Air Fryer Pepperoni Grilled Cheese
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Make this crispy, cheesy Air Fryer Pepperoni Grilled Cheese in minutes! A fun twist on a classic sandwich—perfect for lunch, dinner, or a kid-friendly snack.
Easy Air Fryer Grilled Cheese with Pepperoni
If you’ve never tried making grilled cheese in the air fryer, you’re in for a treat! This Air Fryer Pepperoni Grilled Cheese is an irresistible twist on the classic, packed with gooey cheese and savory pepperoni, all crispy-fried to perfection.
It’s like a pizza and a grilled cheese sandwich combined! The seasoned buttered bread adds the perfect crunch, while the melted mozzarella and pepperoni inside bring comforting, hearty flavors.
This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, a lunchtime snack, or even an after-school treat the kids will love. It’s incredibly simple, and the air fryer makes everything extra crispy without any fuss. The best part? You can dip it in pizza sauce for that extra cheesy pizza vibe.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients Needed
- Loaf of bread – I used Sara Lee Artesano Bakery Bread)
- Mozzarella or provolone cheese
- Pepperoni
- Salted butter – at room temperature
- Garlic powder
- Dried parsley
- Italian seasoning
- Pizza sauce for dipping – optional but extra delicious!
For a full list of ingredients and their measurements, please view the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Butter knife for spreading
- Toothpicks (optional for keeping sandwiches together)
Easy Substitutions And Additions
- Bread: Use any bread you like! Texas toast, white bread, or whole grain all work perfectly for this recipe. Choose a thicker slice for a hearty bite.
- Cheese: Mozzarella or provolone are my go-to choices for a cheesy melt, but cheddar also makes a great option if you want a sharper flavor.
- Add-ins: Want to make it a supreme pizza sandwich? Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. You could also throw in Canadian bacon or salami for an extra meaty kick.
Step by Step Guide
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
Mix the butter: In a small bowl, combine the salted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and Italian seasoning until well-mixed.
Prepare the sandwich: Spread an even layer of seasoned butter on one slice of bread. Place the buttered side down in the air fryer basket.
Layer the fillings: Place one slice of cheese on the bread, add 10-12 slices of pepperoni, and top with another slice of cheese.
Top the sandwich: Butter another slice of bread and place it on top of the sandwich, buttered side up.
Air fry: Place the sandwich in the air fryer at 360°F for 8 minutes. At the 4-minute mark, flip the sandwich to ensure even crispiness.
Serve: Once golden brown and crispy, remove the sandwich from the air fryer. Serve hot with pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Pepperoni Grilled Cheese sandwiches are super versatile and can be served in a variety of fun and satisfying ways:
- With a Side of Pizza Sauce: Serve warm with a small bowl of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping—kids and adults alike will love it!
- Pair with Soup: A cozy bowl of tomato soup or creamy basil bisque makes the perfect classic combo.
- Add a Crunchy Side: Serve alongside crispy air fryer French fries, onion rings, or even a simple bag of chips for an easy lunch or dinner.
- Balance It with a Salad: Pair your sandwich with a crisp side salad for a lighter, more balanced meal.
- Kid-Friendly Platter: Cut sandwiches into halves or quarters and serve them with fruit slices and carrot sticks for a fun, kid-approved plate.
This sandwich is just as perfect for a quick lunch as it is for an easy weeknight dinner—comforting, cheesy, and so simple to make!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd: Make sure to leave space between each sandwich in the air fryer basket for the crispiest result.
- Use toothpicks: If you’re worried about the sandwich falling apart, you can use toothpicks to hold it together while it cooks.
- Watch for overstuffing: Be cautious not to overstuff the sandwich, as the cheese will melt and may leak out while cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer: Some air fryers require preheating, so check your model’s instructions before starting.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the sandwiches and store them in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like—cheddar, Swiss, or even a blend of cheeses for a fun twist.
How long do these last? These sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
And that’s it! This Air Fryer Pepperoni Grilled Cheese is a quick, easy, and fun meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re making it for dinner, lunch, or a snack, it’s sure to become a new favorite!
More Tasty Sandwich Recipes
Did you make this? I’d be so grateful if you left a star ★★★★★ rating and a comment below to let me know what you thought! Then, the next time you need a quick and easy recipe, browse all my easy recipes!
Air Fryer Pepperoni Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 loaf bread I used Sara Lee Artesano bakery bread
- Mozzarella or Provolone cheese slices 2 slices per sandwich
- 1 package pepperoni
- 3 tablespoons salted butter at room temperature
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Pizza sauce for dipping is optional but extra delicious!
Instructions
- Mix butter, garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning together until well combined.
- Spread an even layer of seasoned butter on one slice of bread and place buttered side down in the air fryer.
- Lay one piece of cheese on the bread followed by 10-12 slices of pepperoni then top it off with another slice of cheese.
- Butter another slice of bread and place on top with the buttered side facing up.
- Repeat until you have all the sandwiches you want to make.
- Place in the air fryer at 360 degrees for 8 minutes.
- About 4 minutes into cooking turn the sandwiches over.
- Serve hot and add a side of pizza sauce for dipping!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, is intended to serve as an estimate only, and is provided for informational purposes. The accuracy of nutritional information is not guaranteed.
This post was originally published on April 20, 2020, and was updated with new content on May 12, 2025.
