Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

If you love ham and cheese melt sandwiches, then this recipe where we make the best air fryer ham and cheese sandwiches will be your favorite.

Check out this quick air fryer recipe that is super easy and goes well with a comforting bowl of soup or just some french fries.

This ham and cheese sandwich is one of the best and will give the air fryer grilled cheese sandwich tough competition.

You can use leftover ham slices for this sandwich, or even leftover turkey slices from Thanksgiving would work so well with this recipe.

Enjoy this easy air fryer ham and cheese sandwich recipe, and let us know how you like it!

Ingredients:

1. 2 slices of bread- You can use biscuit dough or make this sandwich in biscuits and sliders. I have a specific ham and cheese slider recipe. But you can make this using Hawaiian rolls or biscuits, which would taste equally good.

2. Ham slices- You can use any ham you like, such as chicken or regular ham. This recipe tastes good either way, and it is a quick and easy recipe, so I highly recommend that you make it.

3. Cheese slices– You can use any cheese slices here with provolone or American cheese. Anything that melts and gives the perfect cheesy texture is the best add-on for this sandwich.

4. Chipotle mayo (store-bought or homemade)- You can use regular mayo instead of chipotle mayo. I love the spicy smokiness of chipotle mayo and think it is one of the best add-ons for this air fryer ham and cheese sandwich.

5. Regular mayonnaise

How to make Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

1. Prepare Sandwich: Lay out 2 slices of bread. Spread a layer of chipotle mayo on the inside of each slice.

2. Layer with Ham and Cheese: Place ham slices and cheese on one of the chipotle mayo-covered slices.

3. Top and Seal: Place the other slice of bread on top to form a sandwich, ensuring the chipotle mayo side is on the inside. The chipotle mayo ensures that the sandwich is not dry and, at the same time, gives the sandwich a lot of flavor.

4. Apply Mayo and Air Fry: Spread a thin layer of regular mayo on the outside of the sandwich. You can even apply butter instead of mayo, but trust me, applying a very thin layer of mayo gives you the best crispy crust on the bread, and it doesn’t dry out the sandwich either.

5. Air Fry: Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes, flip the sandwich and cook the other side for another 5 minutes. Make sure both sides turn golden brown and crispy.

6. Check for Doneness: Monitor the sandwich to achieve the desired level of crispiness. You can cook it for a few minutes if your sandwich is not cooked to your expectations.

7. Serve Warm: Remove the ham and cheese sandwich from the air fryer. Allow it to cool for a moment and serve warm.

Ham and Cheese Sandwich calories- Air fried vs. Pan fried

If you are worried about the calories on a ham and cheese sandwich, the table below clearly depicts the difference in the calories when you eat a ham and cheese sandwich.

You can clearly see the air fried version is so much better than the pan fried one without any compromise on the taste and texture of the sandwich.

Ingredients	Pan Fried	Air Fried
Bread (2 slices)	160	160
Ham (2-3 slices)	60	60
Cheese (1 slice)	80	80
Regular Mayo (1 tsp)	30	30
Chipotle Mayo (1 tbsp)	90	90
Butter or oil (1 tbsp – pan-fried)	120	—
Total Calories	540	420

Does cheese melt in the air fryer?

Yes, in this context, since the sandwich will be heated up for 10 minutes inside the air fryer, the cheese has enough time and heat to melt perfectly inside the sandwich.

You do not have to worry about getting a hard bite of cheese every time you eat your ham and cheese sandwich, as this recipe will give you that perfect melted cheese in every bite.

How do you air fry a cold sandwich?

I typically place the assembled sandwich directly into the air fryer without preheating to air fry a cold sandwich. It’s a convenient way to enjoy a warm and toasty sandwich with minimal effort.

I ensure the air fryer is set to an appropriate temperature, usually around 200°C (360°F), and let it cook for about 8 minutes.

If it is an already cooked leftover sandwich that needs to be reheated then just cooking it for 4-5 minutes at 200°C is fine.

Can I toast a sandwich in an Air fryer?

Toasting a sandwich in an air fryer is one of my favorite tricks. I assemble the sandwich with my preferred ingredients and pop it into the air fryer. You can also toast bread in the air fryer.

Like making toast in the air fryer, toasting sandwiches is quick and efficient, resulting in a crispy exterior with a warm, gooey interior. Plus, the air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures even toasting.

Tips to make the Perfect Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

If you want the perfect Ham and cheese sandwich, then make sure you consider these points so that you get the perfect sandwich every single time.

1. Line with Parchment Paper: To prevent any cheese spills and make cleanup easier, lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper is smart.

2. Avoid Overcrowding: Limit the number of sandwiches in the air fryer to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to uneven results.

3. Use Mayo on Top: Applying mayo on the top slice of bread helps prevent it from drying during the air frying. It adds moisture and contributes to a tasty outcome.

4. Choose Thick Bread: Opting for thick slices of bread adds substance to your sandwich and helps prevent the top bread from flying around inside the air fryer. It also contributes to a satisfying texture.

5. Press Down Thin Bread: If you’re using thinner slices of bread, press down on the sandwich before air-frying it to secure the layers and prevent the bread from flying around.

6. Check for Bread Compatibility: Ensure that the size of your bread is suitable for your air fryer basket. If necessary, trim the edges of the bread to fit comfortably.