Air fryer grilled ham and cheese sandwiches are quick to make and come out with a crispy exterior and gooey, melted cheese inside. Here’s how to make them perfectly in your air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices sandwich bread (white, whole wheat, or your choice)
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 slices cheese (cheddar, Swiss, American, or your favorite melting cheese)
- Butter or mayonnaise, for spreading (optional)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Sandwiches
- Assemble Sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of bread. On each slice, place a slice of cheese, followed by 2 slices of ham (folded to fit if necessary), and another slice of cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
- Butter or Mayonnaise (Optional): Spread a thin layer of butter or mayonnaise on the outside of each sandwich. This helps to achieve a crispy, golden exterior when air frying.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Air Fry the Sandwiches
- Spray Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sandwiches: Place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry: Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 4-5 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwiches halfway through cooking using tongs or a spatula to ensure even browning.
- Check Doneness: The sandwiches are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the cheese is melted and gooey inside.
Step 4: Serve
- Cool and Serve: Let the sandwiches cool slightly before serving. Cut them in half diagonally and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches:
- Bread Choice: Use your favorite bread for these sandwiches. Thicker slices work well to hold the fillings and maintain texture.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, American, or a blend for variety in flavors.
- Additional Ingredients: Add sliced tomatoes, spinach, or a spread of mustard or mayonnaise inside the sandwiches for extra flavor.
- Crispy Exterior: To ensure a crispy exterior, make sure to spread butter or mayonnaise evenly on the outside of the bread slices before air frying.
- Reheating: If reheating leftovers, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
These air fryer grilled ham and cheese sandwiches are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike! Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness straight from your air fryer.