Make the best Air Fryer Grilled Cheese in minutes! Crispy, golden bread with melty cheese—plus freezer-friendly tips for busy weeknights.

If there’s one sandwich that’s earned a permanent spot in our mealtime rotation, it’s the classic grilled cheese. Golden, crispy bread hugging layers of melty cheese—it’s simple, comforting, and hits the spot every single time. But here’s a twist: did you know you can make grilled cheese in your air fryer?
It’s faster, hands-off, and gives you that perfect crispy crunch without babysitting a skillet. This Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is the ultimate easy lunch or weeknight comfort food. And if you’re looking for an over-the-top version, be sure to check out my Ultimate Grilled Cheese Recipe where I share tips for leveling up your sandwich game.
Why Make Grilled Cheese in the Air Fryer?
- Even cooking: No flipping and pressing—your sandwich gets browned and crispy on both sides.
- Hands-off cooking: Toss it in the basket and let the air fryer do its thing while you grab the tomato soup.
- Kid (and adult) approved: One of the things I love most about this recipe is how kid-friendly it is. The air fryer makes it so easy that even my kids can whip up their own grilled cheese sandwiches without hovering over a hot skillet. It gives them confidence in the kitchen, and honestly, it’s a win for me too—because when they can handle lunch on their own, that’s one less thing I have to juggle during a busy day.
Jump to:
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

- mayonnaise – Helps the bread crisp up beautifully without burning.
- Dijon mustard (optional) – Adds a little tang and depth. You can swap for yellow mustard or leave it out if you prefer a classic version.
- wheat or white bread – Use what you love. A sturdy sandwich bread works best in the air fryer.
- cheese – Cheddar, gouda, or edam are great options. Mix and match for extra flavor.
See recipe card below for specific quantities and ingredient list.
🥣 How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

- Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
Mix the spread. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
Brush one side of each bread slice with the mayo-mustard mixture.

- Step 2: Add 1–2 layers of cheese.

- Step 3: Top with the second slice of bread, spread-side up.
Cook. Air fry for 6 minutes. If you like it extra crispy, add another 1–2 minutes. - Flip. Carefully turn the sandwich and air fry for another 6 minutes, until golden brown and the cheese is melty.

- Step 4: Serve hot. As we all know, grilled cheese is best when you can see a cheese pull - when the cheese is soft and stretchy!
Save This Recipe For Later!
📋 Variations
- Add slices of tomato, cooked bacon, or caramelized onions for a fun twist.
- Swap the mayo spread for butter if that’s your style (I won’t tell!).
- Try mixing cheeses—cheddar + gouda is my go-to combo for max meltiness. Also, provolone and monterey jack melt super well!
Freezer-Friendly Grilled Cheese
Want to have grilled cheese ready at a moment’s notice? Here’s how to prep and freeze them:
- Assemble the sandwiches just as you would normally—bread, mayo-mustard spread, cheese.
- Wrap individually in parchment paper or foil. Place the wrapped sandwiches in a freezer bag or airtight container.
- Freeze up to 3 months.
- To cook from frozen: Place the sandwich directly in your air fryer. Cook at 350°F for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and golden brown.
This is a total lifesaver during busy harvest season, school nights, or when you just don’t feel like cooking from scratch.
🍽 What to Serve with Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
You can’t go wrong pairing it with tomato soup, a crisp side salad, or even just some apple slices for a quick and cozy meal.
Tips for success
Don’t skip the spread. The mayo-mustard mixture gives you that golden, crispy crust without burning like butter sometimes does.
FAQ
Yes! Butter works, but mayonnaise gives a crispier golden crust and is less likely to burn in the air fryer.
Absolutely! Assemble and freeze sandwiches ahead of time. Cook straight from frozen at 350°F for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway.
Cheddar is classic, but gouda, edam, provolone, or even a mix of cheeses melt beautifully. Try two kinds for extra flavor!
Tried this air fryer grilled cheese? I’d love to hear how they turned out! ⭐ Drop a star rating and a quick comment below—it not only helps others but totally makes my day. 😊🍽️
If you love an easy sandwich dinner as much as I do, be sure to check out some of my other favorites. These Pulled Pork Sliders are perfect for feeding a crowd, and my classic Sloppy Joes (and their fun little cousin, Sloppy Joe Sliders) are always a family hit.
And if you’re stocking the freezer, don’t miss my post on freezer-friendly sandwiches—they’re a total game changer for busy weeks.
Recipe

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Send me this recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 4 slices wheat or white bread
- 4 slices cheddar cheese gouda, or monetery jack or provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
- Meanwhile, mix 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise and 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard. Brush one side of 4 slices wheat or white bread slice with the mixture.
- Place one slice of bread, spread-side down, in the air fryer basket. Layer half the cheese slices on top. Repeat for the other sandwich.
- Top with the second slice of bread, spread-side up.
- Air fry for 6 minutes. Add 1–2 minutes for a crispier crust.
- Flip carefully (cheese and air fryer pan are hot!) and cook another 6 minutes, until golden brown and melty.
Notes
Nutrition
This Farm Girl Cooks is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. Calories and other nutritional values vary depending on which brands were used.






Nana the baker says
Delicious quick sandwich-
But time was too long -used cheeses that I had in fridge- American, Swiss and cheddar- good lunch! Love the air fryer!
Deanne Frieders says
I love our air fryer, too! I'll make a note that air fryers may vary!!