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Pizza grilled cheese made in the air fryer with crispy golden toasted bread, melted mozzarella cheese, rich pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil, served as a cheesy comfort food sandwich.
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Pizza Grilled Cheese Air Fryer – Crispy, Cheesy, and Fast

Prep Time12 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • Bread: 4 slices sourdough, Italian, or sturdy sandwich bread
  • Unsalted butter or mayonnaise: 2–3 tablespoons for spreading
  • Pizza sauce or marinara: 1/3–1/2 cup
  • Mozzarella cheese: 1–1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture for best melt
  • Pepperoni slices: 12–16 slices optional
  • Parmesan cheese: 2 tablespoons grated optional, for extra flavor
  • Italian seasoning or dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
  • Red pepper flakes: Pinch optional
  • Olive oil spray or nonstick spray: As needed optional
  • Extras optional: sliced olives, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, cooked sausage, fresh basil

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  • A preheated basket helps the bread crisp right away.
  • Prep the bread. Spread a thin, even layer of butter or mayo on one side of each slice. That buttered side will face outward and get golden in the air fryer.
  • Build the base. Flip two slices so the unbuttered sides face up. Spread 1–2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each.
  • Keep it thin to avoid sogginess.
  • Add cheese and toppings. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella over the sauce. Add pepperoni and any extras. Top with a bit more mozzarella to “glue” the toppings in place.
  • Finish with a dash of Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat.
  • Cap the sandwich. Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing out. Press gently so everything sticks together.
  • Air fry, side one. Lightly spray the basket with oil or use a parchment liner with holes. Place sandwiches in a single layer.
  • Cook for 4–5 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  • Flip and finish. Carefully flip with a spatula. Cook another 3–5 minutes until the bread is deep golden and the cheese is fully melted. Total time is usually 7–10 minutes, depending on your air fryer and bread thickness.
  • Optional cheesy crust. For extra flavor, sprinkle a teaspoon of Parmesan on the top of each sandwich during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
  • Rest and serve. Let sandwiches rest for 1 minute to set the cheese.
  • Slice in halves or triangles. Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping.
  • Batch note. If making multiple, keep finished sandwiches on a wire rack in a 200°F (95°C) oven so the bottoms stay crisp.