To make grilled cheese in an air fryer, follow these steps for a perfectly crispy and melty sandwich:
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or your choice)
- 2-3 slices of your favorite melting cheese (cheddar, American, mozzarella, etc.)
- Butter or mayonnaise for spreading on the bread
- Optional: toothpicks to hold the sandwich together
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to around 370°F to 400°F (185°C to 200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Sandwich:
- Spread butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. This will be the outside of the sandwich to help it crisp up.
- On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer your cheese slices.
- Top with the other slice of bread, buttered side out.
- Optionally, insert a toothpick through the sandwich to keep it from falling apart during cooking.
- Air Fry:
- Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket in a single layer (do not stack).
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side.
- Flip the sandwich carefully using a spatula.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Check periodically to avoid burning and to ensure the top slice stays in place.
- Serve:
- Remove the toothpick if used.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Tips and Variations
- Use different cheeses or add fillings like ham, tomatoes, or bacon for variety.
- If you prefer, spray the bread with oil instead of butter.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on bread thickness and air fryer model, so adjust as needed
This method yields a grilled cheese sandwich with a crispy exterior and gooey melted cheese inside in about 5-8 minutes total, making it a quick and easy alternative to traditional stovetop grilling.
