Can You Make Grilled Cheese in a Waffle Iron

November 30, 2021

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese sandwiches are truly the best ever. They're perfectly crisp with melty cheese and they're less greasy than a pan fried grilled cheese.

Of all of the things I cook in my Air Fryer, this is definitely a favorite.

air fryer grilled cheese on a board

Why I Love This Grilled Cheese Sandwich So Much

Making a grilled cheese sandwich isn't difficult but it's even easier in the air fryer.

It's easy to make 4 sandwiches at once (I have a Cosori XL 5.8qt).
They brown perfectly on both sides (and are not greasy).
I find them to be the perfect amount of crisp with melty cheese.
Super easy cleanup with just a wipe to the basket.
It's an easy air fryer recipe and great for beginners and young cooks.

Make the classic pairing of grilled cheese and our delicious homemade fresh tomato soup.

ingredients for air fryer grilled cheese on a marble board

Ingredients for Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

BREAD – Any bread will do from sandwich bread to leftover French bread. Use what you have on hand. A nice thick sourdough makes a great air fryer grilled cheese.

BUTTER – Lightly butter the bread with real butter. I love to add a tiny pinch of garlic powder to the outside of the bread but it's optional. You can also use cooking spray or olive oil in place of butter.

CHEESE – Sharp cheddar has great flavor but don't stop there. American cheese, provolone, gouda, gruyere, pepper jack, anything goes! I find slices work better than shredded cheese.

I often add a couple of slices of thick cheddar cheese and a single slice of processed cheese to melt together for the perfect grilled cheese.

two grilled cheese sandwiches in an air fryer basket

How to Make a Grilled Cheese in the Air Fryer

Truly the best air fryer grilled sandwich ever, and so easy to make!

Butter each slice of bread. Place the bread butter side down in the air fryer basket.
Add cheese to each piece of bread and top with another piece of buttered bread (butter side out). Sprinkle with garlic powder if desired.
Air fry for 4 to 6 minutes (no need to flip), or until the sandwiches are crisp & golden brown.

Cooking time can vary slightly based on your air fryer so check it early.

Air Fryer Tip If your bread (or cheese) is thin or light the sandwich may not stay together as the air blows. You can either secure the sandwich with a toothpick or ensure you have a layer of butter on each side of the bread to help it all stick together.

Tips for a Perfect Air Fryer Sandwich

If your bread (or cheese) are thin or light the sandwich may not stay together as the air
Keep the leftover sandwiches in a covered container in the refrigerator for about 2 days. The best way to reheat grilled cheese sandwiches is to re-toast them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes.
Cube leftover sandwiches, toast in the oven, and make them into cheesy croutons for tomato soup!

plated Air Fryer Grilled Cheese with pickle slices on top

Leftovers

Keep the leftover sandwiches in a covered container in the refrigerator for about 2 days. The best way to reheat grilled cheese sandwiches is to re-toast them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes.
Cube leftover sandwiches, toast in the oven, and make them into cheesy croutons for tomato soup!

Grilled Cheese Variations

Add any of the following to level up your grilled cheese.

Bacon or ham
Cream cheese, cheddar, and jalapeno (for a jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese)
Grilled Cheese with Tomato
Bacon Grilled Cheese
Pizza Grilled Cheese
Dill Pickle Bacon Grilled Cheese

Did you love these Air Fried Grilled Cheese Sandwiches? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 2 sandwiches

Cheesy and golden brown, these air fryer grilled cheese sandwiches are so easy to make for lunch, dinner, or a snack!

▢ 4 slices bread
▢ 4 ounces sharp cheddar
▢ 2 tablespoons butter
▢ ¼ teaspoon garlic powder optional

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Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place cheese in the middle, keeping the butter on the outside of the bread.
Sprinkle the bread with garlic powder if using and place in the air fryer.
Cook 4-6 minutes or until golden on the outside and melted inside.

Air fryers can vary, you may need to cook your sandwiches a minute more or less.

Swap out the cheddar for any cheese you have on hand.

Add in your favorites. Bacon, tomato slices, jalapenos, the possibilities are endless.

Serving: 1 sandwich , Calories: 481 , Carbohydrates: 29 g , Protein: 20 g , Fat: 32 g , Saturated Fat: 20 g , Trans Fat: 1 g , Cholesterol: 90 mg , Sodium: 743 mg , Potassium: 165 mg , Fiber: 2 g , Sugar: 4 g , Vitamin A: 919 IU , Vitamin C: 1 mg , Calcium: 490 mg , Iron: 2 mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)

Course Dinner, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine American

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Air Fryer Grilled Cheese with writing