Drawing on my expertise in grilled cheese, I assure you that crafting an air fryer grilled cheese may very well be the ultimate method for preparing this timeless comfort dish. This technique yields delightfully crisp bread, flawlessly melted cheese, and virtually eliminates the risk of burning. I strongly advocate for embracing this approach, as it essentially guarantees success in your culinary endeavors.

Before we dive in, it’s worth noting that this grilled cheese blog will mark its 10th anniversary next month – a truly remarkable milestone! What initially began as a pastime during my graduate school years has since evolved into my full-fledged profession. The fact that my passion for cheese has led to victories on two Food Network shows and the creation of a cookbook is truly astonishing. Even more thrilling is the revelation that the air fryer might just be the ultimate tool for crafting the perfect grilled cheese!

The simplicity of this method is nearly foolproof. Once your sandwich is assembled, it’s a matter of placing it in the air fryer basket, setting the temperature and timer, and letting the magic unfold. The result: impeccably crispy bread, cheese melted to perfection, and a cleanup process that’s wonderfully hassle-free. Trust me, after experiencing the ease of crafting a grilled cheese in the air fryer, you might find it hard to return to the traditional stovetop or panini press techniques.

Ingredients – What You Will Need.

An Air Fryer (sufficiently large for a sandwich)
Thick-cut White Bread
Meltable Semi-Firm Cheese (such as Fontina, Cheddar, Gouda, Muenster, etc.)
Room Temperature Salted Butter

Table of Contents

How To Cook An Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Making an air fryer grilled cheese is even simpler than preparing it on the stovetop.

Begin by layering the cheese onto one slice of bread, then place the other slice on top.

Coat both sides of the sandwich with a layer of butter.

Position the sandwich within the air fryer.

Set the air fryer to 370°F (185°C) for 4 minutes and initiate the cooking process.

Once the initial timer elapses, flip the sandwich and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes at 370°F (185°C).

Retrieve the grilled cheese from the air fryer, slice it, and serve it immediately.

Tips And Tricks For Upgrading

Tip 1: An issue that has been raised pertains to the top piece of bread dislodging due to the vigorous air circulation inside the appliance. A simple solution is to insert a toothpick through the grilled cheese, preventing this predicament.

Tip 2: Refrain from utilizing metal utensils to flip the sandwich. Protect the nonstick coating of the air fryer basket by using utensils that won’t cause damage.

Tip 3: Over the past decade, I’ve shared countless ways to elevate the classic grilled cheese sandwich. For straightforward enhancements, consider incorporating ingredients like bacon, avocado, spicy mayo, a fried egg, pickles, and more.

Which Air Fryer Should I Use?

After conducting thorough research on air fryers, I settled on the GoWise 5.8 quart Air Fryer. (To provide a size reference, I placed a box of crackers next to it!) It’s important to note that this recommendation is not sponsored, but if you choose to make a purchase through the provided Amazon links or images, I will receive a small commission.

Why did I choose this one? After carefully evaluating the pros and cons (which I’ll delve into below), I discovered that the GoWise Air Fryer is a top seller on Amazon. It offers affordability, perfectly aligns with my needs and aesthetic preferences, and boasts a 5.8 quart size that suits my family’s requirements.

This size accommodates two sandwiches, a whole chicken, or a generous batch of fries without overcrowding the cooking space. Opting for a smaller unit seemed impractical to me. Additionally, this air fryer provides more temperature controls and cooking options compared to many other models on the market. The inclusion of a comprehensive cookbook and temperature manual for various foods was a definite plus.

What about the Instant Pot lid? I extensively researched this aspect due to my fondness for the Instant Pot, thinking an additional attachment might be convenient. However, as I own the larger 8 quart Instant Pot, the lid was both out of stock and prohibitively expensive in comparison to the air fryer I ultimately chose.

Furthermore, I learned that the Instant Pot air fryer lid requires more time for cooking than a traditional air fryer, which didn’t align with my preferences. That being said, if you own a smaller 6 quart or 3 quart Instant Pot, the lid attachment could prove worthwhile. While it might save some counter space, I prioritized a swift and highly recommended solution.

The Best Choice Without An Instant Pot Or Air Fryer?

If I didn’t already possess an Instant Pot, my selection would have been the Ninja Foodi XL. This versatile appliance comes highly recommended as it serves as an air fryer, pressure cooker, slow cooker, dehydrator, steamer, sear/sauté device, broiler, and bake/roasting tool. Given my investment of time and money into the Instant Pot, I opted against duplicating functions with the Ninja Foodi. However, for those without an Instant Pot, the Ninja Foodi would unquestionably be a top contender.

Pros And Cons Of Air Fryers:

Pros:

Healthier cooking with less oil for frying, baking, and roasting.
Simplified cleanup process.
Faster cooking times.
Eliminates lingering deep fryer odors.
Prevents the kitchen from overheating when compared to using a conventional oven.

Cons:

Introduces an additional appliance to purchase and manage.

What To Pair It With:

While a grilled cheese sandwich is delightful on its own, it can be elevated with some complementary dishes.

I suggest pairing this crispy grilled cheese with roasted Brussels sprouts and asparagus, a flavorful sweet and sour red cabbage soup, or a satisfying crunchy Chinese cabbage salad. You might also consider indulging in some air fryer breakfast potatoes.

For those seeking cheesier inspiration, I recommend exploring options like gnocchi alla sorrentina, smoked mac and cheese, or pesto cavatappi.

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