Tomato Pesto Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

5 from 3 votes

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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.

Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese on Plate
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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
Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese Ingredients

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 .

Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese Butter Side Up

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.

Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese Toppings

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!

Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese Fried

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.

Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich RECIPE

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

5 from 3 votes
This air fryer grilled cheese with tomato and pesto will blow you away! It is full of flavor and so quick and easy to make.
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 6 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 Sandwich

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

Serving: 1g, Calories: 410kcal, Carbohydrates: 19.2g, Protein: 20.6g, Fat: 29g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Cholesterol: 65mg, Sodium: 648mg, Fiber: 2.9g, Sugar: 6.6g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American

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About Andrea Updyke

Andrea Updyke is a married mom of two boys living in Raleigh, NC. She is a published author and blogger of more than 18 years and loves to celebrate the little things that make life awesome.

Whether she's sharing tasty recipes, traveling or hanging with the family, Andrea's goal is to help make your days a little easier and a lot more fun! Email inquiries to andreaupdyke@gmail.com.

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