The Ultimate Air Fryer Grilled CheeseTo get that specific “deep gold” crust and the gooey “cheese pull” seen in the image, follow these steps:
Ingredients
Bread:
2 thick slices of White bread, Brioche, or Sourdough.Cheese: A blend works best. Use 2 slices of Sharp Cheddar (for flavor) and 1 slice of Mozzarella or Monterey Jack (for the melt).The Coating: 1-2 tablespoons of Mayonnaise (This is the secret for the uniform golden color) or softened salted butter.
Instructions
Prep the Bread:
Spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise (or butter) on one side of each slice of bread. This will be the outside of the sandwich.
Assemble:
Place one slice of bread, mayo-side down, in the air fryer basket (using parchment paper is optional but helps with cleanup). Layer your cheeses generously on top, then place the second slice of bread on top with the mayo-side facing up.Secure (Important): Because air fryers use high-speed fans, the top slice of bread can sometimes blow off. Secure it by sticking a toothpick through the center of the sandwich.
Cook: * Set the air fryer to 370°F (185°C).Cook for 5 minutes.
Flip: Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until both sides are perfectly browned and the cheese is bubbling.
Pro Tips for SuccessDon’t Overcrowd: Make sure there is space between the sandwiches (like in the top photo) so the hot air can circulate and crisp the edges.Room Temp Cheese: If possible, let your cheese sit out for 10 minutes before cooking so it melts at the same rate the bread browns.The “Crunch” Test: Let the sandwich rest for 60 seconds after taking it out; this allows the cheese to set slightly and the crust to reach maximum crunch.
