Air Fryer Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

Quick, golden-brown grilled cheese with melted cheddar made effortlessly in an air fryer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices white or whole wheat sandwich bread

→ Cheese

02 - 4 slices cheddar cheese or preferred melting cheese

→ Spread

03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# How To Make:

01 - Set air fryer to 350°F and preheat for 3 minutes.
02 - Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
03 - Place two bread slices buttered side down on a clean surface. Top each with two cheese slices. Cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
04 - Place sandwiches in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
05 - Cook for 4 minutes, then carefully flip sandwiches and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
06 - Remove sandwiches, allow to cool slightly, slice, and serve.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • No butter splatter on your stovetop or watching the pan like a hawk.
  • Both sides brown evenly without the guesswork of flipping timing.
  • Ready in under 15 minutes, even if you're starting from a cold kitchen.
  • The cheese melts perfectly while the bread gets that satisfying crispy exterior.
02 -
  • Don't skip the preheating step—a cold air fryer basket means uneven browning and disappointment.
  • Softened butter is non-negotiable; cold butter won't spread evenly and you'll end up with spots of barely buttered bread.
  • Watch that first flip closely because air fryers vary, and you don't want to accidentally brown one side too much before the cheese even thinks about melting.
03 -
  • Use a meat thermometer near the center of the sandwich if you want to know when the cheese is truly melted—aim for about 65°C (150°F) inside.
  • Room-temperature butter spreads like a dream, but if you forget to soften yours, just hold it under warm water for a minute and pat it dry before spreading.
Go Back