The Best Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich 🧀🍞
Who needs a skillet when you have an air fryer to make the most delicious, perfectly toasted grilled cheese sandwich? This recipe is quick, easy, and gives you that perfect crispy bread with melted cheese inside, all without any fuss. If you want to skip the traditional method and make your grilled cheese in the air fryer, here’s the ultimate recipe for a crispy, cheesy masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love Grilled Cheese In The Air Fryer:
- Comforting: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a quick snack.
- Only 3 ingredients: Bread, cheese, and mayo. Simple and delicious.
- 10-minute recipe: From start to finish, it’s quick and easy.
- Bread toasts beautifully: You’ll get that golden crispy texture with minimal effort.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite cheese, bread, or seasoning!
What You’ll Need:
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread (Texas toast or your choice)
- 4 slices of Cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise (for spreading on bread)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread:
Lay out the slices of bread and spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each slice. Mayo adds the perfect buttery crisp to the bread when air-fried. - Assemble the Sandwich:
Place 2 slices of cheese on one slice of bread (mayo side down). Top with another slice of bread, mayo side up. - Air Frying Setup:
Insert the trivet inside your air fryer basket. Place the prepared sandwich on top of the trivet. You can use a sandwich rack if you have one, or carefully secure the sandwich with 4 toothpicks on the corners to hold the sandwich together. - Air Fry the Sandwich:
Set your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C) and air fry for 5 minutes. The bread should start to get crispy and golden. After 5 minutes, carefully flip the sandwich and air fry for another 3 minutes to ensure the other side is perfectly toasted. - Finish and Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the sandwich from the air fryer. Let it cool for a minute, then remove the toothpicks. Slice and serve immediately.
What To Serve With An Air Fried Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
Here are some great ideas to pair with your air fryer grilled cheese:
- Soup: Tomato soup, for the classic combo.
- Chips: Potato chips or veggie chips for a crunchy side.
- Salad: A light side salad for some fresh greens.
- French Fries: Crispy fries to complete the meal.
- Apples: A refreshing, crisp side.
- Fruit Salad: A sweet side that complements the savory sandwich.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 557 kcal
- Total Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Cholesterol: 67mg
- Sodium: 805mg
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 18g
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Grilled Cheese:
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Make sure there’s enough space around the sandwich so the air can circulate for even crispiness.
- Go for thick bread: Thick slices like Texas Toast work best, but you can use thinner bread in a pinch.
- Avoid too much mayo: Don’t over-saturate the bread with mayo; it should be a thin layer for optimal crispiness.
- Secure the sandwich with toothpicks: This helps keep the sandwich from flying apart in the air fryer.
- Check the time: Depending on the thickness of the bread, the cooking time may vary, so be sure to monitor the sandwich as it cooks.
Q&A:
Q1: Can I use butter instead of mayo?
A1: Yes, you can! While mayo gives a rich crisp, butter will work just as well. Simply butter the outside of the bread before air frying. However, mayo helps create a smoother, more even crisp.
Q2: Can I use different types of cheese?
A2: Absolutely! While Cheddar is classic, you can experiment with Swiss, American, mozzarella, or Gouda for different flavors and textures. Just keep in mind that softer cheeses may melt faster.
Q3: Can I make this without a trivet?
A3: If you don’t have a trivet, no problem! Just lay the sandwich directly in the air fryer basket. If you’re concerned about it sticking, you can line the bottom with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Q4: How can I make this gluten-free?
A4: Simply swap out regular bread for your favorite gluten-free bread. The air fryer works wonderfully with gluten-free options, too, as long as the bread has a nice thickness to it.
Q5: How do I reheat leftover grilled cheese sandwiches?
A5: You can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, just enough to warm them through and crisp the outside again. It’s the best way to restore that crunchy texture!
Final Thoughts:
Making a grilled cheese in the air fryer is a total game-changer. It’s super easy, less messy, and gives you that perfectly crispy, golden-brown bread with deliciously melted cheese inside. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a comforting meal, this air fryer grilled cheese sandwich is the way to go! Enjoy with your favorite sides and dig into a warm, cheesy masterpiece. 🧀🍞✨