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

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, but can you make them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer grilled cheese sandwiches are perfectly golden, gooey, and easy to make. The air fryer method is also a safer way for kids to make grilled cheese sandwiches if they're not ready to use the stove. The air fryer's convection heat results in the ideal grilled cheese with minimum effort. You can use any sliced bread or melting cheese, and add condiments like gochujang, kimchi, or sauerkraut. The total cook time will depend on the type of bread and the amount of cheese used.

Recommended cooking time and temperature

The recommended cooking temperature for grilled cheese in an air fryer ranges from 360°F to 390°F. The cooking time varies between 3 to 8 minutes, depending on the desired level of browning and the type of bread and cheese used.

For a basic grilled cheese sandwich, preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Butter the outsides of the bread slices or use mayonnaise for a crispier sandwich. Assemble the sandwich with cheese in the center, using a toothpick to secure it if the bread is thin. Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Check frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Flip the sandwich and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until it reaches the desired level of browning.

The total cooking time may vary depending on the type of bread used. Thicker slices of bread, such as Texas toast or sourdough, may require a slightly longer cooking time. Freshly grated cheese will also melt more smoothly and quickly than pre-grated cheese.

For a more indulgent sandwich, spread mayonnaise and mustard on the inside of the bread before adding the cheese. Butter one side of each sandwich and place them buttered-side down in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 390°F and cook for 4 minutes.

Experiment with different types of bread, cheese, and toppings to find your favorite combinations. For a sharper flavor, try using a combination of mild and aged cheeses, such as Havarti and Cheddar. You can also add meat, vegetables, or sauces to customize your sandwich.

Bread type and preparation

When it comes to bread type, you can use any sliced bread, but a sturdy bread that can withstand the circulating heat of the air fryer is ideal. Suggested options include sourdough, rustic Italian, Texas toast, Sara Lee Artesano, multi-grain bread, or leftover artisan bread. For even cooking, it's best to choose bread that is cut at least 1/2-inch thick.

To prepare the bread, you can either butter the outsides of the bread slices or spread mayonnaise on the insides of the bread. You can also add a variety of condiments to the inside of the sandwich, such as mustard, gochujang, kimchi, or sauerkraut. For a savory sandwich, consider adding pickles, bacon, ham, sautéed mushrooms, or onions.

If you are using thin bread, it is recommended to use a toothpick to secure the sandwich together to prevent the top piece from blowing off during cooking. You can also try using garlic butter on the outside of the bread.

Once you have prepared the bread and assembled the sandwich, place it in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between sandwiches if cooking more than one. Set the air fryer temperature to between 360-390°F, with most sources recommending 370-380°F. Cook for 2-5 minutes, depending on the desired level of browning, and then flip the sandwich and cook for an additional 1-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the sandwich to ensure it doesn't burn, and check that the top slice of bread hasn't blown off during the first minute of cooking.

Cheese type and preparation

When it comes to cheese type and preparation, there are a few things to consider for making grilled cheese in an air fryer. Firstly, it is recommended to use freshly grated cheese for the creamiest melt. While slices come in a close second, freshly grated cheese will provide the best melting consistency. Pre-grated cheese can work, but it may not melt as smoothly due to the addition of anti-clumping agents. For the perfect melt, choose a cheese that is known for its melting capabilities, such as Swiss, provolone, American, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Fontina, or Havarti. You can also get creative and use two different types of cheese to add depth of flavor to your grilled cheese. For example, pair a sharper, slightly aged cheese like cheddar with a milder, creamier cheese like Havarti or Monterey Jack. If you want to add a smoky flavor to your sandwich, smoked gouda is an excellent option.

When preparing the cheese for your grilled cheese sandwich, it is important to grate or slice the cheese evenly to ensure consistent melting. Layer the cheese generously onto one slice of bread, making sure to cover the entire surface. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add some extra ingredients on top of the cheese before placing the second slice of bread. Sliced tomatoes, spinach, or roasted peppers can add a nice touch of freshness to your sandwich. You can even try a thin slice of ham, bacon, or some sautéed mushrooms and onions for a heartier sandwich.

The type of bread you use can also impact the overall taste and texture of your grilled cheese. While white sandwich bread is a classic choice, thicker-cut options like Texas toast or sourdough bread can provide a sturdier base for your sandwich. If you're looking for a more rustic flavor, go for a sturdy bread like rustic Italian, cut at least 1/2-inch thick, which can better withstand the circulating heat of the air fryer.

When assembling your sandwich, it's time to decide whether to use butter, mayonnaise, or another spread of your choice. Butter is a traditional option, providing a classic crispy, buttery texture to the bread. However, some people prefer using mayonnaise, which can give the sandwich a unique creamy texture and a tangy flavor. You can even spread a mixture of mayonnaise and mustard on the inside of the bread for a creamy texture with a sharp, horseradish-like bite. If you're feeling adventurous, try using garlic butter on the outside of the bread for an extra punch of flavor.

Additional ingredients

There are many different ways to make grilled cheese in an air fryer, and the options for additional ingredients are endless.

Firstly, you can switch up the type of bread and cheese you use. For the bread, a sturdy variety such as sourdough or rustic Italian, cut at least 1/2-inch thick, stands up well to the circulating heat of the air fryer. White sandwich bread is a great traditional choice, but thicker-cut bread, like Texas toast or Sara Lee Artesano, is also a good option. Sourdough, multi-grain, or leftover artisan bread may not toast as golden as easily. For the cheese, freshly grated cheese works best for the creamiest melt, while slices come in a second. Pre-grated cheese can work, but it may not melt as smoothly due to anti-clumping agents. Try a sharper, slightly aged cheese like cheddar, or a milder, creamier cheese like Havarti or Monterey Jack. For a hint of smoky flavor, smoked gouda lends a super soft, melty texture. If you're using slices, plan for 3 to 4 slices per sandwich, depending on their thickness. Other cheese options include Swiss, Provolone, American, Gruyere, or Fontina.

You can also add a thin layer of butter, mayonnaise, or even garlic butter to the outside of the bread. For a savory sandwich, add a few slices of pickles, a scoop of sauerkraut, bacon, ham, sautéed mushrooms, or onions. Candied jalapeños can give the sandwich a kick, while a smear of jam keeps a sweet and savory fan satisfied. You can also try condiments like gochujang or kimchi.

If you want to add meat to your grilled cheese, you can add a thin slice of ham in between the two slices of cheese. For a classic grilled cheese and tomato soup combination, try adding a slice of tomato to your sandwich.

Air fryer basket size and shape

When making grilled cheese in an air fryer, the size and shape of the basket are important considerations. The size of the basket will determine how many sandwiches you can cook at once. If you have a larger air fryer, you may be able to fit two or more sandwiches, whereas a smaller basket may only accommodate one sandwich at a time.

The shape of the basket can also impact how you arrange your sandwiches. For example, if you have a square-shaped basket, it might be tricky to fit more than one sandwich, especially if your bread is also square-shaped. In this case, you might need to cook your sandwiches in batches. However, if you have a round or oval-shaped basket, you might be able to fit two sandwiches snugly, as round, boule-shaped loaves tend to fit better in these baskets.

It's worth noting that the size and shape of your bread slices can also impact how you arrange them in the basket. Slices from a round loaf might fit better in a round or oval basket, while square slices might be better suited for a square or rectangular basket.

Additionally, the size and shape of your basket can also affect the overall cooking time. If you are cooking multiple sandwiches in a larger basket, they may take longer to cook through compared to a single sandwich in a smaller basket. Therefore, it's important to keep an eye on your sandwiches and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Overall, when making grilled cheese in an air fryer, consider the size and shape of your basket to determine how many sandwiches you can cook at once, how to arrange them, and the potential cooking time.

Frequently asked questions