Air-Fryer Grilled Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This air-fryer grilled cheese recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a perfectly crispy exterior and gooey melted cheese inside. Using mayonnaise on the bread creates a golden, flavorful crust that rivals traditional buttered sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 2 slices sandwich bread, each no more than 1/2-inch thick
- Mayonnaise, as needed
- 2 to 4 slices melting cheese (such as sharp Cheddar, American, or pepper Jack), depending on thickness of cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, if preheating is recommended for your model.
- Step 2: Thinly spread one side of each bread slice with mayonnaise. Place one slice of bread, mayonnaise side down, in the air fryer basket. Layer the cheese slices on top, then place the second slice of bread on top, mayonnaise side up.
- Step 3: Cook the sandwich until it is golden and crusty all over and the cheese has melted, about 3 minutes per side.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try mixing a little garlic powder or smoked paprika into the mayonnaise before spreading it on the bread.
- Use different cheeses or combine several types for a richer taste and more complex texture.
- To prevent cheese from spilling, choose sliced cheese that is about the same size as the bread or slightly smaller.
Storage
Grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 3 minutes to restore crispiness and melted cheese.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, butter works well too, but mayonnaise creates a crispier, more even browning and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
What if my air fryer doesn’t require preheating?
If your air fryer does not need preheating, simply place the assembled sandwich inside and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping after about 3 minutes for even cooking.
Print
Air-Fryer Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 1 grilled cheese sandwich 1x
Description
This Air-Fryer Grilled Cheese recipe delivers a perfectly golden, crispy sandwich with melted cheese inside, all made quickly and easily using an air fryer. By spreading mayonnaise on the bread instead of butter, it achieves an extra crispy exterior and rich flavor without the mess of frying in oil or butter on a pan.
Ingredients
Sandwich
- 2 slices sandwich bread, each no more than 1/2-inch thick
- Mayonnaise, as needed (to thinly spread on the bread slices)
- 2 to 4 slices melting cheese (such as sharp Cheddar, American, or pepper Jack), depending on thickness of cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Heat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, following your model’s instructions on preheating.
- Prepare the Bread: Thinly spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread to ensure a crispy and golden crust.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place one slice of bread mayonnaise side down in the air fryer basket. Layer with your choice and amount of melting cheese.
- Cook the Sandwich: Top with the second slice of bread, mayonnaise side up. Cook the sandwich in the air fryer until both sides are golden and crusty and the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes per side.
- Serve: Remove the grilled cheese sandwich carefully and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Mayonnaise is used instead of butter for spread to create a crispier crust in the air fryer.
- You can use any type of melting cheese based on your preference, such as Cheddar, American, or pepper Jack.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model; keep an eye on the sandwich to avoid burning.
- For extra flavor, consider adding tomato slices or cooked bacon between the cheese layers before air frying.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer grilled cheese, crispy grilled cheese, easy sandwich recipe, melted cheese sandwich, air fryer sandwich
