A quick and easy recipe for air fryer grilled cheese with pesto. This Italian-inspired grilled cheese is great for a quick lunch or snack. The pesto adds a flavorful twist to a classic sandwich.
A warm, gooey and cheesy grilled cheese sandwich is a big favorite of mine. My kids also love buttery crispy Air Fryer Croutons and French Bread Pizza. I feel that any bread with the addition of garlic has its own delicious garlicky charm.
And now, thanks to the air fryer, I can enjoy all of those delicious flavors without having to stand over a hot stove. With an added bonus of gorgeously toasted bread, unbelievable crisp, and a mouthwatering cheese pull.
Air Fryer Pesto Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese is the perfect comfort food. What's not to love? But sometimes, grilled cheese can be a little... boring. That's where air fryer pesto grilled cheese comes in. This dish takes your classic cheese sandwich and gives it a flavorful twist. The pesto adds a zesty kick, while the air-fried one ensures that your sandwich is perfectly crisped.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of sandwich bread. I prefer to use Souroughdough
- 1 tablespoon of butter, divided
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons of pesto
- 4 slices of mozzarella (or shredded mozzarella cheese)
- 4 slices provolone
- ¼ cup Marinara sauce, for dipping
How to Make Air Fryer Pesto Grilled Cheese
Scroll to the bottom for a full printable recipe. I was inspired by the recipe from COOKING FOR TWO WITH YOUR AIRFRYER Cookbook.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C)
- Butter one side of each slice of bread and season with garlic and Italian seasoning
- Assemble the sandwich: butter side down, pesto, a slice of provolone, pesto, and a slice of mozzarella
- Place in the air fryer and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until browned to your liking
- Set the timer and carefully flip halfway
- Let cool a little
- Serve with Marinara on the side or homemade Chipotle dipping sauce
Tips for the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich using your Air Fryer
Use a cooking spray or oil to coat the air fryer basket. This will help to prevent the bread from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Preheat the air fryer to the correct temperature. This will ensure that the bread is evenly cooked and prevent it from burning.
Be sure to use a spatula to flip the sandwich halfway through cooking. This will help to prevent the cheese from sticking and ensure that the air fryer grilled cheese is evenly cooked on both sides.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich Toppings Variations
Grilled cheese is one of the most versatile sandwiches out there. You can put almost anything on grilled cheese and it will taste amazing. Here are some of my favorite toppings for grilled cheese.
Bacon: Bacon makes everything taste better, including grilled cheese. The salty, savory flavor of bacon pairs perfectly with the gooey cheese. Try with Candied Bacon.
Tomatoes: fresh tomatoes add sweetness and acidity that takes grilled cheese to the next level. Make sure to slice them thin so they don't make the sandwich too wet.
Pesto: pesto grilled cheese is one of my personal favorites. The flavorful herbs in pesto elevate grilled cheese from classic comfort food to a gourmet sandwich.
Ham and pineapple: this is a classic flavor combination for a reason. The sweet pineapple pairs perfectly with the savory ham and cheesy goodness.
Air Fryer Comforting Classics
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese with Pesto
A quick and easy recipe for air fryer grilled cheese with pesto. This Italian-style grilled cheese is great for a quick lunch or snack. The pesto adds a flavorful twist to a classic grilled cheese sandwich.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of sandwich bread. I prefer to use Souroughdough
- 1 tablespoon of butter, divided
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons of pesto
- 4 slices of mozzarella (or shredded mozzarella cheese)
- 4 slices provolone
- ¼ cup Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C)
- Butter one side of each slice of bread and season with garlic and Italian seasoning
- Assemble the sandwich: butter side down, pesto, slice of provolone, pesto, and a slice of mozzarella
- Place in the air fryer and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until browned to your liking.
- Set the timer and carefully flip halfway
- Let cool a little
- Serve with Marinara on the side or preferred dipping sauce
Notes
Tips for making the Best Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Use a cooking spray or oil to coat the air fryer basket. This will help to prevent the bread from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Preheat the air fryer to the correct temperature. This will ensure that the bread is evenly cooked and prevent it from burning.
Be sure to use a spatula to flip the sandwich halfway through cooking. This will help to prevent the cheese from sticking and ensure that the air fryer grilled cheese is evenly cooked on both sides.
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