Crispy Air Fryer Grilled Cheese: Golden & Cheesy (Print Version)

Get that classic grilled cheese crunch with less fuss. My air fryer method means golden, melty perfection without the constant pan-watching. Quick, easy, cheesy comfort!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 5 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 8 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 2 slices sourdough bread
02 - 2 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
03 - 2 oz provolone cheese, sliced or grated

→ Flavor & Texture Boosters

04 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 tsp mayonnaise (optional, but highly recommended)

→ Optional Extras

06 - 1/4 tsp garlic powder
07 - Pinch of flaky sea salt (for finishing)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab two slices of your sturdy sourdough. Butter one side of each slice generously, right to the edges. This is where the magic starts, hon, for a truly crispy air fryer grilled cheese. I remember the first time I made one, I skimped on the butter, and the crust was... sad. Don't be like past me! If you're using mayo, spread a very thin layer on the *unbuttered* side of one slice, then set it aside for the cheese.
02 - On the mayo-ed or unbuttered side of one slice, layer your sharp cheddar, then the provolone. Don't overload it, or you'll have cheese oozing everywhere in your air fryer, and that's a messy clean-up, trust me. I once thought "more cheese is always better," which is usually true, but not when it melts through the basket! Aim for a nice, even layer that stays within the bread's edges.
03 - Place the second slice of bread, butter-side-up, on top of the cheese-layered slice. Gently press down to make a neat sandwich. If you're adding garlic powder, sprinkle a tiny bit over the buttered outsides now. This little detail makes a difference, honestly, adding a subtle savory note to your crispy air fryer grilled cheese. It just smells so good already, right?
04 - Some air fryers need preheating, some don't. Mine usually preheats to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. If yours is a "no preheat" type, just skip this step! I've forgotten to preheat before, and it just took an extra minute or two to achieve the right crispness, so no biggie if you're in a rush. Just adjust cooking time as needed for your crispy air fryer grilled cheese.
05 - Carefully place your assembled crispy air fryer grilled cheese into the air fryer basket. Cook for 4-5 minutes. The smell starting to waft through the kitchen? That's the good stuff! This is where you start seeing that butter getting all bubbly and golden. Make sure there's enough space around the sandwich for the air to circulate; overcrowding is a no-go for crispiness.
06 - Flip the sandwich gently. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until both sides are a glorious golden brown and the cheese is wonderfully melty and gooey. I sometimes peek a little early, just to make sure it's not getting too dark – a habit from a few burnt edges back in the day, oops! Once it's done, immediately transfer your crispy air fryer grilled cheese to a cutting board, slice, and serve.

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if you're making more than one, or they won't get evenly crispy.\nFor extra melty cheese, try using a mix of grated and sliced cheese. The grated melts faster, the sliced gives that beautiful stretch.\nIf your air fryer runs hot, check a minute or two early to prevent over-browning. Every air fryer is a little different, you know?\nA pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after cooking really elevates the flavor of your crispy air fryer grilled cheese.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air fryer
02 - butter knife
03 - small plate

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 20g

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