Absolutely! Making a grilled cheese in the air fryer is a game-changer. It delivers an incredibly crispy, buttery exterior without the mess of a skillet, and the hot air circulates to melt the cheese to absolute perfection.
Here is the foolproof method for THE BEST Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
THE BEST Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This method focuses on technique for maximum crispiness and gooeyness.
Yields: 1 sandwich
Prep time: 3 minutes
Cook time: 6-8 minutes
Ingredients
· 2 slices of your favorite bread (thick-sliced Texas toast, sourdough, or brioche work best)
· 1-2 tbsp softened butter, mayonnaise, or a combination*
· 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded or sliced cheese (a blend is best! See suggestions below)
The Ultimate Cheese Blend Suggestions:
· Classic: Sharp Cheddar and Monterey Jack
· Gourmet: Gruyère and Fontina
· Everything Bagel Twist: Mozzarella with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- PREP, DON’T PREHEAT:
· There’s no need to preheat your air fryer for this recipe.
· Butter the OUTSIDE of the bread: Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. This will become the crispy, golden crust.
· Pro-Tip: Mayonnaise, due to its oil and egg content, creates an unbelievably crispy and evenly browned crust. It’s a secret weapon!
- BUILD THE SANDWICH:
· Place one slice of bread, buttered-side DOWN, on a clean surface.
· Pile on the cheese. For the best melt, shred your own cheese from a block, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can hinder melting.
· Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered-side UP.
- AIR FRY TO PERFECTION:
· Carefully place the sandwich in the air fryer basket.
· Air fry at 370°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes.
· DO NOT FLIP HALFWAY THROUGH. The circulating hot air cooks it perfectly on both sides at once. Flipping can cause the cheese to shift and spill out.
- CHECK FOR DONENESS:
· The sandwich is done when the outside is a deep, golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is visibly melted and bubbly.
· If the bread is browning too quickly before the cheese melts, you can tent a small piece of foil over the top for the last minute or two.
- REST AND SERVE:
· Carefully remove the sandwich from the air fryer (the cheese will be very hot!).
· Let it rest for 1-2 minutes before cutting. This allows the molten cheese to set slightly, preventing a messy cheese avalanche when you bite into it.
Why This Method is the BEST:
· No Preheating Necessary: The sandwich goes into a cold air fryer, which allows the cheese to start melting as the air fryer heats up, resulting in a perfect gooey center.
· No Flipping Required: The powerful convection heat crisps both sides evenly without any effort.
· Ultimate Crispy Crust: Using mayonnaise or properly softened butter ensures every inch of the bread gets crispy.
Pro-Tips for the Ultimate Sandwich:
· Bread Matters: Sturdy, thick-sliced bread holds up best against the powerful air flow and won’t get blown around.
· Grate Your Own Cheese: This is the single biggest tip for a superior melt. Pre-shredded bagged cheese is coated to prevent clumping, which also prevents it from melting into a perfect, creamy pool.
· Add Ins: For a next-level sandwich, add a very thin layer of Dijon mustard to the inside of the bread before adding cheese, or add a few thin slices of ham or tomato.
· Don’t Overcrowd: Cook one sandwich at a time for the best air circulation and even cooking.
Enjoy your perfectly crispy, melty, and mess-free grilled cheese