Air Fryer Grilled Cheese: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, comforting meal, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve the perfect texture and taste. The air fryer method is also a safer way for kids to make grilled cheese sandwiches without needing to use the stove. With an air fryer, you can make a crispy, melty, and gooey grilled cheese sandwich in just 4-6 minutes.

Bread type: Sourdough, Italian, or Texas toast are good options

When making grilled cheese sandwiches in an air fryer, it's important to choose a sturdy bread that can withstand the circulating heat. Sourdough, Italian, and Texas toast are all excellent options that fit this criterion. These breads are thickly sliced and pair well with a variety of cheeses, making them ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Sourdough bread, with its distinctive tangy flavour, provides a nice contrast to the creamy, melted cheese. Its sturdiness ensures that it holds up well in the air fryer, resulting in a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. Similarly, Italian bread, whether rustic or in the form of ciabatta, offers a chewy texture and a robust flavour that complements the cheese.

Texas toast, known for its thicker cut, is another popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches in an air fryer. Its increased thickness provides a greater bread-to-cheese ratio, resulting in a more satisfying bite. Texas toast also tends to toast evenly, ensuring a consistent golden brown colour across the surface.

When selecting bread for grilled cheese sandwiches in an air fryer, it's advisable to opt for thicker slices or cuts. This thickness helps the bread withstand the intense heat and prevents it from burning or becoming too crispy. Additionally, thicker bread provides a more substantial base for the cheese, ensuring a more indulgent and satisfying sandwich.

While sourdough, Italian, and Texas toast are recommended options, feel free to experiment with other types of bread. Whole wheat bread, brioche buns, and even leftover artisan bread can also work well in an air fryer, offering unique flavours and textures to your grilled cheese sandwiches.

Cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack are popular choices

When it comes to choosing the cheese for your grilled cheese sandwich, there are a few popular options to consider. Cheddar, Swiss, Gruyere, and Monterey Jack are all excellent choices that will result in a delicious and gooey grilled cheese sandwich.

Cheddar cheese, for example, is a classic option that can be found in various colours, such as orange or white. It has a sharp and savoury flavour that pairs perfectly with the buttered bread. Swiss cheese is another popular choice, known for its mild flavour and excellent melting capabilities. Gruyere cheese, on the other hand, offers a slightly more robust flavour profile with a hint of sweetness, making it a unique and tasty option. Lastly, Monterey Jack is a favourite among grilled cheese enthusiasts due to its creamy texture and mild flavour.

When selecting the cheese for your sandwich, it is important to consider the melting capabilities of the cheese. A good melting cheese, such as Havarti, will ensure that your sandwich is gooey and delicious. It is also worth noting that some cheeses, like Swiss and Gruyere, have excellent melting properties, contributing to the signature texture of a grilled cheese sandwich.

Additionally, you can experiment with combining different types of cheese to create a unique flavour profile. For instance, you could pair Cheddar with another melty cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Fontina, to create a blend that complements each other. By mixing and matching different cheeses, you can discover new flavour combinations that elevate your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level.

Butter, oil, or mayonnaise: Use one of these to crisp the bread

To make a grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer, you can use butter, oil, or mayonnaise to crisp up the bread. Each option will give you a slightly different result, so choose based on your personal preference.

Butter

If you prefer the traditional grilled cheese flavour, butter is a good option. Spread softened, unsalted butter on the outside of your sandwich to give it a crispy, buttery crust. You can also add a little butter on top of the mayonnaise, if you choose to use it, for an extra buttery flavour.

Oil

Using oil is another way to ensure your grilled cheese sandwich comes out crispy. You can use a spray oil, like coconut oil, on the outside of the bread to help it crisp up in the air fryer.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a secret ingredient that guarantees your grilled cheese sandwich will be extra crispy. It's also convenient because it's ready to spread and doesn't need to be softened like butter. Mayonnaise also gives your sandwich a slightly different flavour, though not overwhelmingly so. If you're feeling adventurous, try using mayonnaise on your grilled cheese sandwich.

Add-ons: Try ham, pickles, or mushrooms for extra flavour

If you're looking for a classic comfort food, try making a grilled ham and cheese sandwich in your air fryer. Start by selecting your favourite type of bread and cheese—just make sure it's a good melting variety like Swiss, Cooper® Sharp White American Cheese, or Velveeta. Then, thinly spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. With the mayo side facing down, spread Dijon mustard on the bread and layer on the Swiss cheese, ham slices, and pickles. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, with the mayonnaise side facing up, and gently press the sandwiches together. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Cook the sandwiches for about 3 minutes per side, keeping a close eye on them, especially towards the end, as air fryer cooking times may vary.

For a vegetarian option, try a grilled mushroom sandwich. Baby Bella or cremini mushrooms are great choices, but you can use any variety you like, including portobellos. Mushrooms add a rich, savoury umami flavour to your sandwich. To prepare the mushrooms, sauté them first to develop a deep, earthy taste. You can also grill or air fry them separately before assembling your sandwich. For the sandwich, spread butter on a pan or griddle over medium heat. Place your sandwiches on the pan and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Flip the sandwiches and cook the other side until it reaches the same golden brown colour. If you prefer to use an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F and place the sandwiches in the basket. Air fry for 8-10 minutes until the outside is golden brown. Let the sandwiches cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving.

To enhance the flavour of your grilled mushroom sandwich, try using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded or sliced cheese. You can also spread pesto sauce or cilantro chimichurri sauce on the bread. For added fibre, include some kale or spinach leaves, or other vegetables of your choice. If you're a fan of panini sandwiches, consider adding some Dijon mustard or mayonnaise to your grilled mushroom sandwich for extra complexity.

Cooking time: 3-6 minutes at 350-390°F

Yes, you can cook a grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer. The air fryer is a great option for achieving crispy, golden-brown, and gooey grilled cheese sandwiches. It is also a safer method for kids to make their own grilled cheese sandwiches.

To make a grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 350-390°F. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your sandwich by spreading butter on one side of each slice of bread. You can also use mayonnaise or oil as an alternative to butter. Place a slice of bread, buttered-side down, in the air fryer basket or tray. Add your desired cheese to the bread. You can use a combination of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Havarti. For the creamiest melt, grate the cheese yourself instead of using pre-grated cheese. Then, top the sandwich with another slice of bread, with the buttered side facing up.

Once your sandwich is assembled, place it in the air fryer and set the timer for 3-4 minutes. If your air fryer has a Toast" mode, you can use that. After the first side is toasted, flip the sandwich and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and toasted to your liking. The total cooking time will depend on your desired level of browning and the type of bread and cheese used.

After removing the sandwich from the air fryer, let it cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving. Enjoy your grilled cheese sandwich!

Frequently asked questions