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how to make air fryer grilled cheese

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Before we dive into the delicious world of air fryer grilled cheese, let’s talk about what you can pair with this classic comfort food. Grilled cheese isn’t just a standalone treat; it becomes an experience when you add sides.
Prep Time 4 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 277

Ingredients
  

  • Softened unsalted butter for spreading
  • 1 tablespoon caramelized onions for subtle sweetness
  • 4 slices of thick-cut artisan white bread
  • 2-4 slices of your choice of melty cheese Swiss, provolone, American, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, Fontina, Havarti
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard for a gentle tang
  • 2 slices of sharp cheddar cheese thinly cut

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
  1. This is where the fun begins! Start by gathering all your ingredients. Set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating makes a considerable difference in achieving that golden perfection!
  2. Next, take your butter and evenly spread it across one side of each slice of bread. This will allow for a lovely crispness as it cooks. Don’t skip this part; trust me, it’s worth it!
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
  1. Now for the layering! On the unbuttered side of two slices of bread, slather a thin layer of Dijon mustard. It adds that intriguing twist. Then, place your slices of your chosen melty cheese—think Swiss or Fontina, and add a few slices of sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
  2. If you’re using caramelized onions, sprinkle them on now! Finish by placing the other slices of bread on top, buttered side facing out.
Step 3: Air Fry the Sandwich
  1. Carefully place your assembled sandwich into the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. If you’re making more than one, do it in batches for optimal results.
  2. Cook for about 6-8 minutes. At the halfway mark, you can open the basket and flip the sandwich for even browning. Keep an eye on it, though. Every air fryer is a bit different, and you want that beautiful golden brown.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
  1. Once your sandwich has reached your desired level of crunchiness, carefully remove it from the air fryer. I like to let it sit for a minute to avoid any molten cheese mishaps. Slice it in half, revealing that glorious melted center. Serve it warm with a side of soup or salad, and watch your family and friends devour every bite.

Nutrition

Serving: 76gCalories: 277kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 18gFat: 21.2gSaturated Fat: 12.9gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 244mgSugar: 1g

Notes

  • Unsalted Butter: The unsalted variation allows you to control the seasoning. Feel free to adjust the salt in the rest of your meal accordingly.
  • Caramelized Onions: These bring a sweet depth to the sandwich, contrasting perfectly with the sharpness of the cheese. You can easily caramelize your own by cooking finely sliced onions on low heat until golden brown.
  • Artisan White Bread: Thick-cut artisan bread is ideal for this recipe. It holds up well during cooking and provides a sturdy yet soft base.
  • Melty Cheese Choices: Using a mixture of cheeses adds complexity. Try different combinations based on personal preference.
  • Dijon Mustard: While optional, it provides that slight tang and complements the richness of the cheeses.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!