Air Fryer Grilled Cheese (Printable Format)

Crispy, gooey cheese combined with toasted bread using simple air fryer method for fast meals or snacks.

# What's Needed:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices white or whole wheat sandwich bread

→ Cheese

02 - 4 slices cheddar cheese or preferred melting cheese

→ Spread

03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
02 - Evenly spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
03 - Place two bread slices buttered side down on a surface, top each with two slices of cheese, then cover with remaining bread slices buttered side up.
04 - Place sandwiches in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
05 - Air fry the sandwiches for 4 minutes.
06 - Carefully flip each sandwich and air fry for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
07 - Remove sandwiches, let cool slightly, slice, and serve immediately for best crispness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's done in under 15 minutes, which means lunch doesn't feel like a production.
  • The air fryer does the hard work of even browning, no burned edges or undercooked centers.
  • You get that sandwich-shop quality crispness with barely any butter and zero babysitting.
02 -
  • Softened butter spreads so much easier and more evenly than cold butter straight from the fridge—this is what made my first attempt actually turn out golden instead of streaky.
  • Those extra 30 seconds of preheating makes a real difference in how crispy the outside gets without the inside staying cold.
03 -
  • Use a spatula with a thin edge for flipping—it slides under the sandwich more easily than a thicker tool and you're less likely to accidentally press down and squeeze the cheese out.
  • If you're making more than two sandwiches, resist the urge to stack them in the basket; they really do need that air flow to crisp properly on all sides.
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