Last Updated on August 12, 2022 by Anne-Marie

You'll love how easy it is to make this air fryer grilled cheese sandwich recipe. You get a perfect crispy, gooey grilled cheese every time.

Why this recipe works

Skip making grilled cheese in a frying pan on the stove. Try an air fryer instead when you want to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich!

No need to worry about burning your sandwich or making a big mess.

Even better? This best air fryer cheese sandwich recipe takes only 8 minutes of cook time.

Not only will this become one of your favorite air fryer recipes, but it's also the perfect way to make the best grilled cheese sandwiches!

Ingredients

• sourdough bread slices
• mild cheddar cheese
• Monterey jack cheese
• unsalted butter

How to make this recipe

Cooking times may vary with different air fryers.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F for 5 minutes.

2. If you're using block cheese, grate enough for the recipe.

3. Spread a little butter on one side of the bread slices.

4. Turn over 2 slices of bread and pile 1/2 cup of grated cheese on each piece of bread.

5. Top with the remaining piece of bread with butter side up.

6. Press together slightly.

7. Place in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5 minutes at 360 degrees F.

8. Flip over and cook for 3 minutes until your grilled cheese is golden brown and crispy.

9. Serve immediately.

FAQs

Can I use any type of cheese?

I used Monterey jack cheese in this recipe. But you can use many types of cheese to make this, such as:

• sharp cheddar cheese
• Swiss cheese
• spicy pepper jack
• American cheese slices

You can also use pre-shredded cheese from the grocery store.

Next time try a combination of cheeses to bring this comfort food classic to a whole new level.

Whatever grated or slice of your favorite cheese you choose to use, this classic comfort food makes a delicious lunch.

Grilled cheese variations

My kids love using mayonnaise instead of butter when toasting their grilled cheese.

You can also jazz up your grilled cheese recipe by adding all kinds of goodies such as:

• crispy bacon slices
• cooked sliced mushrooms
• caramelized onions
• sliced tomatoes
• avocado slices
• capers
• hot sauce or sriracha
• pesto
• honey or maple syrup
• fruit preserves or some fig jam
• thinly sliced such as apples, pears, peaches, bananas, or fresh berries
• dried fruit like raisins, apricots, or cranberries
• a fried egg
• ham or turkey slices

Add a béchamel sauce like in this Easy Croque Monsieurs with Honey Bechamel Sauce Recipe.

What kind of bread?

Our favorite bread is sourdough, which goes well with melty cheese. But you can use any type of bread:

• white bread
• French bread
• gluten-free bread
• Italian bread
• regular sandwich bread
• keto-friendly low carbs bread
• Hawaiian bread
• artisan bread
• multi-grain bread
• potato bread
• whole wheat bread
• etc.

How long does grilled cheese last?

Air-fried grilled cheese sandwiches are best eaten right out of the air fryer.

But you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container or baggie. Just heat it back up in the air fryer at snack time.

What to serve with grilled cheese?

There's nothing better than serving this simple recipe with a bowl of creamy tomato soup and a green salad.

Love soup? Here are some easy recipes to serve with this classic sandwich:

• Easy Tomato & Okra Soup Recipe
• The Best Easy Split Pea Soup Recipe
• Easy Gluten Free Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
• Easy Instant Pot Potato Soup Recipe
• Chicken Vegetable Soup
• Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

What's your favorite cheese to use in air fryer grilled cheese sandwiches?