Air Fryer Grilled Cheese (Crispy, Gooey & Fast!)

This air fryer grilled cheese sandwich is golden, crisp, and perfectly melty—ready in under 10 minutes 👇👇

No flipping on the stove, no babysitting the skillet. Just a buttery, toasted sandwich with gooey cheese inside and crisp edges outside. This easy recipe is a budget-friendly, family favorite—perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or lazy weekend dinners.

Why I Love This Recipe

Grilled cheese in the air fryer? Game changer. It’s crispy, hands-off, and totally customizable.

No skillet needed – cooks right in the air fryer basket
Fast and fuss-free – ready in less than 10 minutes
Perfect texture – crunchy outside, melty center
Endless combos – use your favorite cheeses and add-ins

Want a full nostalgic combo? Serve it with classic tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal.

Next up – Ingredients are below 👇👇

Recipe Ingredients

4 slices sandwich bread – use white, whole wheat, or sourdough
4 slices cheese – I used 2 cheddar + 2 Havarti
3 Tbsp butter – or mayonnaise, for spreading

Step-by-Step Instructions 👇👇

STEP 1: Assemble the Sandwich

Spread butter or mayo on one side of each bread slice.
Place one slice (spread side down) in your air fryer basket.
Add 2 slices of cheese, then top with another bread slice (spread side up).

STEP 2: Cook in the Air Fryer

Set air fryer to 370°F and cook for 4 minutes.
Flip carefully, then cook for another 4 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

STEP 3: Serve and Enjoy

Let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Tips

Butter or mayo both work – either gives golden, crispy results
Use sturdy bread – like sourdough, French bread, or Texas toast
No preheat needed – unless your model requires it
Don’t overcrowd – 1–2 sandwiches at a time is best
Check early – start checking at the 6-minute mark
Secure loose bread – use a toothpick if your bread is light
Flip halfway – for even browning
Get creative – try mozzarella, provolone, Swiss, or add tomato/ham
Reheat leftovers – 350°F for 3–4 minutes in the air fryer
Avoid freezing – texture won’t hold up after thawing

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is super flexible—try these swaps or additions:

Spice it up: sprinkle garlic powder, dried basil, or crushed red pepper inside
Use different cheeses: mozzarella, provolone, Swiss, or pepper jack
Add-ins: thin tomato slices, turkey, ham, or crispy bacon
Make it dairy-free: use vegan cheese + plant-based butter or mayo
Switch up the bread: sourdough, rye, brioche, or gluten-free slices

How To Store Leftovers

Grilled cheese is best fresh, but here’s how to handle extras:

Fridge: Store cooled sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Reheat: Use the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to crisp up again
Avoid freezing: The bread tends to get soggy and lose texture after thawing