Crispy and melty grilled cheese in an air fryer

Here’s how to get crispy outside + properly melty inside (no sad dry bread).

Perfect Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

You’ll need

• 2 slices bread (sourdough, white, or brioche = 🔥)
• 1–2 slices good melting cheese
  (cheddar, American, mozzarella, gouda, or a combo)
• Soft butter or mayo (trust me)

Prep

1. Butter or mayo the OUTSIDE of each bread slice.
   (Mayo = extra even browning, no butter burn.)
2. Put cheese between the unbuttered sides.
3. Lightly press the sandwich together.

Air Fry

• Temp: 360°F / 180°C
• Time: 6–8 minutes total

Steps

1. Place sandwich in the basket.
2. Cook 3–4 minutes, then flip.
3. Cook another 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy.

If your air fryer runs hot, check early—burnt bread is the villain here.

Pro tips for max melt

• Use 2 thinner slices of cheese instead of one thick slab.
• If the bread browns before melting:
  • Drop temp to 330°F (165°C) and cook 1–2 more minutes.
• Add a tiny sprinkle of water in the basket (not on the sandwich) to create steam for better melt.

Flavor upgrades (optional but dangerous)

• Garlic butter on the outside
• Parmesan dusted on the buttered side (crispy cheese crust 😳)
• Inside add-ins: caramelized onions, tomato slices, bacon, chili flakes

If you tell me:

• what cheese you have
• what bread you’re using
• basket or tray-style air fryer

I’ll dial it in perfectly for your setup 🧀🔥