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In this post, you’ll learn my foolproof method for making a grilled cheese in the air fryer, along with my tips for keeping it together while it cooks!
Grilled Cheese in the Air Fryer
My youngest mastered making his grilled cheese in the air fryer a few summers ago after he had one too many air fryer Uncrustables for lunch.
If he has a friend over, he prefers this method to grilling it on the stove. However, if he has a group of friends, I bake the grilled cheese sandwiches in the oven and make them all at once.
Is Grilled Cheese Better in the Air Fryer or Stove?
Both methods take the same amount of time; however, the air fryer is safer for younger kids to make on their own, and since air fryers are a dorm-approved appliance, my college-aged kid enjoys it too.
How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
You’ll first assemble the grilled cheese as you typically would, and grease both sides of the bread. Use a toothpick to hold it together and prevent the top slice from flying around. Air fry the sandwich on top of the rack, then flip it over halfway through cooking to achieve a crisp, golden exterior on both sides.
First time making it? Watch this quick video:
Tips and Tricks
- Grease both sides of the sandwich with butter or cooking spray.
- Poke a toothpick through the sandwich to keep it together and avoid it from flying everywhere.
- Grill one or more as many as you can fit in a single layer. Don’t stack.
To pack a grilled cheese for school, let it cool down completely after you take it out of the air fryer. Then, place it in a sandwich container by itself. While it won’t be crispy, the cheese will be melty and delicious.
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese (Fool Proof!)
Watch How It’s Packed:
Ingredients
- 2 slices sandwich bread
- 2 slices cheese, your favorite
- Butter or spray, for grilling
Instructions
Prep:
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (185C) for 5 minutes.
Make the sandwich:
- Place the sliced bread on a flat surface and butter both slices of bread. Flip the bread slices over, place the cheese, and close the sandwich, buttered sides out.
- Take a toothpick and slide it through the middle of the sandwich to keep it together inside the air fryer.
Air Fry:
- Place the cheese sandwich in the preheated air fryer. If making more than one grilled cheese at a time, make sure not to stack them.
- Air fry it for 2 minutes on the first side, open the air fryer and flip the sandwich over. Air fry the second side for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Serve:
- Remove the toothpick and serve the grilled cheese sandwich.
Karen says
Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and easy to make is a WIN! Definitely adding this to my go-to list for simple, comforting meals!
Stacie k says
This is the PERFECT meal for my child. I just cant believe I didn’t think of this myself!
Jaleah says
This grilled cheese is so delicious!! I love the convenience of putting it together in the air fryer.
Nicole says
This air fryer grilled cheese is so delicious! Such an easy way to get lunch done for the kiddos this summer.
Andrea says
Came out perfectly crisp—super easy and the cheese was nice and melty. Great for a quick lunch.
Swathi says
Air fryer grilled cheese looks delicious. I have made it, my kids loved it.
Dana says
Great recipe!!
Erica says
These grill cheese sandwiches in the air fryer are super easy and perfect every time. My kids make these by themselves and they Love it. So glad I found this recipe.
Vanessa says
This air fryer grilled cheese was so easy and yum!
Brittany says
My daughter made this air fryer grilled cheese for herself this afternoon and LOVED IT! Turned out perfect and it was so much easier for her than the traditional method.