A perfectly toasted ham and cheese sandwich prepared in the air fryer for a crisp, golden exterior and creamy, stretchy melted cheese. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack, this recipe comes together quickly with everyday ingredients.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Butter knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowl
- Spatula or tongs
- Knife for slicing
Ingredients
- 4 slices of sandwich bread
- 4 slices of deli ham
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- A pinch of paprika (optional)
- Cooking spray or parchment liner for the air fryer basket if desired
Instructions
- Allow the butter to soften until easily spreadable.
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes if your model recommends preheating.
- Lay the bread slices on a clean work surface.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and mustard on the inside of the bread if using.
- Place one slice of cheese on the bread.
- Layer two slices of ham evenly over the cheese.
- Sprinkle lightly with garlic powder, black pepper, parsley, and paprika.
- Top with another slice of cheese.
- Close the sandwich with the second slice of bread.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the outside surfaces of both slices.
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make the second sandwich.
- Carefully place the sandwiches into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space around each sandwich so the hot air can circulate freely.
- Cook at 370°F (188°C) for 4 minutes.
- Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula.
- Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until both sides are deeply golden and crispy, the cheese is completely melted, and the ham is heated through.
- If your bread browns too quickly before the cheese fully melts, reduce the temperature slightly to 350°F (177°C) and cook for another minute or two.
- Remove the sandwiches carefully since the filling will be extremely hot.
- Allow them to rest for 2 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Serve with tomato soup, potato chips, a fresh green salad, pickles, roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, fresh fruit, or a fried egg. For extra crispiness, lightly spray the buttered bread with cooking spray before air frying. If your air fryer has a powerful fan, place a toothpick through the sandwich to help keep the bread from shifting during cooking. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. Check the sandwich during the final minute because different air fryer models cook at different speeds. Freshly grated cheese often melts better than pre-shredded varieties. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: Approximately 480 per sandwich · Protein: 27 grams · Carbohydrates: 30 grams · Fat: 28 grams · Saturated Fat: 13 grams · Fiber: 2 grams · Sugar: 4 grams · Sodium: Approximately 1,150 milligrams · Calcium: Approximately 35% of the daily recommended intake
