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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.
Claudia-Cristina says
Just made the air fryer grilled cheese—crispy, gooey, and ready in minutes. So simple and delicious!
Jacqueline. says
Such an easy way to make grilled cheese toast. I made some together with my grandson and now he wants to make them every time he comes to visit!
Sonja says
The toothpick idea was genius! I kept wondering how to hold the top of the grilled cheese in place in my air fryer and this really solved it. Came out beautiful.
Krystle says
This is good I’ll never make my grilled cheese in a skillet again!
Clarice says
Wow!I have never thought about making grilled cheese sandwich on my airfryer but I would love to give it a try. This looks really delicious. Will make one when I get home later.
Greta says
Never tried it with in air-fryer but I’m not going to make it differently from now. So easy and quick!
Vidhya says
This grilled cheese sandwich was really so good! I served with tomato sauce, yum!
Azlin says
Never thought to make grilled cheese in the airfryer – it turned out beautifully, thanks!
Madison says
This grilled cheese was so easy to make! turned out great in my air fryer.
Maria says
These are pure perfection. There is no better way to make grilled cheese than in the air fryer.