Name: Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 slices bread; 8 slices cheese (or roughly ½ cup shredded cheese per sandwich); 4 tablespoon butter (softened, at room temperature); 1 teaspoon garlic salt

If you’re craving that nostalgic, melty, crispy comfort food but want it in a flash, this Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s quick, mess-free, and delivers that perfect golden crunch every time—trust me, making grilled cheese in the air fryer is a total game-changer!

A stack of four grilled cheese sandwich halves is shown, each with two golden brown toasted bread slices and melted yellow cheese oozing from the middle. The top sandwich half has small green herb sprinkles on its crisp surface. The sandwiches are placed on crumpled white paper over a white marbled surface, with a folded white cloth with blue stripes in the background. The melted cheese is visible between each layer, and some cheese spills out slightly from the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I always find myself reaching for this grilled cheese method when I want buttery crispiness without standing over the stove. It’s fuss-free, quick to make, and totally satisfying every time.

Speedy Prep: You’ll have sandwiches ready in just 10 minutes—perfect for a fast lunch or an afternoon snack.
Less Mess: No greasy pans to clean up, since the air fryer does all the work without excess butter drips.
Perfect Crispiness: The air fryer ensures even toasting with that unbeatable crunch and melty cheese.
Simple Ingredients: Just bread, cheese, butter, and a pinch of garlic salt—easy pantry staples you probably have on hand!

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients are straightforward but make a world of difference, especially when you use quality bread and cheese. Feel free to pick your favorite cheese variety or bread style for your perfect version of this classic.

Flat lay of eight slices of fresh white bread arranged neatly, eight slices of bright yellow cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with soft pale yellow butter, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse garlic salt crystals, all placed with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bread: I prefer a sturdy, slightly thick sliced bread that crisps up nicely but still holds all that melty cheese without getting soggy.
Cheese: Whether slices or shredded, go for cheeses that melt well—think classic American, cheddar, or a blend for that gooey pull.
Butter: Softened to room temperature so it spreads easily and browns the bread perfectly in the air fryer.
Garlic Salt: Just a sprinkle for a subtle, savory kick that elevates this simple sandwich to something special.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re craving something classic or want to get creative, you can tweak the fillings and seasonings to suit your mood or pantry staples.

Classic with a Twist: I love using a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for that perfect balance of gooey melt and bold flavor. Sprinkling a little garlic salt on top gives the sandwich just the right savory kick without overpowering the cheese.
Veggie Delight: Sometimes I load my sandwiches with thin slices of tomato, spinach, or even sautéed mushrooms before air frying. The air fryer cooks these ingredients gently alongside the cheese, making every bite flavorful and fresh.
Spicy Kick: For a touch of heat, adding a thin spread of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes inside the sandwich before cooking is a game changer. It pairs wonderfully with mild cheeses and adds an exciting twist to the traditional grilled cheese.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap in your favorite gluten-free bread and choose dairy-free cheese alternatives. The cooking method stays the same, delivering that crispy, melty goodness everyone loves.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe

Two slices of toasted bread are on white plates, placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth beneath them. Each slice is covered with a layer of melted cheese that is golden yellow with browned spots evenly spread across the top. The toast has a light brown crust, and the texture of the bread looks crisp yet soft underneath the cheese. The front toast is in clear focus while the second slice on the other plate is slightly blurred in the background, creating depth in the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer for Perfect Crispiness

Start by preheating your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit (188 degrees Celsius). If you’re using a convection style air fryer, select the “AIR FRY” mode and set the timer for 8 minutes. This warm-up step is essential—it ensures the sandwiches go into a hot environment that crisps the bread beautifully right from the start.

Step 2: Butter Your Bread Generously

Next, spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. Using softened butter at room temperature helps it spread smoothly and soak into the bread edges for an even golden finish. For convection air fryers, place half of these buttered slices—buttered side down—onto the air fryer racks. This base layer sets the foundation for that incredible crunch.

Step 3: Layer Cheese With Care

Now comes the melty magic. Place your cheese slices or an even layer of shredded cheese over the buttered bread in the air fryer. If you like a neater look, trim any cheese that hangs over the edges. This small step helps avoid little crispy cheese drips and keeps your sandwich tidy.

Step 4: Assemble and Season

Top each cheese layer with the remaining bread slices, this time placing them buttered side up. To add an extra boost of flavor, sprinkle garlic salt evenly over the top slices. This simple seasoning really elevates the sandwich without adding fuss.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

For convection style air fryers, carefully add the racks with the sandwiches back into the air fryer when it signals “ADD FOOD.” About halfway through cooking, when prompted to “TURN FOOD,” flip each sandwich and swap the rack positions to get an even golden color on both sides. If you’re using a basket style air fryer, place the basket inside and cook for 5 minutes. Then flip the sandwiches and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Keep an eye near the end—you want them perfectly golden and the cheese completely melty.

Top Tip

These tips will help you master the art of making the crispiest, meltiest Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – every single time!

Don't Skip Preheating: Preheating your air fryer to 370°F is key for achieving that perfect golden crust right from the start. It makes all the difference!
Watch Your Cook Time: Air fryer models can vary. Check your sandwiches a minute or two before the time’s up, so you avoid burning or missing that perfect melt.
Give Them Room to Breathe: Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket or racks. Letting air circulate evenly results in beautifully toasted sandwiches with gooey cheese inside.
Flip and Swap Racks: If using a convection air fryer, flipping the sandwiches and switching rack positions halfway through cooking ensures both sides are evenly crispy and melty – a game changer!

How to Serve Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe

The image shows two sandwiches on a black grill pan with a white marbled texture underneath. Each sandwich has three layers: the bottom layer is a slice of white bread, the middle layer is a slice of yellow and white marbled cheese, and the top layer is another slice of white bread spread with a creamy white sauce. The sandwiches are placed side by side on the grill pan, and the lighting highlights the texture of the bread and cheese. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dash of smoked paprika can add a nice touch of color and flavor. A smear of tangy mustard or a few slices of ripe tomato served on the side can brighten up each bite perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with comforting tomato soup for the classic combo. For something refreshing, try a crisp green salad or crunchy pickles. If you want more indulgence, air-fried sweet potato fries or a bowl of creamy coleslaw make fantastic companions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep the bread from drying out while preserving that melty cheese goodness.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each sandwich individually in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your grilled cheese sandwiches in the air fryer at 370°F for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. This restores the crispiness while warming the cheese evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunchy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of cheese for this Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe?

Absolutely! Cheddar, American, mozzarella, or even a mix of shredded cheeses all work wonderfully. Just make sure to use enough cheese to get that delicious melty center.

Should I butter the bread or the air fryer basket?

Butter the bread slices generously with softened butter, rather than greasing the basket. This ensures crispy, evenly browned bread and prevents sticking.

What if I don’t have a convection air fryer?

No worries! You can use a basket style air fryer too. Just cook the sandwiches for 5 minutes, flip them, then cook for an additional 3 minutes at 370°F for best results.

How do I avoid soggy sandwiches?

Preheating is key, as is not overcrowding the basket. Make sure air can circulate freely and flip the sandwiches halfway through. This keeps them crispy outside and melty inside.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about a perfectly crispy, melty grilled cheese sandwich — and making it in the air fryer just takes the simplicity up a notch. I hope this Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe becomes your go-to for quick lunches or cozy snacks. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses or breads, and enjoy every gooey, crunchy bite!