Can I Make Grilled Cheese in an Air Fryer Easy Guide

Yes, you can make a perfectly crispy grilled cheese in an air fryer—no skillet required. This easy method delivers golden, melty sandwiches in under 10 minutes with minimal mess, making it a game-changer for quick meals. Just assemble, air fry at 375°F for 5–7 minutes, and enjoy restaurant-quality results every time.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Make crispy grilled cheese in an air fryer with ease.
• Preheat first: Ensures even cooking and perfect browning every time.
• Use butter or oil: Lightly coat bread for a golden, crunchy texture.
• Keep temps moderate: 360°F–375°F prevents burning and melts cheese evenly.
• Flip halfway: Guarantees both sides crisp up beautifully.
• Try add-ons: Bacon, tomato, or herbs elevate flavor effortlessly.
• Cleanup is easy: Foil or parchment liners save time and mess.

Can I Make Grilled Cheese in an Air Fryer? The Answer Might Surprise You

Let me take you back to a rainy Sunday afternoon. I was craving that classic comfort food—crispy, buttery, golden-brown grilled cheese. But my stove was occupied, my toaster was acting up, and I didn’t want to wait 20 minutes for the oven to preheat. Then it hit me: What if I could make grilled cheese in my air fryer?

That moment sparked a week-long experiment in my kitchen. I tested different breads, cheeses, butters, and air fryer settings. Some attempts were golden perfection. Others? Well, let’s just say I learned what not to do. The good news? Yes, you can make grilled cheese in an air fryer—and it’s easier, faster, and often better than stovetop methods. Whether you’re a college student, a busy parent, or just someone who loves grilled cheese (who doesn’t?), this method might become your new go-to. So, let’s dive into the details and see how to make the perfect air fryer grilled cheese—without burning your sandwich or your patience.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Grilled Cheese

Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why. Why use an air fryer instead of the traditional stovetop pan? After testing both methods side by side, I found some surprising advantages.

Faster Cooking Time

The air fryer heats up in under 5 minutes—no waiting for a skillet to get hot or the oven to preheat. In my tests, a stovetop grilled cheese took about 8–10 minutes (including preheating the pan). The air fryer version? 5–7 minutes total, including the preheat time. That’s a 30–40% time savings. Perfect for when your stomach is growling and you need food now.

Even Browning and Crispiness

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation, which means heat hits all sides of the sandwich more evenly. On the stovetop, you have to flip the sandwich to get both sides golden. But with an air fryer, the top gets crispy too—especially if you use a rack or flip halfway. No more one-sided sogginess!

Less Mess, Easier Cleanup

No splattering butter on your stovetop. No oil dripping onto the burner. Most air fryer baskets are non-stick or have removable liners, making cleanup a breeze. Just wipe or rinse, and you’re done. Plus, you can use parchment paper or a silicone liner to keep things extra clean.

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers use less energy than ovens and are more efficient than stovetops for small tasks. If you’re making just one or two sandwiches, it’s more eco-friendly and cost-effective. Bonus: your kitchen stays cooler in summer.

Great for Small Kitchens or Dorm Rooms

No stove? No problem. Air fryers are perfect for small spaces. I’ve made grilled cheese in my tiny studio apartment, my friend’s dorm, and even my camper van. All you need is an outlet and a few ingredients.

How to Make Grilled Cheese in an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step

Now that you’re sold on the idea, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Making grilled cheese in an air fryer is simple, but a few key steps make all the difference.

Step 1: Choose Your Ingredients

• Bread: Use a sturdy bread that won’t get soggy. I love sourdough, brioche, or Texas toast. Avoid overly soft sandwich bread—it can fall apart.
• Cheese: Melty cheeses work best. Cheddar, American, mozzarella, Gouda, or a blend. I usually use sharp cheddar for flavor and American for that classic melt.
• Butter or Oil: Unsalted butter (my favorite) gives a rich flavor. You can also use olive oil, garlic butter, or even mayonnaise for extra crispiness.
• Extras (optional): A sprinkle of garlic powder, a dash of paprika, or a thin slice of tomato for a gourmet twist.

Step 2: Prep the Sandwich

Butter one side of each bread slice. Place the cheese (and extras, if using) between the unbuttered sides. So the buttered sides are facing out—this ensures crispy, golden exteriors. Pro tip: lightly press the sandwich to help the cheese melt evenly.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. This ensures the sandwich starts cooking right away. No preheat? No crispy crust.

Step 4: Air Fry the Sandwich

• Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer has a rack, use it to elevate the sandwich slightly—this helps air circulate.
• Cook for 3–4 minutes, then flip the sandwich. This ensures both sides get crispy.
• Cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melty.

Note: Cooking time varies by air fryer model. My 5.8-quart Cosori took 6 minutes total. A smaller 3.7-quart model might need 7. Always check at 5 minutes to avoid burning.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the sandwich sit for 1 minute before cutting. This helps the cheese set slightly, so it doesn’t ooze out when you bite in. Then, slice and enjoy with tomato soup, pickles, or just by itself.

Bonus Tip: Use Parchment Paper

Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit your air fryer basket. Place the sandwich on it. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup even easier. Just toss the paper when done.

Best Air Fryer Settings and Timing for Perfect Results

Not all air fryers are created equal. I tested three popular models—Cosori, Ninja, and Instant Vortex—and found slight differences in cooking time and texture. Here’s what worked best:

Temperature: 375°F (190°C) Is the Sweet Spot

Too low (350°F), and the bread gets soggy before the cheese melts. Too high (400°F), and the outside burns before the inside heats up. 375°F gives you that perfect balance: crispy outside, melty inside.

Timing: 6–7 Minutes Total (Flip at 3–4 Minutes)

Here’s a breakdown from my tests:

• 3 minutes: Bottom side golden, cheese starting to soften.
• Flip and cook 3–4 more minutes: Top side crispy, cheese fully melted.
• Total: 6–7 minutes.

Pro tip: If your air fryer runs hot (like my Ninja), go with 375°F for 5 minutes total (2.5 + 2.5). For cooler models (like older Instant Pots), 7 minutes is safer.

Air Fryer Size Matters

Smaller baskets (3–4 quarts) may require longer cooking times due to less air circulation. Larger models (5.8–6 quarts) often cook faster and more evenly. If you have a small air fryer, consider cooking one sandwich at a time.

Don’t Overcrowd

Only make one or two sandwiches at a time. Stacking or crowding blocks airflow, leading to uneven cooking. If you need to cook more, do it in batches.

Use the Rack (If Available)

Many air fryers come with a multi-level rack. Use it to elevate the sandwich. This allows hot air to circulate around all sides, giving you a crispier top and bottom.

Cheese and Bread Pairing Guide: What Works Best

Not all cheeses melt the same. And not all breads hold up to air frying. After testing 12 combinations, here are my top picks and a few to avoid.

Best Cheeses for Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

• Sharp Cheddar: Melts well, bold flavor. My #1 choice.
• American: Creamy, melts like a dream. Classic diner style.
• Mozzarella: Stretchy and mild. Great for kids.
• Gouda: Smoky and smooth. Pairs well with sourdough.
• Provolone: Mild and melty. Good for a subtle flavor.

Avoid: Feta, halloumi, or hard cheeses like Parmesan. They don’t melt well and can make the sandwich dry or rubbery.

Best Breads for Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

• Sourdough: Sturdy, tangy, crisps up beautifully.
• Brioche: Buttery and soft, but holds up in the air fryer.
• Texas Toast: Thick-cut, perfect for extra cheese.
• Whole Grain: Holds shape and adds fiber. Just make sure it’s not too dense.

Avoid: Very soft sandwich bread (like white bread) or overly thick artisan loaves (they take too long to cook through).

Flavor Boosters (Optional but Delicious)

• Mayonnaise: Spread on the outside instead of butter. Adds crispiness and a subtle tang.
• Garlic Butter: Mix softened butter with garlic powder and parsley. So good!
• Tomato or Bacon: Add a thin slice of tomato or crispy bacon inside. Just make sure to pre-cook the bacon.
• Spices: A pinch of paprika, cayenne, or dried oregano on the buttered side adds depth.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with a foolproof method, things can go wrong. Here are the top mistakes I made—and how to fix them.

1. Burnt Outside, Cold Inside

Cause: Too high a temperature or not enough time.

Fix: Stick to 375°F. Flip halfway. If your air fryer runs hot, reduce time by 30 seconds per side. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp (165°F is safe for cheese).

2. Soggy Sandwich

Cause: Too much butter or oil, or bread that’s too soft.

Fix: Use a thin layer of butter. Choose sturdy bread. If the sandwich is soggy, cook it for 1–2 more minutes (no flip needed).

3. Cheese Doesn’t Melt

Cause: Low-quality cheese or too little heat.

Fix: Use fresh, melty cheeses. Make sure the air fryer is fully preheated. If the cheese is still cold, cover the basket with foil for the last 2 minutes to trap heat.

4. Sandwich Sticks to the Basket

Cause: Not using parchment or silicone liner.

Fix: Always use parchment paper or a reusable liner. Lightly spray the basket with oil if you don’t have a liner (but it’s less effective).

5. Uneven Cooking

Cause: Not flipping or overcrowding.

Fix: Flip the sandwich halfway. Cook one at a time if your basket is small. Use the rack to improve airflow.

6. Overcooked Edges

Cause: Air fryer runs hot or bread is too thin.

Fix: Use thicker bread (at least 3/4 inch). Check at 5 minutes. If edges are darkening too fast, lower the temp to 360°F for the last 2 minutes.

Data Table: Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Performance by Model

Air Fryer Model	Size (Quarts)	Temp (°F)	Time (Min)	Browning	Cheese Melt	Notes
Cosori CP158-AF	5.8	375	6 (3+3)	Excellent	Perfect	Best overall. Even heat.
Ninja AF101	4.0	375	5.5 (2.5+3)	Good	Good	Runs hot. Flip early.
Instant Vortex 6-QT	6.0	375	7 (3.5+3.5)	Good	Excellent	Large basket. Great for batches.
Dash Compact	2.6	375	7.5 (3+4.5)	Fair	Fair	Small. Cook one at a time.
Philips Premium	5.5	375	6 (3+3)	Excellent	Perfect	Expensive but worth it.

Note: All tests used sourdough bread, sharp cheddar, and butter. Parchment paper was used in all cases.

Final Thoughts: Should You Make Grilled Cheese in Your Air Fryer?

After dozens of tests, the answer is a resounding yes. Making grilled cheese in an air fryer is not just possible—it’s often better than stovetop methods. You get faster cooking, even browning, less mess, and more control over texture. Plus, it’s a fun way to use a tool you already own.

Is it perfect? Not quite. You might need to adjust timing based on your model. Some cheeses work better than others. And if you’re making 10 sandwiches for a party, the stovetop or oven might still be faster. But for everyday meals, quick lunches, or midnight cravings? The air fryer wins.

So go ahead—give it a try. Start with the basics: sourdough, cheddar, butter, 375°F, 6 minutes total. Flip halfway. Use parchment. And don’t forget to let it rest. You’ll have a crispy, melty, golden grilled cheese that rivals any diner’s. And the best part? You’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner.

Happy air frying—and even happier eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make grilled cheese in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make grilled cheese in an air fryer! It’s a quick and easy method that results in a crispy, golden-brown sandwich with perfectly melted cheese. Just assemble your sandwich, place it in the air fryer, and cook at 370°F (188°C) for 5-7 minutes.

What’s the best way to make air fryer grilled cheese?

The best way to make air fryer grilled cheese is to butter the outer sides of your bread, add cheese, and place it in the air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F (188°C) for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning. This method ensures a crispy exterior and gooey interior.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for grilled cheese?

Preheating isn’t required, but it helps achieve a crispier result. If you skip preheating, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. For best results, set your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and let it heat for 3-5 minutes before adding the sandwich.

Can I use any type of bread for air fryer grilled cheese?

Yes, you can use any bread for air fryer grilled cheese, from sourdough to whole wheat. Thicker slices may need an extra minute of cooking, while thin bread cooks faster. Just ensure the bread fits in your air fryer basket without overlapping.

How long does it take to make grilled cheese in an air fryer?

Making grilled cheese in an air fryer takes just 5-7 minutes at 370°F (188°C). For even browning, flip the sandwich halfway through cooking. This method is faster than stovetop cooking and delivers consistent results.

Can I add extra ingredients like bacon or tomato to my air fryer grilled cheese?

Absolutely! You can customize your air fryer grilled cheese with ingredients like bacon, tomato, or avocado. Just ensure any additions fit in the basket and adjust cooking time if needed—extra fillings may require an additional 1-2 minutes.