Air Fryer Margherita Cheese

Featured in: Warm Everyday Plates

This dish features sourdough bread generously layered with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomato slices, and basil leaves, complemented by tangy pizza sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan and oregano. The sandwich is buttered and cooked in the air fryer until golden and the cheese is melted, creating a crispy, flavorful combination reminiscent of Italian-American classics. Ideal for a quick, satisfying meal with fresh, vibrant ingredients perfectly balanced in texture and taste.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 09:37:00 GMT
Air Fryer Pizza Margherita Grilled Cheese, golden and bubbly, with melty mozzarella and fresh basil. Save
Air Fryer Pizza Margherita Grilled Cheese, golden and bubbly, with melty mozzarella and fresh basil. | saffronhollow.com

A delightful fusion of classic grilled cheese and Margherita pizza flavors, this crispy sandwich features gooey mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and a tangy pizza sauce&mdashall perfectly toasted in the air fryer.

I first served this at a family gathering and it quickly became everyone's favorite quick meal.

Ingredients

  • Bread & Dairy: 4 slices sourdough or Italian bread, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened, 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • Vegetables & Herbs: 1 medium ripe tomato thinly sliced, 8 fresh basil leaves torn
  • Sauces & Seasonings: 4 tablespoons pizza sauce (store bought or homemade), 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Spread butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
Step 2:
Lay two bread slices buttered side down on a cutting board.
Step 3:
Spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each slice.
Step 4:
Layer mozzarella slices tomato slices and torn basil leaves over the sauce.
Step 5:
Sprinkle with Parmesan oregano salt and pepper.
Step 6:
Top with the remaining bread slices buttered side up to form sandwiches.
Step 7:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2 minutes.
Step 8:
Place sandwiches in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
Step 9:
Air fry for 4 minutes. Flip sandwiches then air fry for another 4 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Step 10:
Let cool slightly slice and serve immediately.
Crispy sourdough Air Fryer Pizza Margherita Grilled Cheese sandwich, perfect for a quick, cheesy lunch. Save
Crispy sourdough Air Fryer Pizza Margherita Grilled Cheese sandwich, perfect for a quick, cheesy lunch. | saffronhollow.com

This sandwich always brings a smile to my family&rsquos faces when I make it for lunch.

Notes

Serve with a green salad or tomato soup for a complete meal.

Required Tools

Air fryer Knife Cutting board Spatula

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (bread) Milk (mozzarella Parmesan butter) Check all ingredient labels if you have severe allergies.

Freshly made Air Fryer Pizza Margherita Grilled Cheese, showcasing a gooey cheese pull and juicy tomato slices. Save
Freshly made Air Fryer Pizza Margherita Grilled Cheese, showcasing a gooey cheese pull and juicy tomato slices. | saffronhollow.com

Enjoy your perfectly crispy air fryer pizza Margherita grilled cheese every time.

Recipe FAQs

What bread works best for this sandwich?

Sourdough or Italian bread are ideal choices, offering sturdy texture and a slight tang that complements the fillings.

Can I add extra herbs or spices?

Yes, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or fresh oregano enhances flavor without overpowering the balance.

How do I ensure the cheese melts evenly?

Spread the mozzarella slices evenly and preheat the air fryer to maintain consistent heat for thorough melting.

Is the air fryer necessary for this method?

The air fryer crisps the bread finely and melts the cheese quickly, but a skillet can be used with careful attentive cooking.

Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Assemble the sandwiches in advance and refrigerate; air fry just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

Air Fryer Margherita Cheese

A crispy sourdough sandwich with mozzarella, tomato, basil, and savory pizza sauce toasted to perfection.

Prep Time
10 min
Time to Cook
8 min
Overall Time
18 min
Recipe by Mira Dalton

Recipe Type Warm Everyday Plates

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Italian-American

Makes 2 Portions

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You Need

Bread & Dairy

01 4 slices sourdough or Italian bread
02 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
04 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables & Herbs

01 1 medium ripe tomato, thinly sliced
02 8 fresh basil leaves, torn

Sauces & Seasonings

01 4 tablespoons pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
02 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
03 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make It

Step 01

Butter the bread: Spread butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.

Step 02

Assemble sandwich base: Place two bread slices buttered side down on a cutting board.

Step 03

Apply pizza sauce: Spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each bread slice.

Step 04

Layer fillings: Arrange mozzarella slices, tomato slices, and torn basil leaves over the sauce.

Step 05

Season and top: Sprinkle Parmesan, oregano, salt, and pepper over the layered ingredients.

Step 06

Complete the sandwich: Cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side up, forming sandwiches.

Step 07

Preheat air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 2 minutes.

Step 08

Place sandwiches for cooking: Arrange sandwiches in a single layer in the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.

Step 09

Air fry first side: Air fry sandwiches for 4 minutes.

Step 10

Flip and finish cooking: Flip sandwiches and air fry for an additional 4 minutes until golden brown and cheese melts.

Step 11

Serve: Allow to cool slightly, slice, and serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

  • Air fryer
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spatula

Allergy Notice

Review every item for potential allergens, and reach out to a provider with any uncertainty.
  • Contains wheat (bread), milk (mozzarella, Parmesan, butter)

Nutrition Stats (per portion)

Details here are for general advice—always consult a health expert for specific needs.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 16 g