Cody Casey
Air fryer grilled cheese sandwiches are a quick, easy, and tasty meal to make. They are also a safer way for kids to make their own grilled cheese sandwiches if they're not quite ready to use the stove. The total cook time depends on the type of bread and cheese used, but it usually takes between 5 to 10 minutes. The air fryer's convection heat results in the ideal grilled cheese with minimum effort and a golden, gooey, and crispy texture.
How long to cook grilled cheese in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 370°F to 390°F |
| Time | 3 to 5 minutes on the first side, 1 to 3 minutes on the other side |
| Bread | White sandwich bread, sourdough, multi-grain, rustic Italian, leftover artisan bread, or Texas toast |
| Cheese | Swiss, provolone, American, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Fontina, Havarti, cheddar, gouda, or your favourite melty cheese |
| Condiments | Mayonnaise, mustard, butter, or gochujang |
| Fillings | Ham, apple, kimchi, pickled jalapeños, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, onions, candied jalapeños, jam, or sauerkraut |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer grilled cheese cooking time and temperature
The air fryer grilled cheese sandwich is a quick, easy, and convenient way to make a classic sandwich. The air fryer method is also a safer way for kids to make grilled cheese without having to use the stove. The circulating heat of the air fryer means you can simply place your sandwich in the fryer and walk away until it's time to flip it over.
The cooking time and temperature for an air fryer grilled cheese sandwich depend on the type of bread and cheese used, as well as the desired level of browning. The ideal temperature for cooking grilled cheese in an air fryer is between 370 and 390 degrees Fahrenheit. The total cooking time is typically between 4 and 8 minutes, with the sandwich being flipped once during the cooking process.
For example, one recipe calls for the air fryer to be set to 390 degrees Fahrenheit, and the sandwich to be cooked for 4 minutes. Another recipe suggests cooking at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping the sandwich, and then cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes. Yet another recipe recommends cooking at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes, flipping the sandwich, and then cooking for an additional 3 minutes.
It's important to keep an eye on the sandwich while it's cooking, to ensure that it doesn't burn and that the top slice of bread hasn't blown off. The sandwich is ready when it's golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the cheese is melted on the inside.
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Bread type and thickness
The type and thickness of the bread you use for your grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer can affect the cooking time and the overall taste of your sandwich.
White sandwich bread is a great traditional choice, but it is recommended to use a thicker cut, such as Texas toast or Sara Lee Artesano. Sourdough, multi-grain bread, or leftover artisan bread are also good options, but they may not turn as golden in the air fryer as easily. For this reason, a sturdy bread like sourdough or rustic Italian, cut at least 1/2-inch thick, is ideal for the circulating heat of the air fryer.
If your bread is thin, the top piece may blow off during cooking, so it is suggested to use a toothpick to secure the sandwich together.
The total cook time will depend on the type of bread you use. It is recommended to cook the sandwich for 2-3 minutes, flip it, and then cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of brownness. You should check on it periodically to ensure it doesn't burn and that the top slice hasn't blown off.
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Cheese type and quantity
The type and quantity of cheese you use for your grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer are important factors in achieving the perfect taste and texture. While the type of cheese is a matter of personal preference, it's worth noting that some cheeses melt better than others, creating that desirable gooey consistency. Here are some recommended cheese options and quantities to consider:
Swiss, provolone, American, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Fontina, and Havarti are all excellent choices for a classic, creamy, and gooey grilled cheese. You can use 2-3 ounces (about 55-85 grams) of shredded cheese or adjust the amount to your preference. This quantity ensures a generous filling without overwhelming the sandwich.
If you're feeling adventurous, try using two different types of cheese to add depth of flavor. For example, you could pair Swiss with Gruyere or Fontina with Havarti. This combination technique elevates your grilled cheese experience.
While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated cheese is recommended for the best melting results. If you're short on time, look for cheese blocks and shred or slice them yourself. This extra step will enhance the melting quality of your grilled cheese.
Additionally, consider the size and thickness of your bread slices when determining the quantity of cheese. You want enough cheese to cover the bread adequately and create a satisfying cheese-to-bread ratio.
Remember, the beauty of making grilled cheese in an air fryer is the flexibility to experiment. Don't be afraid to try different types and amounts of cheese to find your perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
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Butter, oil, or mayonnaise
You can use butter, oil, or mayonnaise to make grilled cheese in an air fryer. The choice is yours!
If you're using butter, simply apply a thin layer to the bread and cook until golden brown and crispy. You can also use butter to grease the air fryer basket. If you're making multiple sandwiches, you can add a couple of toothpicks to prevent the bread from sticking.
Some people prefer mayonnaise because it's ready to spread and browns beautifully without leaving a mayo flavor. It's also the secret ingredient to achieving an extra crispy exterior. You can spread a light layer of mayo on the inside of the bread, or spread it on the outside of the sandwich, placing the sandwich mayo-side down in the air fryer basket.
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can use oil instead of butter or mayonnaise. Simply spray the top of the bread with oil after placing the sandwich in the air fryer, and spray the other side after flipping.
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Fillings and condiments
While a classic grilled cheese sandwich is delicious, you can elevate your grilled cheese by adding fillings and condiments.
For a creamy, savoury sandwich with a sharp, horseradish-like bite, spread the inside of the bread with a little mayo and mustard. You can also add a few pickles, a scoop of sauerkraut, slices of bacon or ham, sautéed mushrooms or onions, and candied jalapeños for a kick. If you like your grilled cheese on the sweeter side, add a smear of jam to keep it sweet and savoury. For an extra crispy sandwich, butter the outside of the bread. If you don't have butter, you can use mayonnaise or spray the bread with oil.
For the cheese, avoid pre-sliced or pre-shredded packaged cheese. Instead, opt for two different types of cheese to add depth of flavour. Good choices include Swiss, provolone, American, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Fontina, or Havarti. If you're feeling adventurous, try gochujang or kimchi.
For the bread, choose a sturdy type that can stand up to the circulating heat of the air fryer, such as sourdough or rustic Italian, cut at least 1/2-inch thick. If you're using square slices, keep in mind that it might be tricky to cook more than one sandwich at a time. Round, boule-shaped slices are a better fit for air fryers.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 4 to 8 minutes to cook grilled cheese in an air fryer.
The air fryer should be set to between 370 to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
A sturdy, thicker-cut bread like sourdough or rustic Italian is best for grilled cheese in an air fryer.
You can use any type of melting cheese, such as Swiss, provolone, American, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Fontina, or Havarti.
