Of course! The air fryer is a fantastic tool for making grilled cheese. It delivers an incredibly crispy, buttery exterior and a perfectly melted interior without any fuss or flipping splatter.
Here is your ultimate guide to making the perfect Air Fryer Grilled Cheese.
The Basic, Foolproof Method
This method works for any air fryer and yields a classic, crispy sandwich.
Yields: 1 sandwich
Prep time: 3 minutes
Cook time: 6-8 minutes
Ingredients & Tools
· Bread: 2 slices of your favorite bread (white, sourdough, and brioche work exceptionally well)
· Butter: 1 tbsp softened butter (or mayonnaise – see pro-tip below!)
· Cheese: 2-3 slices of good melting cheese (see recommendations below)
· Tool: Air Fryer
Instructions
- Butter the Bread: Spread the softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will become the crispy outer crust.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place the cheese slices between the two slices of bread, with the buttered sides facing out.
- Air Fry:
· Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) if your model recommends it.
· Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket. You do not need to grease the basket.
· Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping the sandwich halfway through. It’s done when the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is visibly melted.
The “No-Flip” Pro Method (for Basket-style Air Fryers)
This method uses a clever trick to ensure even cooking without needing to flip, and it keeps the sandwich perfectly compressed.
Instructions:
- Assemble your sandwich with butter on the outside as described above.
- Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket.
- Place an oven-safe ramekin or small oven-safe bowl on top of the sandwich. This weighs it down, ensuring even browning and preventing the top slice from flying around.
- Air fry at 370°F (190°C) for 7-9 minutes. No flipping required! The top will be pressed down and perfectly crispy.
Recipe Notes & Pro-Tips for the BEST Air Fryer Grrated Cheese
· The #1 Secret: Use Mayonnaise. For an unbelievably crispy, golden, and flavorful crust, swap the butter for mayonnaise. The oil and eggs in mayo create a phenomenal sear. Just spread a thin layer on the outside of the bread, just like you would with butter. You won’t taste the mayo, just incredible crispiness!
· Choose Your Cheese Wisely: The best melting cheeses are:
· American: The ultimate melter. It’s a classic for a reason.
· Cheddar: Sharp or medium. Shred it yourself for the best melt (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents).
· Provolone: Mild and super melty.
· Gouda: Especially smoked Gouda for a flavor boost.
· Fontina: Rich and creamy.
· Swiss or Gruyère: Excellent for a more sophisticated taste.
· The “Double Cheese” Method: For extra gooeyness, use one slice of a great melter (like American or Provolone) and one slice of a flavorful cheese (like Sharp Cheddar or Gouda).
· Add-Ins & Upgrades:
· Inside: Add a thin layer of Dijon mustard, a few slices of tomato, crispy cooked bacon, a slice of ham, or some caramelized onions.
· Outside: For a “everything bagel” twist, sprinkle the buttered/mayo’d outside with everything bagel seasoning or garlic powder before cooking.
· Don’t Overcrowd: Cook one sandwich at a time for the best air circulation and even cooking.
· Why is my cheese not melting? Your bread might be browning too fast. Try lowering the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cooking for a few minutes longer. Also, ensure your cheese isn’t straight from the fridge; let it sit out for 10-15 minutes.
Troubleshooting
· Bread flying around? Use the “ramekin trick” mentioned above. It’s a game-changer.
· Soggy bread? You might have used too much butter/mayo. A thin, even layer is all you need. Also, ensure your air fryer is preheated.
Enjoy your perfectly crispy, melty, and incredibly easy air fryer grilled cheese! It’s a game-changer for a quick and satisfying lunch.