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Air fryer grilled ham and cheese sandwiches are so crispy on the outside and filled with yummy melty cheese that makes every bite delicious!
I love making classic comfort food, like air fryer ham and cheese sandwiches for lunches. When I was growing up, the classic combination of delicious melty cheese and tomato soup, always made cold rainy days warm.
WHY I LOVE MAKING THIS
Making grilled ham and cheese sandwiches in the air fryer is a perfect was to use leftover ham, like from our air fryer ham recipe, or just deli ham. Making grilled ham and cheese sandwiches is so easy, which is why it’s a perfect beginner meal.
When we make the sandwiches, even though it’s a simple recipe, we feel like we are having a gourmet meal. If you don’t have ham, you will love Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich or this air fryer caprese grilled cheese.
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INGREDIENTS
Besides an air fryer, the air fryer grilled cheese ingredients you will need are:
- Bread slices-use your favorite bread. (I use white bread slices)
- Butter- this is to make the bread golden and crispy. Mayonnaise works too!
- Ham slices-if you have a leftover ham from the holidays, just slice that up for a sandwich. I like thin-sliced ham but it’s personal preference!
- Cheese slices- grab your favorite cheese flavor!
I can make up to four sandwiches at a time in my air fryer basket. If your air fryer is smaller, you can adjust the quantity according to what will fit in your basket without overlapping.
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How to make Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
STEP 1
To begin, spread a light coating of butter or mayonnaise on one side of the slices of bread. If want to add mustard, spread it on the inside of the bread slices.
STEP 2
To assemble the sandwiches, add a slice of cheese in center of bread and a slice of ham on top of the bottom piece of bread. Then, top that, with another slice of bread butter side up.
STEP 3
Place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket without overlapping or stacking the sandwiches. If you don’t have a basket style air fryer, place the sandwiches on the air fryer tray, and then put the sandwich in air fryer.
STEP 4
Air Fry at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, flipping the sandwich half way through the cooking process. The sandwich is done when it is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
TIPS
Cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your air fryer.
Add slices of tomato or jalapenos for an extra filling sandwich!
You can add more than one type of piece of cheese. You can also use other bread, such as sourdough bread, for different flavor too.
Should a piece of bread fly up in the basket while air frying, add a toothpick into the sandwich.
VARIATIONS
The beauty of this sandwich, is you can change it by adding other types of slices of cheese. My favorites are the classic meal using cheddar cheese or American cheese.
My husband considers himself a cheese expert, and loves this sandwich with different kinds of cheese. He especially prefers pepper jack, Colby jack cheese, or Swiss cheese.
If you want to experiment with flavor, you could even add blue cheese crumbles or goat cheese to the sandwich for a sharper, more defined flavor. The combination of cheeses really depends on whatever type of cheese you prefer.
STORING
These sandwiches are BEST when they are first made. If you make more than you need and have leftovers, first let them cool. Once cooled, wrap them or place them in airtight container to avoid moisture. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
To reheat it, return it to the air fryer and air fry for 2-4 minutes until it crisps again. I’ve noticed when reheating previously melted cheese, it doesn’t melt as well, so keep that in mind.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I love this sandwich with a nice hot bowl of tomato soup, or a handful of air fryer potato chips. Although, it’s a delicious lunch all by itself too.
I flip the sandwich so both sides can get nice and crispy. If your air fryer has a heating element on the top and bottom, you shouldn’t need to flip them.
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Because these grilled ham and cheese sandwiches are so easy to make, they are my go-to when I need a quick lunch! You will love them!
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Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 8 slices bread
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened, or mayonnaise
Instructions
- Spread a light layer of butter or mayonnaise on one side of each piece of bread.
- Assemble the sandwiches by adding one slice of cheese and one slice of ham, or preferred deli meats in between two pieces of bread, butter sides out.
- Place prepared sandwiches into air fryer basket, without stacking.
- Air fry at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, until the bread is golden and reaches your desired crispness. (Flip sandwich halfway through cooking time. )
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love these type of sandwiches. It was my first time in air fryer. They were great.
I brushed my bread a robust olive oil instead of butter. It turned out perfect! And just a tad bit more “healthy” ????????
That sounds delicious!
This is amazing!! I’m single so it’s perfect for the no mess tomato and grilled ham and cheese night!! Thank you so so much!!
When do u add lettuce and pickle
You can add that before you air fry if you would like.
What am I doing wrong? Bread doesn’t brown – just dries out
Hi Linda. Are you adding a little bit of butter? Your air fryer could run a little hotter than mine. Try lowering the temperature just a tad. Hope that helps!
Why didn’t you butter both sides of the bread?
You can definitely do that if you want! 🙂 I’m trying to watch my waist line a little so try not to use as much butter if I don’t have to 🙂