How to Make Crispy Grilled Cheese in Air Fryer

If you have some leftover chicken or turkey and don’t know what to do with it, here is how to make crispy grilled cheese in air fryer with leftover chicken, it relly is the perfect fix. It is cheesy, crispy, and so easy to make. Trust me, this is one sandwich you will want to make on repeat!

Watch my video below for a simple, step-by-step recipe for creating these delicious Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Leftover Chicken. If you enjoy it, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more easy and tasty air fryer recipes!

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I cook with this Ninja Air Fryer below in my kitchen – it’s great for this sandwich and pretty much everything else I make these days.

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Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This air fryer grilled cheese sandwich is everything you want in comfort food—crispy, cheesy, and totally satisfying. I love how the air fryer does all the work, giving you that perfect golden crust. If you’ve got leftover chicken, this is the easiest way to turn it into something amazing.

• Super Quick & Easy – You can go from hungry to happy in under 10 minutes. No complicated steps, no mess—just a simple, delicious sandwich.
• Crispy Perfection – The air fryer crisps up the bread perfectly, so you get that golden, crunchy bite every single time. No soggy bread here!
• Cheesy & Gooey – The cheese melts into this stretchy, gooey goodness that makes every bite incredible. And if you love extra cheese (who doesn’t?), this air fried chicken and cheese sandwich lets you sprinkle some on top for that extra melty layer.
• The Best Way to Use Leftover Chicken – Got some cooked chicken or turkey sitting in the fridge? Toss it in this sandwich, and suddenly, leftovers feel like a treat instead of an afterthought.

Honestly, once you make this air fryer grilled cheese with leftover chicken, you’ll start hoping for extra chicken just so you can make it again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This air fryer grilled cheese recipe is simple, but the flavors are next-level. With just a few basics, you’ll have a crispy, cheesy sandwich ready fast. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup (150g) shredded leftover chicken or turkey
• 3 slices of bread (sourdough, Texas toast, or your favorite)
• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 2 tbsp (28g) butter (for cooking the chicken)
• 2 tbsp (30g) mayonnaise (for the sauce)
• ¼ tsp (0.5g) smoked paprika (adds a smoky kick)
• Pinch of Salt 
• Dash of black pepper

How to Make Crispy Grilled Cheese in Air Fryer

Let me show you the simple steps of how to make crispy grilled cheese in your air fryer. This method gives you that perfect golden crunch with melted cheese every time, no flipping or burning required.

Step 1: Warm Up the Chicken

Before assembling, make sure your leftover chicken isn’t dry. Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a pan over medium heat, then add the shredded chicken. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and black pepper, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Let it warm up for about 2-3 minutes, then set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Mayo Sauce

A little extra flavor goes a long way! In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp mayonnaise, ¼ tsp smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and some black pepper. This gives the sandwich a smoky, creamy kick.

Tip: Want an extra kick? Add a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice to the mayo for extra flavor.

Step 3: Layer It Up

Grab three slices of bread and spread the mayo sauce on one side of each. Take one slice, add a generous layer of shredded chicken, then sprinkle on ½ cup of cheese.

Step 4: Stack & Butter

Place another slice on top, add the rest of the chicken and cheese, then finish with the last piece of bread. Be sure to leave some cheese aside to sprinkle over the final slice of bread for that extra cheesy top layer.

Step 5: Get It in the Air Fryer

Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket. For easy cleanup, line it with parchment paper or foil. Set your air fryer grilled cheese temperature to 350°F (180°C)—no flipping needed!

Step 6: Cook Until Crispy

How long to cook grilled cheese in an air fryer? Let it go for 5-7 minutes. Check at 5 minutes—when the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is perfectly melted, it’s time to dig in!

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Carefully take out the sandwich, let it cool for a minute, then slice and dig in. The cheese is gooey, the bread is perfectly crispy, and the chicken adds an extra layer of flavor. Once you try this method, you’ll never go back to making grilled cheese on the stovetop!

More Air Fryer Recipes: Loved this? Try the Classic Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich for a classic, extra-crispy version.

How to Serve Your Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

This sandwich is already packed with flavor, but the right sides and dips can take it to the next level. Pair it with a bowl of tomato soup for that classic comfort food combo, or serve it with crispy fries or a fresh salad if you want something lighter.

Dipping is a must! Try ranch, honey mustard, or even buffalo sauce for a little kick. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, make an Air Fryer Chicken Melt by adding a drizzle of hot sauce and an extra layer of cheese before air frying.

How to Store Air Fryer Grilled Cheese with Leftover Chicken

Storing a grilled cheese sandwich properly helps maintain its texture and flavor. While grilled cheese is best enjoyed fresh and hot from the air fryer, there are times when you might need to save it for later. I have tried various storage methods, and here is what works best:

Short-Term Storage (Same Day)

If you need to store your grilled cheese for just a few hours:

• Room Temperature: Let the sandwich cool completely, then wrap it loosely in parchment paper. This works well for 1-2 hours and helps prevent sogginess.
• Keeping Warm: If you want to keep it warm for up to an hour, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in an oven set to the lowest temperature (around 200°F/93°C).

More Air Fryer Recipes to Try

If you loved this air fryer grilled cheese and chicken sandwich, you have to try these next!

• Air Fryer Brownies – Yes, you can bake brownies in an air fryer! They come out perfectly fudgy and rich, and you don’t even need an oven.

• Crusty and Soft Air Fryer Bread Recipes – Fresh, homemade bread with a crispy crust and soft inside, straight from your air fryer. You’ll feel like a pro baker with zero effort!

• Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks– Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. You’ll never go back to oven-baking drumsticks again!

• Crispiest Air Fryer Baked Potatoes– These potatoes have the crispiest skin and the fluffiest inside. Once you try them, you’ll never make baked potatoes any other way!

Once you make an air fryer chicken sandwich (and so much more) in the air fryer, you won’t want to cook any other way!