Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Making grilled cheese in an air fryer is an excellent way to achieve a crispy, golden crust with perfectly melted cheese inside. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a delicious lunch or a comforting snack. Here’s how to make a classic grilled cheese sandwich in your air fryer:

Ingredients:

2 slices of your favorite bread (such as white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
2-3 slices of cheese (such as American, cheddar, or Swiss)
Butter, softened

Equipment:

Air fryer

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sandwich:

Spread a generous amount of softened butter on one side of each bread slice. The butter should be on the outside of the sandwich to create a crispy, golden crust.
Place your chosen cheese (and any optional ingredients) between the unbuttered sides of the bread, ensuring the buttered sides are facing out.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). This step isn’t necessary for all air fryer models, but it helps to start cooking with a hot environment for even crispiness.

3. Cook the Sandwich:

Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket. If needed, you can press down slightly with a spatula to ensure it doesn’t open during cooking.
Cook for about 4-6 minutes, then carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula, and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted. The exact time may vary based on your air fryer model and how crispy you like your sandwich.

4. Serve:

Remove the grilled cheese sandwich from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute before cutting. This rest period helps the cheese set slightly, making it less likely to run out when you cut into the sandwich.
Cut in half and serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Grilled Cheese:

Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. Mixing cheeses can add depth of flavor.
Butter Alternative: If you prefer, you can use mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter. It spreads easily and cooks to a perfect crisp.
Avoid Overcrowding: Cook one sandwich at a time unless your air fryer is large enough to place two sandwiches side by side without touching.

Air fryer grilled cheese is incredibly easy and results in a perfectly crispy and cheesy sandwich every time. It’s a simple method that might just become your new favorite way to cook this classic!