Making grilled ham and cheese is a simple pleasure, but using an air fryer to elevate this classic comfort food adds a unique twist. If you’re like me, you enjoy that crispy, golden exterior combined with melted cheese and savory ham inside—without the need for a stove or griddle. The air fryer comes to the rescue by giving you that satisfying crunch with minimal effort, all while ensuring the cheese is gooey and the ham is perfectly warmed.
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easily it comes together. With just a few ingredients, the air fryer does most of the work, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal. Whether you’re making this for a quick lunch or an easy dinner, it’s sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make this delicious Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Bread: The foundation of any grilled cheese, and choosing the right bread can make a difference. For this recipe, I recommend using sturdy, thick slices of your favorite bread—whether it’s white, whole wheat, or a crusty sourdough. The thickness of the bread helps ensure the perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a soft, warm center.
Ham: A good quality, thinly sliced ham will add just the right amount of savory flavor. You can opt for honey ham for a bit of sweetness or go with smoked ham for a richer taste. Whichever you choose, the ham should be tender and juicy, pairing perfectly with the melted cheese.
Cheese: The star of any grilled cheese is the cheese itself. For this recipe, I recommend using a meltable cheese such as cheddar, American, or Swiss. These cheeses melt beautifully and provide the perfect amount of gooeyness between the bread and ham. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations for added flavor!
Butter: Butter is essential to getting that golden, crispy crust. You’ll spread a thin layer of butter on the outside of the bread slices to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use cooking spray, but the butter gives the best flavor and texture.
Garlic Powder (optional): For a little extra flavor, you can sprinkle some garlic powder on the outside of the bread before air frying. This adds a subtle garlic aroma that pairs perfectly with the richness of the cheese and ham.
Ingredients List
- 2 slices of bread (your choice, thick-cut recommended)
- 2 slices of ham (thinly sliced)
- 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, or Swiss)
- 1 tablespoon of butter (or cooking spray)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by preparing your bread, ham, and cheese. Lay the bread slices flat, and then place a slice of cheese on each piece. Top one slice with a piece of ham, and then add the second slice of cheese. Put the remaining slice of bread on top, forming a sandwich.
Step 2: Butter the Bread
Spread a thin layer of butter on the outside of each slice of bread. If you like a bit more flavor, sprinkle a touch of garlic powder on the buttered side. This will create that deliciously crisp crust once the sandwich is cooked in the air fryer.
Step 3: Air Fry the Sandwich
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Once it’s preheated, carefully place the sandwich into the air fryer basket. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, then flip the sandwich and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese is ready, remove it from the air fryer. Let it sit for a minute before cutting it in half to avoid burning yourself on the hot melted cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use thick slices of bread: The thickness of your bread is key to ensuring a perfectly crispy exterior and a soft, gooey interior.
- Experiment with cheeses: Try mixing different types of cheese to create unique flavors. A combination of cheddar and mozzarella is a great option for extra meltiness.
- Add veggies: For a twist, you can add some spinach, tomatoes, or onions to your sandwich before air frying for added flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Make sure there’s enough space in the air fryer basket for the sandwich to cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Monitor the cooking time: Air fryers vary in temperature, so keep an eye on your sandwich while it cooks to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of bread for this recipe? Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of bread such as whole wheat, sourdough, or even a gluten-free option. Just make sure the slices are thick enough to hold the filling.
Can I make this recipe without butter? If you prefer a lighter version, you can use cooking spray or even olive oil. However, butter provides the best flavor and texture for a crispy golden crust.
Can I add other fillings to the sandwich? Absolutely! This is a versatile recipe, and you can add ingredients like tomatoes, bacon, or even some Dijon mustard for extra flavor.
How do I know when the sandwich is done? The sandwich is done when the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside has fully melted. If it’s not quite there yet, simply pop it back in the air fryer for another minute or two.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Grilled cheese sandwiches are best when served fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready, assemble and cook the sandwich in the air fryer.