This recipe uses your favorite white or wheat bread and a creamy melting cheese like cheddar or Havarti. While many recipes use butter to help brown the bread, I prefer using mayonnaise. The mayonnaise adds flavor and helps the bread turn crisp and golden brown on the exterior while remaining soft on the inside for the perfect balance. For more air fryer recipes, try my air fryer stuffed peppers, air fryer chicken parm, or air fryer chicken breast recipe.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Bread – any store-bought or homemade sandwich bread works for this recipe. I love using white bread like potato bread, French bread, or sourdough bread for a classic sandwich taste. Cheese – sharp cheddar cheese, Havarti, Monterey jack, American cheese, or other types of cheese that melt well all work. Mayonnaise – spread on one side of each slice of bread, the mayonnaise adds moisture but also promotes browning for bread that is crisp but not dried out. For the best flavor, use full-fat mayonnaise, though light mayo can work in a pinch. Additionally, you can substitute butter if you prefer.
How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spread the mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place one slice mayo-side down in the air fryer basket. Top with the cheese slices.
- Place the other bread slice mayo-side up on top of the cheese.
- Air fry for 3 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until both sides of the bread are golden and toasted or for 2 to 3 minutes more.
Pro Tips For Making This Recipe
Preheat the air fryer. Preheating the air fryer while you assemble the sandwich will save you time and get the hot air circulating for the best crisp and golden grilled cheese. Put the mayo-side down. The slices of bread should have the mayonnaise, or butter, on the outside, not the inside. Place the sandwich mayo-side down into the air fryer basket. This promotes browning and reduces sticking. Flip the sandwich halfway through. Use a heat-safe spatula to flip the sandwich after about 3 minutes. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melty. Adjust the cooking time as needed. If you prefer a more lightly toasted sandwich, flip after 2 minutes. Keep in mind that each air fryer differs slightly so cooking time may need to be adjusted. If you make two sandwiches at the same time, you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes per side. Personalize grilled cheese with additional toppings. Try making this recipe with sliced or sundried tomatoes, bacon, pulled pork, sliced ham, or a sprinkle of brown sugar on top of the cheese. You can also use more than one type of cheese.
If you’ve tried this air fryer grilled cheese recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
