Air Fryer Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Quickly prepare a golden-brown, crispy grilled cheese using the air fryer for an easy snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Set air fryer to 350°F and preheat for 3 minutes.
02 - Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
03 - Place two bread slices buttered side down on a clean surface, top each with 2 slices of cheese.
04 - Cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side up, forming two sandwiches.
05 - Place sandwiches in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
06 - Air fry for 4 minutes until golden brown on one side.
07 - Carefully flip sandwiches and air fry an additional 3 to 4 minutes until crisp and golden.
08 - Remove from air fryer, let cool slightly, slice, and serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Speed: Lunch is ready faster than you can set the table.
  • Consistency: No more burnt edges and cold cheese centers—every bite is balanced.
  • Less hands-on: You're not standing there flipping and fussing; the air fryer handles the work.
  • Endless customization: Once you nail the basic technique, your imagination becomes the limit.
02 -
  • Softened butter is non-negotiable: Cold butter tears bread and won't brown evenly; warm butter spreads smooth and creates that crucial crispy-golden exterior.
  • Flipping matters more than timing: The second side always needs slightly less time than the first, so watch for that light golden color rather than strictly following the timer.
03 -
  • Mayonnaise instead of butter: Sounds unusual, but mayo browns even more beautifully and adds a subtle tang that plays wonderfully against melted cheese.
  • Double-slice your cheese: Two slices per sandwich is the minimum; one slice leaves you with bread-heavy bites, and three is heaven if you're not watching calories.
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