You’re going to use an air fryer for this recipe, however I will also include normal pan instructions as well.
What you’ll need:
- Bread (whichever bread you like)
- Mayonnaise
- Garlic paste
- Sliced Cheese (American, Colby Jack, Provolone, etc)
- Cream Cheese Spread (plain, Garlic & Herb, or Green Onion)
Step 1
Combine 4 tablespoons of Mayonnaise and 2 teaspoons of garlic paste in a small bowl and mix well. If needed, taste the mixture and add more garlic to your preference.
Step 2
Spread a thin layer of the garlic mayonnaise on the outside of each slice of bread. You will also spread a thin layer of your cream cheese spread on the inside of each slice of bread.
Step 3
Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees. Once preheated, place one slice of bread in your air fryer (garlic mayonnaise spread side down), add 2 to 3 slices of whatever cheese you select on that slice of bread and cover with the other slice (garlic mayonnaise side UP on that slice of bread).
If you’re using a pan on the stove, please see the alternative pan instructions below.
Step 4
Cook the sandwich for 4 minutes. Check after 2 minutes to ensure that it doesn’t overcook. You’ll also want to check to make sure the top of the sandwich hasn’t moved or shifted. Once the top of the bread is light brown, you’re going to want to flip the sandwich and cook the other side for 4 minutes. This side will NOT take 4 minutes so make sure you check often.
ALTERNATE PAN INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat your pan on medium heat. Place one slice of your bread (garlic mayonnaise spread side down) in the pan, add 2 to 3 slices of whatever cheese you select on that slice of bread and cover with the other slice (garlic mayonnaise side UP on that slice of bread). Cook the sandwich until golden brown and flip, cooking the other side until golden brown, about 4 to 5 meetings on each side. DO NOT PRESS THE SANDWICH DOWN!
There is no need for oil or butter in the pan due to the fat in the mayonnaise.
Our Story
This is a unique recipe that we came up with after having Woody’s Lunch Box in early 2022 during our trip.
I’ve ALWAYS used a mayonnaise spread on my grilled cheese sandwiches, it crisps the bread better than butter. It’s a trick I learned from a chef friend of mine over 15 years ago.
When cooking in a pan, I don’t press the sandwich down. Cooking it on low heat allows the outside of the bread to crisp while the inside of the bread stays soft and chewy. The low heat in the pan also melts the cheese perfectly.
2 years ago, we started cooking our grilled cheese sandwiches in the air fryer. It took some tries to get it right, but I typically check the sandwiches every two minutes or so. Over-cooking sandwiches in the air fryer can cause the bread to become overly crisp, almost like a crouton.
Now, the cheese you use is completely up to you, however, we found that a mixture of Colby Jack cheese slices and American cheese slices works best. Do NOT use Kraft American cheese slices, you know, the individually wrapped slices? Those do not work well. Check the deli of your local grocery store for higher-quality cheeses. Also, feel free to add/change your selection!
It’s hard to go wrong with a grilled cheese and this recipe kicks it up a notch.