich bread.

Cheese

We use a combination of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and sliced mozzarella cheese. These are not the only options you have for sure. There are several other cheeses that can be used in this recipe. Just make sure they melt nicely.

So what are the best cheeses for grilled cheese?

The types of cheese you can use when making air fried grilled cheese are as follows: Cheddar, Mozzarella, Gouda, Gruyere, Fontina, Swiss, Provolone, Havarti, Monterey Jack are all good options for melty cheese. You can use any of these or make a combination of different type of cheese.

Butter

Use softened butter to spread on the bread slices. This is needed for a nice toasted texture. You can use a cooking spray or brush the bread with olive oil for a lighter option. 

Alternatively, you can make this air fryer grilled cheese with mayo. Mix 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon butter and spread this mixture on one side of the bread slices that will be the outer side of your cheese toastie.

Optional Add-Ins

When it comes to the alternative additions to these air fried grilled cheese sandwiches, the sky is the limit. You can find our suggestions below. If you have even more ideas, please share them with us in the comments section.

• Mayonnaise: For a creamier inside, you can spread some mayo inside the bread. For a lighter option, substitute it with plain thick yogurt.
• Dijon mustard: It gives a nice tangy flavor which goes well with mild cheeses such as Gouda and Mozzarella.
• Spices: You can make a simple seasoning for grilled cheese by mixing oregano, paprika and garlic powder (or use just Italian seasoning) and sprinkle it over the top of each sandwiches before cooking them. We used just fresh thyme.
• Pesto: It is a good alternative to any grilled cheese sauce. Spread it inside the bread slices. It goes great with the cheeses like Gouda and Fontina.
• Pickles: Great addition if you are a fan of pickles in savory sandwiches.

Step-By-Step Instructions

An air fryer works like a mini convection oven that is easier to use. You don't fry the food at all when you cook it in the air fryer. So it gives a healthier result. 

And this recipe for toasted cheese sandwich in the air fryer is not an exception. It is easier to make (almost hands-free) and lighter than frying it in a skillet. So let's learn how to air fry grilled cheese.

• Let the butter soften at room temperature.
• Place the sliced cheese and shredded cheese on one side of each slice of bread. 
• Butter one side of the remaining two slices of bread and place them (butter side up) on the cheese layers.
• Insert two toothpicks on two opposite corners of each sandwich.
• Place the sandwiches (butter side down) in the air fryer basket.
• Spread butter on top of each.
• Set the air fryer to 360 degrees F (182 degrees C) and cook for 5 minutes.
• Remove the toothpicks, flip the sandwiches over and cook for another 5 minutes or until the bread is nicely toasted and golden brown. 
• Transfer the sandwiches onto a plate, slice and serve.

Expert Tips

• If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat it for 5 minutes.
• Not all air fryers cook the same way. You might need to decrease or increase the cooking time. So check the sandwiches after the last 3 minutes. 
• Substitute mayonnaise for butter if the butter is not softened enough and not easy to spread on bread.
• Grate the cheese yourself. The store-bought shredded cheese might not melt as smoothly as desired because they might contain anti-clumping agent.
• Insert two toothpicks on the opposite corners of your sandwich to secure the bread slices. Otherwise, the circulating hot air in the air fryer might cause the bread slices on the top to fly off.
• If you are planning to load your sandwich with more add-ins, it is better to use a sturdy bread like French bread, ciabatta or sourdough bread.

Variations

• Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese: Mix softened butter with 2 teaspoons of parmesan cheese and spread it on the outside of each piece of bread. Then cook it in the air fryer as described in the recipe below.
• Air Fryer Breakfast Sandwich: Crispy cooked bacon would be a great addition in a grilled cheese. Place fried egg on the top to make it even tastier.
• Air Fryer Croque Monsieur: Add thinly sliced ham on the cheese layers and then cook the sandwiches. 
• Air Fryer Turkey Sandwich Melt: Add leftover turkey slices or deli turkey slices along with the cheeses in between the bread slices.
• Air Fryer Grilled Cheese and Tomato: Add thin slices of tomatoes. Pat them dry first to prevent moisture and then place in the sandwiches. Grilled onions or sauteed mushrooms are great additions too.
• Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Roll Ups: You can use the same ingredients and make grilled cheese rolls. White bread works better for these. 

Storage

If somehow you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

To reheat, put the grilled cheese sandwich in the air fryer and heat it at 360 degrees F (182 degrees C) for 2-3 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Just like the our feta grilled cheese, these air fryer grilled cheese sandwiches pair well with comforting soups especially on cold days. A few of our favorite soups to serve with them are:

• Roasted Garlic and Tomato Soup
• Carrot Tomato Soup
• Orzo Tomato Soup
• Tomato Soup With Fresh Tomatoes
• Cabbage Roll Soup

Refreshing salads such as arugula fig salad and black eyed pea salad are the perfect options when it is summer time. 

FAQs

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings
• Dry Rub Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Artichokes
• Air Fryer Okra Recipe

Other Sandwich Recipes

• Grilled Cheese with Feta and Spinach
• French Toast Sandwich
• Tuna Avocado Sandwich

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