Air Fryer Ritz Cracker Sandwiches

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Equipment

• Air Fryer: Any standard basket-style or oven-style air fryer.
• Butter Knife or Small Spatula: For spreading fillings smoothly.
• Parchment Paper Liner (Optional): Helps catch any overflowing cheese for easy cleanup.
• Pastry Brush (Optional): For lightly brushing butter on top.

Ingredients

Base Sandwiches:

• 24 Ritz Crackers (12 top, 12 bottom)
• 6 Slices Choice Cheese (e.g., Cheddar, American, Swiss, or Pepper Jack; cut into small squares to fit the crackers)
• 3-4 Slices Deli Meat (Deli ham, turkey, or cooked bacon, cut/folded to match cracker dimensions)
• 2 Tablespoons Cream Cheese or Peanut Butter (Optional spread base for extra richness)

Garlic Butter Topping (Optional, for extra crispness):

• 1.5 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter , melted
• ¼ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• ½ Teaspoon Dried Parsley
• 1 Pinch Fine Salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cracker Base

1. Lay out 12 Ritz crackers flat on a clean cutting board or plate with the flat side facing up. These will serve as the bottom halves of your mini sandwiches.

Step 2: Layer the Fillings

1. If using cream cheese or peanut butter, spread a light layer across the bottom 12 crackers. Layer your folded deli meat (ham or turkey) and place a small slice of cheese right on top. The cheese acts as a binder when melted, holding the top cracker firmly in place.

Step 3: Top and Assemble

1. Place the remaining 12 Ritz crackers flat-side down over the fillings to form neat little sandwiches. Press down gently so they stick without crushing the crackers.

Step 4: Add the Seasoned Butter Glaze (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt. Lightly brush the tops of each sandwich with the butter mixture using a pastry brush.

Step 5: Preheat & Arrange in Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2 minutes. Line the basket with perforated air fryer parchment paper if desired. Carefully place the assembled Ritz cracker sandwiches inside the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

1. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 4 minutes . Keep an eye on them around the 3-minute mark—the cheese should be fully melted, gooey, and bubbling, and the cracker tops should be warm and golden.

Step 7: Cool slightly and Serve

1. Remove the sandwiches carefully using a pair of tongs or a spatula (the melted cheese will be very hot). Let them cool for 1 to 2 minutes so the filling settles, then serve immediately while warm!

Nutrition

Calories: 245 kcal · Protein: 8 g · Fat: 16 g · Carbohydrates: 16 g – Dietary · Saturated Fat: 8 g – Trans · Fiber: 0.5 g – · Sugar: 2 g · Sodium: 480 mg