A Childhood Classic Gets an Air Fryer Upgrade
Let’s talk grilled cheese. 🥹 It’s one of those nostalgic recipes that never goes out of style—just like warm hugs or favorite pajamas. Growing up, grilled cheese was a go-to in our kitchen: easy, fast, and always satisfying. But now, thanks to the magic of modern appliances, I’m giving this classic a healthier, crispier twist with my Air Fryer Grilled Cheese!
This recipe is especially close to my heart because it’s become a major hit with my family. The kids practically race to the table when they smell that cheesy goodness bubbling in the air fryer, and even my partner requests it for lunch on the regular. ❤️ There’s something truly magical about the contrast between crunchy sourdough and molten cheese that makes this sandwich irresistible.
And let’s not forget the real hero—the Power XL Air Fryer. It toasts the bread to a flawless crunch without needing any greasy skillet, babysitting, or flipping. Plus, I love how quick and clean the process is. No extra oil, no splatter, and just one basket to rinse. Talk about dreamy!
I hope this Air Fryer Grilled Cheese recipe becomes your new weeknight (or lunchbox) hero—because crispy, cheesy comfort is only 10 minutes away. ✨🧡
💖 Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Crispy Outside, Gooey Inside – The air fryer nails that golden crunch every time.
- Healthier Method – No frying pan, less oil, just buttery goodness.
- Kid & Partner Approved – Seriously, this Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is a family fave.
- Perfect Anytime – Ideal for lunch, dinner, snacks, or late-night cravings. 🌙
🥦 Nutritional Benefits of Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
While Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is pure comfort food, it still offers some great nutritional wins. Cheddar cheese is rich in calcium and vitamin K, supporting bone strength and heart health. 🧀 Swiss cheese is lower in sodium and adds a mild, nutty flavor with bonus vitamin B12.
Sourdough bread is easier on digestion than most white breads thanks to natural fermentation. And since you’re air frying instead of pan-frying, you get that crisp without extra oil. Add in a pat of butter for flavor (and a dose of vitamin A), and you’ve got a comfort classic with a clever edge. 🥰
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 8 slices sourdough bread – Slightly tangy, sturdy, and perfect for toasting. 🍞
- 4 slices medium cheddar – Bold and melty with that classic grilled cheese vibe. 🧡
- 4 slices Swiss cheese – Creamy, smooth, and a little nutty for flavor contrast.
- 2 tablespoons butter – Softened for easy spreading and buttery crisp results! 🧈
👩🍳 Let’s Get Cooking – Step-by-Step
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Start by getting all your ingredients ready for making grilled cheese in the air fryer: sourdough bread, cheddar, Swiss, and butter. You want everything at room temperature for the smoothest prep.

2. Preheat Your Power XL Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Preheating helps the bread toast evenly from the first second it hits the basket.

3. Lay Out the Bread
Arrange all 8 slices of sourdough on a clean board. Make sure they’re matched in pairs for sandwich-making.

4. Butter the Bread
Spread butter generously on one side of each slice. This is what gives your Air Fryer Grilled Cheese that irresistible golden crunch!
5. Add the Cheese Layers
Place a slice of cheddar and a slice of Swiss on the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices. Top each with another slice (buttered side facing out).

🧠 Pro Tip: For extra meltiness, press down lightly after assembling to help seal the cheese to the bread.
6. Air Fry to Perfection
Place sandwiches in the air fryer basket—don’t crowd them! Toast at 380°F (193°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway if your air fryer browns unevenly.


You’re looking for golden tops, melty middles, and that dreamy crunch only an Air Fryer Grilled Cheese can deliver.
7. Slice, Garnish, Serve
Slice diagonally for that iconic grilled cheese triangle. Serve hot with soup, salad, or on its own. I like to plate mine with a sprinkle of edible flowers for that extra ✨wow✨ factor.

🧁 Doctor Delicious Tip
Doctor’s Orders: Want your Air Fryer Grilled Cheese to level up? Add a thin slice of tomato or a pinch of garlic powder before air frying. ✨🧄🍅
🤔 FAQs
❓ What’s the best bread for Air Fryer Grilled Cheese?
Sourdough holds up well and crisps beautifully, but you can use any bread you love.
❓ Do I need to flip it in the air fryer?
Not always, but flipping halfway ensures even browning if your air fryer cooks unevenly.
❓ Can I use only one cheese?
Definitely! Stick with cheddar for classic flavor or go full Swiss for a milder melt.
❓ Can I add extras inside?
Yes! Tomato, spinach, ham, or even caramelized onions pair deliciously with Air Fryer Grilled Cheese.
🧠 Pro Tips
💡 Use softened butter, not melted—it spreads better and gives a golden finish.
💡 Don’t overload your air fryer! Cook in batches to ensure crispiness.
💡 Add crushed red pepper or dijon mustard for a grown-up kick. 🌶️
🍽️ If You Loved This Recipe, Try These Too!
If you loved this recipe of my grilled cheese sandwich in the air fryer, try my 🥩 Air Fryer Skirt Steak, 🍗 Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, or 🐷 Crispy Pork Belly for more easy and delicious air fryer favorites!




Air Fryer Grilled Cheese 🧀
Description
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese (Cheddar + Swiss)
Crunchy, buttery, and irresistibly melty—this Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is comfort food made fast, fun, and fuss-free!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
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Butter one side of each bread slice.
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Layer cheese between unbuttered sides; buttered sides face out.
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Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway if needed.
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Slice and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
Note
Store leftovers in foil and reheat at 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes.
For maximum crunch, don’t overload your air fryer basket.
Want extra melty cheese? Add a tiny splash of mayo inside the sandwich.