Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese made in an air fryer? You might be skeptical, but I’m telling you, it totally works and it makes for one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches ever! The air fryer crisps up the bread perfectly, all the way through to the center in a way that a skillet just can’t. This recipe is perfect for teenagers and kids, too. There’s no need to break out the frying pan, and there’s less mess to clean up!

Pair with a bowl of homemade Tomato Basil Soup or our Caprese Soup.

Why Our Recipe

• Gooey, cheesy comfort food ready in 15 minutes!
• The air fryer crisps the bread all the way through (unlike a skillet) while melting the cheese to perfection.
• Mix it up with different bread, cheese, and other suggestions below.

We love the air fryer! It’s seriously underrated and not just for warming up leftovers. Making a grilled cheese in the air fryer works because it cooks the sandwich evenly and quickly, resulting in a crispy exterior and perfectly melted cheese interior. So, next time you’re craving a warm and comforting grilled cheese, skip the stove and try it in the air fryer.

Ingredient Notes

• Sandwich Bread:  Regular white sandwich bread works great, but you can use sourdough or a thicker bread like Texas toast or brioche if you want to go fancy.
• Cheddar Cheese: We use sliced cheddar cheese rather than shredded to keep it all together and less messy. You can also spice it up with some pepper jack.
• Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy spreading.
• Garlic Powder: We use garlic powder rather than minced garlic to keep it from burning while still giving you garlic flavor.
• Tabasco Sauce: Just a dash to add flavor without too much heat. You can totally add a little more or use whatever hot sauce you like!

Cheese Options

When it comes to grilled cheese, the options for cheese are endless! Some of the best cheeses for melting and creating that gooey texture include cheddar, provolone, gouda, and mozzarella. However, feel free to experiment and try out different types of cheese to find your favorite.

Mix it Up!

Go ahead and dress up your grilled cheese with these easy mix-ins. Keep in mind that this may affect the cooking time and texture of your sandwich. It’s recommended to pre-cook your meat and veggies before adding them to your sandwich to remove excess moisture, so it doesn’t get soggy!

Meat: Bacon and ham are classic choices for grilled cheese. We recommend cooking the bacon before adding

Veggies: Sautéed onions and mushrooms add so much flavor! You could also add some fresh tomatoes and pickles, though it may add too much moisture. I’d recommend adding them in between cheese slices to keep the bread from getting soggy.

Spice it Up! We love adding a little spice to our grilled cheese! Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes, add more hot sauce, or even some jalapeño slices. We love pickled jalapeño for a milder heat or fresh slices for a little crunch!

Bread Options

Bread is an essential component of any grilled cheese sandwich, and the type of bread you use can greatly affect the final outcome of your sandwich. Some of the best breads for grilled cheese include:

White Bread: The classic choice that gives a crispy exterior and soft interior. White bread is great if you’re adding more ingredients to really let them shine!

Whole Wheat Bread: Provides a nutty flavor and a denser texture.

Brioche: A buttery flavor and delicate texture.

Ciabatta Rolls: A crusty and airy roll that gives great texture.

Texas Toast: A thicker bread that holds cheese and butter well without getting soggy.

Sourdough Bread: The perfect crunchy, chewy texture with a slight tang. One of my personal favorites!