Grilled Cheese in the Air Fryer
Ready in about 12 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Cook a grilled cheese in an air fryer at 180°C / 350°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted.
Written for 2. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 4 slices sturdy bread
- 2 tbsp softened butter or mayo
- 120 g sliced cheddar or mozzarella
Method
- 1Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- 2Assemble the sandwiches with the cheese in the middle and the buttered sides facing out.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 180°C / 350°F.
- 4Air fry for 3-4 minutes, then flip carefully and cook 3-4 minutes more until golden and the cheese melts.
- 5Rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve.
Tips for the best results
- Golden buttery bread with perfectly melted cheese in the middle. The air fryer makes grilled cheese brilliantly crisp and evenly toasted.
- Use toothpicks if your air fryer fan is strong and the bread shifts.
- A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives great flavour and melt.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer grilled cheese steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the flip halfway, which leaves one side pale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook grilled cheese in an air fryer?
Buttered bread with cheese in the middle takes 6-8 minutes at 180°C / 350°F. Flip after 3-4 minutes. Weigh the top slice if the fan lifts it.
What temperature and time for air fryer grilled cheese?
A typical starting point is 180°C / 350°F for 6-8 min, flip halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
Can I make air fryer grilled cheese ahead?
Cook it, cool it quickly, and refrigerate. Reheat in the air fryer at a slightly lower temperature so the outside does not dry before the middle is hot.
How many people does air fryer grilled cheese serve?
This recipe is written for 2. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.