I’ve always been a fan of classic comfort foods, but sometimes I crave a twist that saves me time in the kitchen. That’s why I love making grilled ham and cheese in the air fryer—it’s fast, effortless, and still delivers that golden, melty perfection I adore. Every bite hits the spot with the warm, gooey cheese and savory ham, making it a perfect lunch or snack for busy days.
What excites me most about this recipe is how the air fryer transforms a traditional sandwich into something extra crispy without adding extra oil. It’s a small change that elevates a simple meal into a satisfying treat, and I love sharing it with friends and family because it’s ready in minutes and always gets devoured.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Bread: The foundation of any great grilled sandwich, your bread should be sturdy enough to hold the ham and cheese without becoming soggy. I usually choose white, sourdough, or whole wheat slices depending on my mood. A thicker cut works best for achieving that golden crust.
Ham: I go for thinly sliced, quality ham with a touch of smokiness. You want enough to layer generously, but not so much that it overwhelms the sandwich. The ham adds a salty, savory bite that pairs beautifully with melty cheese.
Cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, or American are my favorites for this recipe. The key is choosing a cheese that melts smoothly and has a rich flavor. It’s the heart of the sandwich, so don’t skimp!
Butter: This is what gives the bread its irresistible crispiness and golden color. I like to spread it evenly on the outer side of each slice before air frying. You can also use margarine or a light olive oil spread for a slightly healthier option.
Optional Ingredients: Mustard, pickles, or tomato slices can be added for extra flavor. I often add a thin layer of Dijon mustard inside for a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cheese and ham.
Ingredients List
- 2 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
- 2–3 slices of ham
- 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or American)
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- Optional: mustard, pickles, or tomato slices
How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. This side will be on the outside, giving you that perfect, golden crisp once air fried.
Step 2: Layer the Ham and Cheese
Place the slices of ham on the unbuttered side of one bread slice. Top with cheese and any optional ingredients like mustard or tomato. Then cover with the second slice of bread, buttered side out.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures your sandwich cooks evenly and the bread crisps up perfectly.
Step 4: Air Fry the Sandwich
Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides are golden and the cheese is melted. Adjust the time based on your air fryer and bread thickness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the sandwich carefully, let it rest for a minute, and then slice diagonally. Serve warm with a side of chips, pickles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use thick slices of bread to prevent sogginess.
- Don’t overfill with cheese or ham, or it may not cook evenly.
- Flip the sandwich halfway to achieve an even golden crust.
- Experiment with different cheese types for varied flavors.
- If your bread browns too fast, lower the air fryer temperature slightly.
FAQs
Can I use leftover ham for this recipe?
Yes! Leftover ham works perfectly and adds great flavor without any extra prep.
What cheese melts best in an air fryer?
Cheddar, Swiss, and American melt beautifully, but you can try mozzarella for a stretchier texture.
Can I make multiple sandwiches at once?
Absolutely, but avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches for best results.
Is it okay to skip the butter?
You can skip it, but the sandwich won’t be as crispy or golden. Try brushing lightly with olive oil as an alternative.