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

Making grilled cheese in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy, crunchy, and gooey sandwich. It's a beginner-friendly recipe that can be made with simple ingredients like bread, cheese, and butter or mayonnaise. The air fryer's convection heat ensures an evenly toasted exterior, melted cheese, and a crispy texture in record time.

How to assemble the sandwich

To assemble the sandwich, you will need two slices of bread and two slices of cheese. You can use any type of sliced bread, but thicker cuts like Texas toast or sourdough are recommended for a more golden finish. For the cheese, opt for meltable semi-firm varieties such as Fontina, Cheddar, Gouda, or Muenster.

Start by spreading butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. If using butter, let it sit at room temperature until softened before spreading. Then, place one slice of bread, butter or mayonnaise side down, in the air fryer basket. If your cheese slices are large, you may need to break them up a bit to fit the bread slice. Add the desired amount of cheese on top of the bread slice in the air fryer. Close the sandwich with the remaining bread slice, placing it butter or mayonnaise side up. Press the sandwich slightly to close and secure it.

If your air fryer has a strong fan, the top slice of bread may fly off during cooking. To prevent this, you can use toothpicks to secure the sandwich before placing it in the air fryer. Alternatively, you can place a small metal steaming rack, a butter knife, or a round rack from an instant pot on top of the sandwich to weigh it down.

How long to cook it for

The cooking time for grilled cheese in an air fryer depends on a few factors, including the type of bread and cheese used, the thickness of the bread, and the temperature of your air fryer. Here is a general guide to help you get perfectly melted and toasted grilled cheese every time:

For a classic grilled cheese sandwich made with white bread and American, cheddar, or another medium-hard cheese, set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place the sandwich in the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes. This initial cooking time will vary depending on the type of bread and cheese you use. For thicker, heartier bread, you may need to add a minute or two. For softer breads, you may need to reduce the time.

After the initial cooking time, open the air fryer and carefully flip the sandwich. This step ensures even cooking and helps create a crispy, golden exterior. Return the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on your sandwich during this final cooking stage, as the cheese will be melting and you want to achieve the perfect level of toastiness without burning.

If you're using a softer cheese like brie or mozzarella, which have lower melting points, reduce the cooking time by about 30 seconds to 1 minute for each stage. Harder cheeses like aged cheddar or Swiss can handle a bit more time, so you may wish to add 30 seconds to a minute, depending on your preference.

Remember, every air fryer is slightly different, so it's important to keep an eye on your grilled cheese the first time you make it to ensure it doesn't overcook. With a bit of practice, you'll be able to achieve the perfect cooking time for your favorite grilled cheese sandwich in your air fryer.

What temperature to cook it at

When cooking grilled cheese in an air fryer, the ideal temperature to aim for is between 350°F and 400°F (around 177°C and 204°C). This temperature range is hot enough to melt the cheese and toast the bread to a golden brown without burning it. It is important to note that every air fryer model is unique, so your specific heating instructions may vary slightly. Always refer to your air fryer's user manual for any special instructions or guidelines.

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step, ensuring consistent cooking results. Most models have a preheat function, which you should use to get the air fryer to the desired temperature before adding your food. Place your sandwich in the air fryer basket once it has preheated, and set the temperature between 350°F and 400°F.

The cooking time will depend on your air fryer's model and the sandwich's ingredients. A standard grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer will take approximately 5 to 8 minutes to cook at 350°F to 400°F. If you're making multiple sandwiches, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. Check on your sandwich halfway through the cooking process to ensure it's cooking evenly and to your desired doneness.

Due to the high heat and direct contact with the grill or heating element, air fryers can sometimes burn or over-brown food. To avoid this, especially when making grilled cheese, consider lowering the temperature slightly. You can cook your sandwich at 325°F (about 163°C) for a slightly longer period to achieve the same melted, gooey result without the risk of burning.

How to stop the bread from flying off

The circulating hot air in an air fryer can cause lightweight food items like bread to fly around in the basket. Here are some ways to prevent this from happening when making grilled cheese:

Use a Rack

If your air fryer comes with a stainless-steel rack, turn it upside down and place it over the sandwich. This will keep the bread in place without blocking the airflow.

Use a Crisper Plate

If your air fryer has a crisper plate, place it over the sandwich to weigh it down. This method is ideal for basket-style air fryers, where the plate is usually placed below the food.

Secure with Toothpicks

Inserting toothpicks through the sandwich will keep the slices together and prevent them from flying off. This method is particularly effective if you don't have a basket-style air fryer.

Use a Piece of Cutlery

Place a fork or butter knife on top of the sandwich to weigh it down. This will leave a mark on the surface, but it will prevent the bread from flying off and causing damage to the air fryer.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer for 2-3 minutes can help prevent the bread from flying off. The slightly melted cheese will cling to the bread, reducing the chances of it flying off when the air fryer is turned on.

What to serve it with

There are many options for what to serve with your air-fryer grilled cheese sandwich. If you're looking for a classic pairing, you can't go wrong with a bowl of tomato soup. This combination has been a favourite since the Post-World War II era and for good reason! The refreshing soup perfectly complements the rich, crunchy, and gooey sandwich.

If you're looking for something lighter and more refreshing, a simple green salad is a great option. You can customise it with your favourite leafy greens, fruits, veggies, proteins, nuts, and cheese. A vinegar-based coleslaw is another refreshing option that will cut through the fattiness of the cheese.

For something a little different, try spreading some marinara sauce on your grilled cheese. It'll taste just like pizza! You could also dip your sandwich in some ketchup or mustard, or spread some jam, marmalade, or chutney on your sandwich for a sweet and savoury flavour.

If you're looking for a side dish with a bit more substance, sweet potato fries are a great option. They provide a nice crunch and a sweet contrast to the sandwich, without being too heavy.

Finally, if you're a fan of pickles, try making your own by spiralizing some cucumbers and red onions and soaking them in a vinegar and water mixture with salt, pepper, and dill fronds. They'll add a wonderful tartness and a bit of spice to your meal.

Frequently asked questions