Description
This Air Fryer Grilled Cheese recipe delivers a perfectly crispy and golden sandwich with melted sharp cheddar cheese inside. Easy to make in just minutes using an air fryer, it’s a quick and delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese that’s wonderfully crispy without the mess of stovetop cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Cheese
- 8 slices bread (your favorite)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded or thinly sliced)
Butter and Seasoning
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- Salt (optional, for seasoning)
- Black pepper (optional, for seasoning)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for crisping the bread evenly.
- Butter the bread: Lay out a slice of bread on a clean surface and spread softened butter on one side evenly. Repeat for all bread slices you plan to use.
- Prepare cheese layers: Place a slice or two of cheddar cheese on top of a separate bread slice (unbuttered side), covering the surface. Season the cheese lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
- Assemble sandwiches: Place the buttered bread slice on top of the cheese-covered bread with the butter side facing up, forming a sandwich.
- Place sandwiches in air fryer: Arrange the sandwiches in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping. Use cooking spray or parchment paper to prevent sticking if preferred.
- Air fry first side: Cook the sandwiches at 360°F (182°C) for 4-5 minutes until the bottom side is golden and crispy.
- Flip and butter again: Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula, then spread butter on the now-exposed side. Keep the parchment paper in place if using.
- Air fry second side: Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the second side is golden brown and the cheese inside is thoroughly melted.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the air fryer. Let them cool for 1-2 minutes, then cut diagonally and serve hot alongside your favorite sides such as French fries, chips, or roasted tomato soup.
Notes
- Make sure to preheat the air fryer for best crispy results.
- Use softened butter for easy spreading and even coverage.
- For a non-stick air fryer basket, utilize cooking spray or parchment paper.
- You can customize the cheese choice if preferred, but sharp cheddar melts well and has great flavor.
- Keep an eye on the sandwiches when air frying as cook times may vary slightly depending on the air fryer model and bread thickness.
- Allow sandwiches to cool slightly before cutting to prevent cheese from oozing excessively.
