Why use mayonnaise instead of butter for grilled cheese?

Mayonnaise spreads more easily at room temperature than butter and creates an incredibly crispy, golden exterior. It also adds a subtle tangy flavor that complements the cheese perfectly. Don't worry if you're not a mayo fan—once cooked, you won't taste it specifically, just the wonderful crispiness it creates!

Can I make this recipe if I don't have parchment paper?

Absolutely! You can lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray instead. However, parchment makes cleanup easier and helps prevent the cheese from potentially leaking and creating a mess in your air fryer.

My air fryer is small. Can I make one sandwich at a time?

Yes! Simply halve the recipe and make one sandwich at a time. The cooking time remains the same. This is perfect for serving yourself a quick lunch without leftovers.

Why is my cheese not fully melted when the bread is already brown?

This can happen if your cheese is very cold or if the slices are too thick. Try letting your cheese come to room temperature before assembly, or reduce the air fryer temperature to 330°F and cook for 1-2 minutes longer to give the cheese more time to melt without burning the bread.

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices brioche bread (or bread of your choice); ¼ cup mayonnaise, divided; 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided

Transform your lunch game with this incredible Air Fryer Grilled Cheese! Perfectly golden and crispy on the outside with gloriously melted cheese on the inside, this simplified version of the classic comfort food comes together in just 13 minutes. The air fryer creates that perfect crunch without the mess of stovetop cooking, making this ideal for busy weekdays or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: From start to finish in just 13 minutes – even faster than traditional stovetop methods!
Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer delivers that gorgeous golden exterior every single time without having to hover over a pan.
Less Mess: No buttery spatters or pans to clean – just remove the parchment paper and you’re done.
Customizable: The basic recipe is fantastic, but you can add endless variations to make it your own signature sandwich.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Brioche bread: Creates a buttery, slightly sweet base that crisps beautifully in the air fryer. The rich texture stands up well to the cheese, but any favorite bread works wonderfully.
Mayonnaise: The secret weapon for achieving that perfect golden crust! Mayo spreads more evenly than butter and creates an amazing flavor that complements the cheese.
Cheddar cheese: Provides that classic melty goodness and sharp flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly than pre-packaged versions.

Variations

Different Cheeses

Mix and match your favorites! Try combining sharp cheddar with mozzarella for stretch, or experiment with gruyère, gouda, provolone, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

Add-ins

Transform your basic grilled cheese into a gourmet experience with these additions:

Thinly sliced tomatoes and fresh basil
Crispy bacon and avocado slices
Caramelized onions and mushrooms
Sliced ham and a spread of Dijon mustard
Thinly sliced apples and a drizzle of honey

Bread Options

While brioche creates a luxurious sandwich, experiment with sourdough for tanginess, whole grain for heartiness, or cinnamon raisin bread for a sweet-savory combination.

How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Line the basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Spread about a tablespoon of mayonnaise evenly on one side of each bread slice. Don’t skimp here – this creates that beautiful golden crust!

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

Place two slices of bread, mayo side down, onto the parchment paper in your air fryer basket. Top each slice with a generous cup of shredded cheese, making sure to spread it evenly to the edges.

Step 4: Complete the Sandwiches

Top with the remaining bread slices, positioning them mayo side up. The mayo should always face outward.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Cook for 5 minutes at 350°F, then flip the sandwiches carefully using a spatula. Continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes, until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Remove from the air fryer and serve while hot and gooey. Cut diagonally for that classic presentation if desired!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple. Make sure it’s trimmed to fit properly so it doesn’t fly around in the air fryer.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent proper melting. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
Don’t Overcrowd: Leave a little space between sandwiches in the air fryer basket for proper air circulation.
Check Early: All air fryers cook slightly differently, so peek at the 4-minute mark on your first batch to prevent burning.
Press Gently: After flipping, you can lightly press the sandwich with a spatula to ensure good contact between the bread and cheese.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Elevate your grilled cheese experience with these classic sidekicks:

Tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food duo
Pickle spears for a tangy contrast
Fresh green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness
Sweet potato fries for a complete meal
A cup of hot tomato bisque for dunking

Presentation Ideas

Cut diagonally for that classic look or into strips for “soldiers” that kids love to dip in soup or ketchup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While grilled cheese is best enjoyed immediately, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Assemble uncooked sandwiches (without the mayo), wrap individually in plastic wrap, and freeze in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator, apply mayo to both outer sides, and air fry as directed, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat leftover grilled cheese in the air fryer at 320°F for 2-3 minutes. This restores the crispiness better than microwaving, which can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Why use mayonnaise instead of butter for grilled cheese?

Mayonnaise spreads more easily at room temperature than butter and creates an incredibly crispy, golden exterior. It also adds a subtle tangy flavor that complements the cheese perfectly. Don’t worry if you’re not a mayo fan—once cooked, you won’t taste it specifically, just the wonderful crispiness it creates!
Can I make this recipe if I don’t have parchment paper?

Absolutely! You can lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray instead. However, parchment makes cleanup easier and helps prevent the cheese from potentially leaking and creating a mess in your air fryer.
My air fryer is small. Can I make one sandwich at a time?

Yes! Simply halve the recipe and make one sandwich at a time. The cooking time remains the same. This is perfect for serving yourself a quick lunch without leftovers.
Why is my cheese not fully melted when the bread is already brown?

This can happen if your cheese is very cold or if the slices are too thick. Try letting your cheese come to room temperature before assembly, or reduce the air fryer temperature to 330°F and cook for 1-2 minutes longer to give the cheese more time to melt without burning the bread.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Grilled Cheese revolutionizes a classic comfort food by making it even easier and less messy. The perfectly crispy exterior paired with that gooey cheese interior delivers pure satisfaction in minutes. Whether you stick with the basic recipe or dress it up with your favorite add-ins, this method is sure to become your new go-to lunch solution. Give it a try today—your taste buds will thank you!