Tomato Pesto Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
on Jun 07, 2021, Updated Apr 10, 2023
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I am so excited to share this easy and delicious air fryer grilled cheese recipe with you. Not only is it done in minutes, it is seriously my favorite sandwich right now and so great for summer!
Grilled cheese is always good, but this recipe swaps out the traditional cheddar cheese for mozzarella and adds tomato and a layer of pesto to really kick it up a notch.
Truth be told, I always want a second sandwich because the first one never lasts long enough! The first time I tried this pesto grilled cheese sandwich recipe, I knew I was forever changed.
Follow it up with some quick and easy cake mix cookies and make it a party!
Here’s what you need to make this simply perfect sandwich.
Ingredient list for Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Sliced Bread (Use your fave! We like wheat bread, but white bread or even Texas Toast would work!)
- Mozzarella cheese (or provolone cheese)
- Tomato
- Pesto
- Butter
- Air Fryer
You can certainly make this grilled cheese on the griddle, in a frying pan, or with a panini press, but there is something about the way the bread crunches fresh out of the air fryer that is next level and really makes this one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches I’ve ever had.
If you have an air fryer, I challenge you to try it just once and see what you think.
How to make an Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich
First, preheat your air fryer to 350.
Butter one side of two slices of bread .
Add pesto the the other side of each slice of bread.
Then top with tomato slices and mozzarella and close the sandwich butter sides out.
Place your sandwich in the air fryer basket and set the timer.
When you see that crunchy golden brown bread and gooey melted cheese, you are ready to enjoy!
This is such a classic sandwich and I think once you try making grilled cheese with an air fryer, you won’t want it any other way!
The Best Cheese for a Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich
If you are looking for a classic option, you can’t go wrong with sharp cheddar cheese or even an American cheese slice or two. I don’t normally enjoy American cheese but it is a really good melty cheese and a great flavor to combine with a yummy bowl of tomato soup.
For our pesto sandwich, fresh mozzarella is great but I also really love the way provolone tastes and the texture is great with the sliced tomato.
The best part about grilled cheese is everyone can make it their way! Just grab your favorite type of bread and all the cheese your heart desires!
Want another tip? Add some mayonnaise to the butter side for some extra flavor! This is what they do at one of my favorite Disney World restaurants and it’s SO good!
Using the air fryer makes a classic grilled cheese a great option for a quick snack. Or make it a meal by serving with soup, side salad or even french fries.
There is really no wrong way to do this.
Print the Recipe: Air Fryer Grilled Cheese with Pesto
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 Slices of Bread
- 1 TBSP Butter
- 2 oz Sliced Fresh Mozzarella
- 1 TBSP Pesto
- 1 large tomato, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 F.
- Spread butter onto one side of each slice of bread.
- Then spread one tablespoon of pesto across other side of the bread.
- Top with fresh mozzarella (or provolone) cheese & tomatoes.
- Place a slice of bread on top, butter side up. (I add pesto to the inside of this too)
- Place the sandwich in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes or until crispy and cheese has fully melted.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Quite easy recipe and quite delicious. I will definitely make this again. My son loved it!
Easy, cheesy, and delicious – will make again!
The pesto takes this grilled cheese over the top!So good.