The best grilled cheese sandwich is made in the air fryer! You can make any toasted sandwich and load it up with your favorite toppings like bacon, ham, mayo, and tomato.
This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here.
This post was originally published in February 2019. It has since been updated.
Who doesn’t love a grilled cheese sandwich? Some of my fondest childhood memories come from dipping mine into a comforting bowl of warm tomato soup! I hope you enjoy the slight twist I put on this classic recipe.
A lot of air fryer owners are ditching standard appliances like a toaster because you can easily toast bread in the air fryer! Yup, you can make toast, too!
How to Make/Cook Grilled Cheese in an Air Fryer
- Butter a slice of bread.
- Load in your sandwich toppings.
- Top with another piece of buttered bread.
- Air Fry and flip halfway through.
Air Fryer Temperature
I use 370 degrees.
Cook Time/How Long to Cook
7 minutes if perfect for me.
What’s the Best Cheese to Use
I like to use a combination of cheddar cheese and mozzarella. Mozzarella cheese is really stretchy. If you’re going for a gooey, cheesy sandwich, it’s perfect. You can use any cheese you wish!
Can You Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer?
You can use the air fryer to cook the bacon or you can cook in the frying pan. Here is an Air Fryer Bacon Recipe.
Recipe Tips
- If you have an air fryer that is very loud, you will likely need to use a layer rack or trivet to hold down the sandwich to keep it from flying. My Power Air Fryer does not need this, but my louder Black + Decker air fryer requires this to anchor the sandwich and keep it from flying around inside the air fryer.
- Store leftover grilled cheese in sealable bags. Reheat them in the air fryer.
What to Serve With Grilled Cheese
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Air Fryer Broccoli
Air Fryer Asparagus
Popular Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Quesadillas
Air Fryer Ribs
Air Fryer Cheeseburgers
Air Fryer Panko Breaded Bang Bang Shrimp
Air Fryer Fish Sandwich
Air Fryer Turkey Bacon
How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven
Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes
Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air Fryer Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Potato Chips
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Love your air fryer? Check out a complete list of Air Fryer Recipes here.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread I used 100% Whole Wheat
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 2 slices mild cheddar cheese
- 5-6 slices cooked bacon Optional
- 2 slices mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Heat the butter in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften.
- Spread the butter onto one side of each of the slices of bread.
- Place a slice of buttered bread (butter side down) onto the air fryer basket.
- Load the remaining ingredients in the following order: slice of cheddar cheese, sliced cooked bacon, slice of mozzarella cheese, and top with another slice of bread (butter side up).
- If you have an air fryer that is very loud, you will likely need to use a layer rack or trivet to hold down the sandwich to keep it from flying. My Power Air Fryer does not need this, but my louder Black + Decker air fryer requires this to anchor the sandwich and keep it from flying around inside the air fryer.
- Cook for 4 minutes on 370 degrees.
- Open the air fryer. Flip the sandwich. Cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Remove and serve.
Felicia
Saturday 19th of November 2022
This is the easiest and best grilled cheese ever!! I added the bacon and it definitely took it over the top 🙌🏾. I had to grate cheese to make it but will get sliced cheese for next time.
staysnatched
Saturday 19th of November 2022
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Tori
Monday 1st of August 2022
OMG!! Next level grilled cheese!!! I will never make grilled cheese another way!
staysnatched
Monday 1st of August 2022
So true!
Crystal
Wednesday 8th of June 2022
I made this tonight with ham we had on hand & realized I couldn’t remember if I’d left a review yet. So here I am to say this is the ONLY way I want my grilled cheese sandwiches now. The best!
staysnatched
Wednesday 8th of June 2022
haha! love to hear that!
Friday 15th of April 2022
Quick easy recipe to follow for quick lunch
staysnatched
Monday 25th of April 2022
Perfect for quick lunches.
Ashley
Friday 4th of February 2022
Perfect grilled cheese in no time?! Yes this is the one! Pairs perfectly with instant pot tomato soup.
staysnatched
Friday 4th of February 2022
That's a great pairing!