This recipe for Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese is a new, crispy, and juicy take on a comfort food favorite. The air fryer makes this sandwich even better by making the outside warm, melty, and crisp, which goes well with the sour and juicy flavors inside.
If you like quick and easy meals that taste great, you should try air fryer grilled cheese sandwiches. I am obsessed with making crispy toasties in my air fryer. I love how it achieves that perfect crisp on the outside while melting the cheese on the inside.
But why stop there? Here are some other tasty options: the Air Fryer Tomato Melt has juicy tomato slices layered between the cheese and bread. Air fryer Grilled Caprese, featuring fresh mozzarella and basil. If you want something heartier, the Steak Melt with strips of steak and caramelized onions will do the trick.
If you try making grilled cheese in an air fryer, you’ll never go back to the messy and oily stovetop method again.
A grilled ham and cheese sandwich is a comforting classic that’s quick and easy to make. But instead of dirtying up a pan on the stovetop, you can now achieve crispy, melty perfection using an air fryer.
Air frying takes this sandwich to the next level, giving you an evenly toasted exterior and oozy, melted interior in minutes. Follow these simple steps to learn how to make the best grilled ham and cheese sandwiches in your air fryer.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese
An air fryer grilled ham and cheese requires just a few basic ingredients:
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Bread – Sourdough wheat white, or rye all work well. Look for a thicker sliced bread that can stand up to the air fryer heat.
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Ham – Deli sliced ham or leftover cooked ham work great. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
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Cheese – Use a good melting cheese like cheddar Swiss, provolone or American. The cheese should be able to get nice and gooey.
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Spread – Butter, mayo, or mustard all make excellent spreads to coat the exterior of the bread.
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Extras – Add sliced tomato, pickles, bacon, spinach, or other toppings you enjoy!
Step 1: Assemble the Sandwich
Start by assembling your grilled ham and cheese:
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Spread your choice of spread lightly on one side of each bread slice. Mayo or butter will nicely brown and get crispy.
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On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer slices of ham to fit the bread. Top with cheese slices.
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Add any additional toppings you want like tomato or bacon.
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Top with the second bread slice, spread side facing out. Press gently to close the sandwich.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
While assembling, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This mid-range temperature prevents the exterior from over-browning before the cheese melts.
Step 3: Cook the Sandwich
Once heated, place the assembled sandwich in the air fryer basket. Try to lay it flat, not standing up.
Cook for 3-5 minutes until the cheese starts to melt and the bread just begins to crisp.
Flip the sandwich and cook another 2-3 minutes until both sides are nicely browned and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 4: Rest and Enjoy
Remove the grilled ham and cheese from the air fryer and let rest 1-2 minutes before biting in. Be careful as the cheese will be molten hot!
The first bite will reveal the crispy toasted exterior giving way to the hot melted cheese and savory ham inside. Enjoy this tasty sandwich fresh from the air fryer.
Tips for Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese
Follow these tips for air fryer success:
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Use thicker breads like sourdough that won’t get too crispy or dried out.
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Layer on plenty of cheese so it can fully melt before the bread over-toasts.
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Add a parchment liner to the air fryer basket for easy flipping and removal.
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Brush the exterior with butter or mayo to get an evenly browned crust.
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Cook in batches for multiple sandwiches to allow proper air flow.
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Allow the cooked sandwich to rest before cutting to let cheese solidify slightly.
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Add cooked bacon or tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
How to Meal Prep Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese
Make a batch of grilled ham and cheese sandwiches ahead of time for quick meals or lunches on the go.
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Assemble sandwiches but don’t cook them. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
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Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage. Thaw in fridge overnight before cooking.
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When ready to eat, unwrap and follow air fryer cooking instructions. Add 1-2 minutes to cook time.
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Let sit 2 minutes before eating, and enjoy a freshly cooked sandwich in minutes!
More Delicious Items to Make in an Air Fryer
The air fryer isn’t just for sandwiches – it’s a versatile kitchen tool that can make all kinds of tasty foods. Here are more must-try air fryer recipes:
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
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Marinate chicken strips in buttermilk then coat in breadcrumbs and spices.
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Air fry at 400°F for 5-8 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer Bacon
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Lay bacon slices in a single layer on a parchment lined air fryer basket.
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Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, until crispy.
Air Fryer Onion Rings
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Dip onion slices in milk then dredge in a mixture of flour, breadcrumbs and spices.
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Fry at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until browned and crispy.
Air Fryer French Fries
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Cut potatoes into fry shape. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes then pat dry.
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Toss with oil and air fry at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway.
Air Fryer Donuts
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Roll out premade biscuit dough and cut out donut shapes.
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Air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until golden. Glaze or dip in sugar when done.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Here are answers to some common air fryer grilled cheese questions:
What is the best cheese for air fryer grilled cheese?
Melty cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, provolone and American work best. Avoid hard cheeses like parmesan that won’t fully melt.
Can you put a grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fryers can make quick, crispy grilled cheese sandwiches in just minutes.
What bread is best for grilled cheese in air fryer?
Breads like sourdough, wheat, rye or ciabatta work well as they can handle the air fryer heat without drying out. Avoid flimsy white bread.
How long do you cook a grilled cheese in an air fryer?
Cook 3-5 minutes until starting to crisp, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until browned and melted. Times vary by air fryer.
How can you prevent grilled cheese from drying out in air fryer?
Use a thicker bread, coat the exterior with butter or mayo, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, and don’t cook too long.
Enjoy Crispy, Oozy Grilled Cheese from Your Air Fryer
The air fryer takes the humble grilled cheese sandwich to the next level with its ability to simultaneously crisp up the bread and melt the cheese into gooey perfection. Follow the easy steps to assemble, cook, and enjoy this classic comfort food straight from your air fryer any day of the week. Experiment with different breads, cheeses, and fillings to create your own signature grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
Meal prep ahead of time
Put a slice of cheese on each side of the bread, then a few slices of ham and tomato to make your sandwich. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or pop the sandwich into a reusable container to keep fresh until lunchtime. You can also freeze the sandwich. Spread mayo on the outside of the bread and put it in a hot air fryer when you’re ready to cook. Cook 1 to 2 minutes longer until cooked through with a crispy exterior.
What to Serve with?
You can add a simple tomato soup or roasted French onion soup, which is great on cold days.
Chips or pickles cooked in an air fryer can be served on the side to give the sandwich some crunch and acidity to balance out the cheese.
You can also try serving it with a fresh salad or a fruit platter for a lighter option.