Air-Fryer Grilled Cheese: A Crispy Mayo-Based Twist on the Classic

Published Feb. 28, 2023

Total Time: 10 minutes | Difficulty: Easy

Introduction

Elevate the timeless grilled cheese experience with this air-fryer method, where the bread achieves a uniformly golden, crispy exterior while the cheese melts into a creamy, indulgent center. This 10-minute recipe balances convenience and flavor, though preferences for mayo vs. butter may vary among home cooks.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of white sandwich bread (½-inch thick or thinner, to ensure even crisping)

• Mayonnaise: 1–2 tsp per slice (spread thinly for optimal crispiness)

• 2–4 slices of melting cheese (e.g., sharp Cheddar, American, or Pepper Jack; adjust quantity based on cheese thickness and personal preference)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures the basket reaches optimal temperature for even, crispy results.

2. Prepare the Bread: Lightly and evenly spread mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice using a small spatula or fingertips. The spread should be thin (avoid excess to prevent sogginess).

3. Assemble the Sandwich: Place one bread slice (mayo side down) in the air fryer basket. Add the cheese slices, ensuring full coverage. Top with the second bread slice (mayo side up) to form a closed sandwich. Gently press down to ensure contact between bread and cheese.

4. Cook the First Side: Insert the basket into the preheated air fryer and cook for 3 minutes. The bread will turn golden-brown, and the cheese will begin to melt slightly.

5. Flip and Cook the Second Side: After 3 minutes, use tongs to carefully flip the sandwich (mayo side now faces up). Cook an additional 2–3 minutes until the exterior is uniformly golden-brown, the bread is crisp, and the cheese is fully melted (glossy and slightly runny when touched).

6. Rest and Serve: Remove the sandwich from the air fryer and let it rest for 1 minute to allow the cheese to set. Slice diagonally and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Bread Thickness: Thin bread (½-inch or less) ensures even crisping without moisture buildup.

• Mayonnaise vs. Butter: Mayo adds a tangy creaminess; butter imparts a nutty richness. Adjust based on preference, but butter may require 390°F (198°C) to prevent burning.

• Cheese Selection: Sharp Cheddar enhances depth, American offers smooth melt, and Pepper Jack adds mild heat. For creaminess, blend shredded cheese with a slice of American.

• Air Fryer Variations: Use convection settings for faster, even cooking. Monitor closely for burnt spots if using high-fat butter.

User Reviews

• “Three minutes per side is what it takes to make a grilled cheese in a frying pan. Why use an air fryer for this? It’s more complicated to clean.”

• “Never tried mayo in grilled cheese or an air fryer. Tried it, won’t do again.”

• “Why mayo instead of butter? Has butter always been my family’s go-to.”

• “Hated mayo, used butter instead (as God intended). Perfect results! No burnt spots—this made life easier.”

• “Air fryer grilled cheese isn’t quicker than a pan. Waste of effort. Superfluous.”

• “Any mayo-only grilled cheese recipe is not worth it. Butter gives that nutty flavor.”

Note: Adjust cooking times based on your air fryer model and cheese thickness for best results.