Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style.

But what if you could give it a fun and delicious makeover by turning it into a pizza? With an air fryer, you can easily create grilled cheese pizza sandwiches that are crispy and full of flavor. Keep reading to find out how!

Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese
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Is there anything better than a pepperoni pizza? How about all of the same flavors inside a grilled cheese sandwich? Today, I kicked it up a notch and came up with this amazing play on a pepperoni pizza: Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese.

If you love a pepperoni pizza and a grilled cheese sandwich, you will love these. Smothered cheese with pizza sauce and pepperoni slices, all toasted up nicely with the help of the air fryer.

If you are looking for an easier and tastier way to make a grilled cheese sandwich, other than your skillet, this is my version. The bread gets amazingly toating and crisped to a golden brown.

If you are looking for some other Air Fryer Sandwich recipes, here are some of my favorites: AIR FRYER PATTY MELT, AIR FRYER TUNA MELT GRILLED CHEESE, and of course, the classical, AIR FRYER WEIGHT WATCHER GRILLED CHEESE.

Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese

What Are Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches?

Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods: pizza and grilled cheese. These sandwiches take the classic grilled cheese to a new level by incorporating pizza flavors. Typically, they feature the following elements:

  • Bread: Just like traditional grilled cheese, these sandwiches start with two slices of bread. However, the choice of bread can vary, ranging from classic white bread to more artisanal options like ciabatta or sourdough.
  • Cheese: Cheese is a crucial component of both grilled cheese and pizza. In Pizza Grilled Cheese, you’ll often find mozzarella cheese, which melts beautifully and contributes to the pizza flavor.
  • Pizza Sauce: Instead of traditional condiments like butter or mayonnaise, Pizza Grilled Cheese sandwiches are spread with pizza sauce. This sauce is tomato-based and seasoned with herbs and spices, adding that distinctive pizza taste.
  • Pizza Toppings: To mimic the flavors of pizza, these sandwiches can include various toppings such as pepperoni, sliced olives, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, or any other pizza ingredients you enjoy.
  • Additional Seasonings: Some recipes may call for extra seasonings like garlic powder, oregano, or crushed red pepper flakes to enhance the pizza flavor.

Once assembled, the sandwich is grilled or cooked until the bread is crispy, the cheese is gooey, and all the flavors meld together, creating a delicious hybrid of grilled cheese and pizza in every bite. It’s a fun and satisfying way to enjoy the best of both comfort food worlds.

Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

This Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe makes you in for a treat! Here’s why you’ll love it:

  • Irresistible Fusion: It combines the beloved flavors of pizza and grilled cheese into one mouthwatering creation. Who can resist the allure of gooey cheese, savory toppings, and perfectly toasted bread?
  • Quick and Easy: This recipe is a breeze in the air fryer, making it a fantastic quick lunch or dinner option. It’s ready in minutes, saving you time without compromising on taste.
  • Customizable: You have the creative freedom to customize your Pizza Grilled Cheese with your favorite pizza toppings. Whether you’re a pepperoni lover, a veggie enthusiast, or a fan of extra cheese, you can tailor it to your taste.
  • Crispy and Cheesy: The air fryer ensures that your sandwich turns out with a beautifully crispy exterior and perfectly melted, gooey cheese on the inside. It’s a textural delight in every bite.
  • Kid-Friendly: It’s a family-friendly recipe that will surely be a hit for kids and adults alike. Who can say no to the classic combination of pizza and grilled cheese?
  • No Need for Flipping: Unlike stovetop grilled cheese, the air fryer does all the work, so you don’t have to worry about flipping the sandwich. It cooks evenly on both sides for hassle-free perfection.
  • Less Mess: Cooking in the air fryer means less mess and less cleanup than traditional stovetop methods. It’s a convenient way to satisfy your pizza and grilled cheese cravings.
  • Versatile: Serve it as a satisfying snack, quick lunch, or fun dinner. Pair it with a side salad or tomato soup for a complete meal.

In summary, this Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe offers the best of both worlds—pizza and grilled cheese—in a delicious, quick, and customizable package. Get ready to enjoy a comforting, cheesy delight perfect for any occasion.

Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese

Prepare to embark on a flavor-packed journey with our Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese! This delightful creation combines the comforting essence of a classic grilled cheese sandwich with the irresistible taste of your favorite pizza. It’s quick, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese (3)

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

  • Bread: Select your favorite type of bread: classic white, whole wheat, sourdough, or artisanal. The bread forms the delicious, crispy exterior of your sandwich.
  • Butter: Butter is used to spread on the outer sides of the bread, ensuring a golden-brown and buttery finish when air-fried.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese, known for its excellent meltability, provides that gooey, cheesy goodness that’s a hallmark of pizza and grilled cheese.
  • Pizza Sauce: Pizza sauce brings the unmistakable pizza flavor to your grilled cheese. It’s tomato-based and seasoned with herbs and spices for that classic taste.
  • Pepperoni: Pepperoni slices add a zesty, savory kick to your sandwich. They’re a must-have for those who enjoy the classic pepperoni pizza taste.

These ingredients come together harmoniously to create a delectable Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese sure to satisfy your taste buds.

How To Make Pizza Grilled Cheese In Air Fryer

Making Pizza Grilled Cheese in the air fryer is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a delicious sandwich:

Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting. If your air fryer does not have a preheat button, just run it for 5 minutes at 350 degrees F, air fryer setting.

Spread the butter onto one side of each slice of bread.

Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese

Spread the pizza sauce over one slice of the bread on the non-butter side.

Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese

Place the mozzarella cheese and pepperoni onto the other slice of bread. Place the slices of bread on top of each other to create a sandwich, butter side up.

Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese

Then, place the sandwiches in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, at 350 degrees F, air fryer setting, flipping halfway.

Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese

Recipe Variations

Elevate your Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese game with these delicious recipe variations:

  • Veggie Lover’s Delight: Load your sandwich with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions, and black olives for a hearty and colorful veggie-filled delight.
  • Margherita Twist: Keep it simple and classic with fresh basil leaves, sliced tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a Margherita-inspired grilled cheese.
  • BBQ Pizza Fusion: Add a unique twist by incorporating barbecue sauce, grilled chicken, red onions, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese for a BBQ pizza-inspired creation.
  • Hawaiian Twist: Create a tropical paradise in your air fryer by adding sliced ham and pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory Hawaiian flavor.
  • Buffalo Chicken Kick: Toss shredded buffalo chicken with ranch dressing and blue cheese crumbles for a spicy, creamy Buffalo Chicken Pizza Grilled Cheese.
  • Mediterranean Flavors: Elevate your sandwich with Mediterranean-inspired toppings like feta cheese, Kalamata olives, diced cucumbers, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
  • Pesto Pleasure: Spread a layer of pesto sauce on your bread and pair it with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and fresh mozzarella for a burst of Mediterranean flavors.
  • Meat Lover’s Dream: Go all out with a combination of pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham for the ultimate meat lover’s pizza experience.
  • Vegetarian Mediterranean: Load your sandwich with roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, black olives, spinach, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired veggie delight.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add sliced jalapeños and a drizzle of Sriracha sauce for a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the cheesy goodness.

Mix and match these toppings to create your own signature Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese sandwich. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings a unique twist to this comforting classic. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors!

Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese

Pro Tips

Achieve pizza grilled cheese perfection with these pro tips:

  • Butter Evenly: Spread butter evenly on the exterior of the bread slices. This ensures a beautiful, golden-brown crust when air frying.
  • Preheat for Crispiness: Preheat your air fryer before cooking. A hot air fryer ensures the sandwich begins crisping up immediately, giving you that perfect crunch.
  • Watch the Temperature: Keep a close eye on the temperature and cooking time. Air fryers can vary, so adjust the time and temperature to prevent burning.
  • Layering Order: When layering your sandwich, place cheese close to the bread to create a “seal” that prevents the sauce from making the bread soggy.
  • Use Parchment Paper: Parchment paper prevents cheese from sticking to the air fryer basket. It also makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Customize Toppings: Feel free to customize your toppings to your liking. Whether you prefer classic pepperoni or a veggie-packed option, tailor it to your taste.
  • Use a Grate: Placing a metal grate or trivet in the air fryer basket can elevate the sandwich slightly, allowing hot air to circulate underneath and ensuring even cooking.
  • Slicing Before Air Frying: For easier handling, you can slice the sandwich in half before air frying, especially if your air fryer has a smaller basket.
  • Serve Hot: Pizza Grilled Cheese is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the air fryer. Serve immediately for the ultimate cheesy experience.
  • Pair with Dip: Enhance your experience by serving your Pizza Grilled Cheese with a side of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. It adds an extra layer of pizza goodness.

With these pro tips, you’ll create the perfect Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese every time, with a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy interior that’s simply irresistible.

Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese

Faq’s 

Can I use different types of bread for this recipe? Absolutely! You can use your favorite type of bread, whether white, whole wheat, sourdough, or any other variety you prefer. The choice of bread can add unique flavors and textures to your sandwich.

Do I have to use butter on the bread? While butter adds a rich buttery flavor to the bread and helps with browning, you can use alternatives like olive oil or cooking spray if you prefer a lighter option.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time and reheat it in the air fryer? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can assemble the sandwich ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to enjoy, preheat your air fryer and cook the sandwich until it’s heated through and crispy again.

How can I prevent the sandwich from becoming too soggy? To prevent the sandwich from getting soggy, layer the cheese close to the bread to create a barrier. Additionally, a thin layer of pizza sauce rather than a heavy one can help maintain the sandwich’s crispiness.

What is the ideal temperature and cooking time for this recipe? Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the sandwich for about 5-6 minutes, but keep a close eye on it. Cooking times may vary depending on your specific air fryer, so adjust as needed to achieve the desired level of crispiness.

Can I use different types of cheese for the sandwich? Certainly! While mozzarella cheese is a classic choice, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar, provolone, Swiss, or a blend to create your unique flavor combination.

Can I add other creative pizza toppings to my grilled cheese?

The possibilities are endless! You can add various toppings like sliced pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, and more to create your own custom pizza grilled cheese.

Can I make this sandwich in a traditional oven or on the stovetop? Yes, you can! To make it in the oven, preheat it to 375°F (190 °C) and bake until the sandwich is golden and the cheese is melted. On the stovetop, use a skillet over medium-low heat, flipping it halfway through cooking.

What sides go well with Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese? Consider serving your sandwich with a side of tomato soup, a garden salad, or potato chips for a complete meal.

Can I make a vegetarian or vegan version of this sandwich? Absolutely! You can use vegan cheese, dairy-free butter, and your favorite plant-based toppings to create a delicious vegetarian or vegan Pizza Grilled Cheese.

Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese

Equipment Used

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Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese

Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese

4.67 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

There is nothing better than a grilled cheese sandwich and a pepperoni pizza. What if you mix them up to creat an Air Fryer Pizza Grilled Cheese? This will soon become one of your favorite meals in the air fryer.

Ingredients 

  • 4 slices bread
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup pizza sauce
  • 1/4 cup pepperoni, sliced

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
  • Spread butter onto one side of each slice of bread. 
  • Spread the pizza sauce onto one slice of bread on the non-butter side.
  • Place the mozzarella cheese and pepperoni onto the other slice of bread.
  • Place the slices of bread on top of each other to create a sandwich, butter side up.
  • Place the sandwich in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes or until bread has fully toasted. 

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 11gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 539mgPotassium: 128mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 433IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 183mgIron: 1mg

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