Crispy Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Herb Butter
Air Fryer
Golden, melty grilled cheese from the air fryer with garlic-herb butter.
Nutrition (per serving)
This Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is my go-to when I want that perfect crunch and oozy center without standing over a pan. The air fryer gives the bread an even, golden crisp while keeping the cheese luxuriously melty — all in a fraction of the time and with less mess.
I like to spread a garlic-herb butter on the outside of the bread before air frying for extra flavor and color. It’s easy, fast, and endlessly adaptable: swap cheeses, add sliced tomato or ham, or keep it classic for a crave-worthy comfort lunch or snack.
Ingredients
- sourdough bread:4 slices
- sharp cheddar cheese:4 oz
- unsalted butter, softened:3 tbsp
- garlic powder:1/4 tsp
- fresh parsley, finely chopped:1 tbsp
- Dijon mustard (optional):1 tsp
- fine sea salt:pinch
- black pepper:pinch
Instructions
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In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic powder, chopped parsley, a pinch of salt, and black pepper until smooth.
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Spread one side of each slice of bread with the garlic-herb butter. On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread Dijon mustard if using.
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Divide the shredded cheddar evenly over the mustard-topped slices (about 2 oz cheese per sandwich). Top with the remaining bread, buttered side out.
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Preheat the air fryer to 370°F for 2-3 minutes.
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Place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook at 370°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until crust is deep golden and cheese is melted.
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Remove sandwiches, let rest 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.
Tips & Notes
- Use shredded cheese for faster, more even melting; mix cheddar with a little mozzarella for extra stretch.
- If your air fryer basket is small, assemble one sandwich and cook the second while the first rests to keep them both crispy.
- Press the sandwich lightly with a spatula when you flip to help the surfaces brown evenly, but don’t over-press or you’ll squeeze out the cheese.
