These air fryer grilled ham and cheese sandwiches are delicious and simple to make. They’re one of my favorite quick lunches or late-night snacks: slices of bread piled with savory ham and gooey melted cheese. The air fryer gives the bread a crisp, golden exterior while the cheese melts perfectly inside.
Grilled cheese is a favorite for many, and adding ham takes it up a notch. I used rosemary ham for extra flavor, but any ham you enjoy will work well. Choose bread you love; I used Italian bread that I bake weekly, but sandwich loafs, sourdough, or whole grain all make great alternatives.
If you want a side, air-fried frozen French fries are an easy match. For extra indulgence, add bacon—turkey bacon also works well on these sandwiches.
Ingredients
Making ham and cheese in the air fryer is straightforward. Instead of melting butter to brown the bread, I use mayonnaise—it’s easy to spread and gives a nicely browned, crisp finish.
Select a bread that you enjoy since it’s a key part of the sandwich. Below are the simple ingredients you’ll need.
- Ham (I used rosemary ham)
- Mozzarella cheese (or your preferred melting cheese)
- Bread (I used Italian bread)
- Mayonnaise (used in place of butter)
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and nutrition information.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make grilled ham and cheese in the air fryer. Total active time is short—about 5 minutes prep and 8–10 minutes cooking.
Step 1 – Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (190°C).
Step 2 – Spread mayonnaise on one side of each piece of bread. This will be the outside of the sandwich and helps the bread brown and crisp in the air fryer.
Step 3 – Assemble the sandwich: place one slice of bread mayo-side down, add the cheese, arrange the ham, and top with any additional toppings you like. Finish with the second slice of bread mayo-side up.
Step 4 – Air fry: lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil, place the sandwich inside, and cook at 370°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. I prefer 10 minutes for a deeply golden crust, but adjust based on your air fryer model and desired browning.
Tip: Oven-style air fryers may require a couple extra minutes of cooking time. If you like, preheat while assembling the sandwich to save a minute or two.
Substitutions
- Cheese: Use American, cheddar, provolone, or any melting cheese you prefer in place of mozzarella.
- Bread spread: If you prefer, use butter on the bread instead of mayonnaise. Avocado oil mayonnaise browns nicely and has less saturated fat than some butters.
Variations
Here are a few ideas to customize this sandwich to your taste:
- Pesto: A thin layer of pesto adds a bright, herbal note.
- Roasted peppers: Add roasted red peppers for sweetness and texture.
- Artichoke hearts: Chopped artichoke hearts bring a tangy, savory element.
Equipment
Any standard air fryer will work for this recipe. Basket-style units cook quickly; oven-style air fryers may take slightly longer. Having a good nonstick spray or an oil mister helps prevent sticking.
Storage
Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. They’re still tasty cold, or reheat in the air fryer or oven to regain crispness.
Other Air Fryer Recipes
Try other easy air fryer favorites like turkey bacon, frozen chicken nuggets, frozen egg rolls, bacon-wrapped asparagus, or potstickers for quick meals and snacks.
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese and Ham
Ingredients
- 2 Slices Bread (I used Italian bread)
- 2 Slices Mozzarella cheese
- 4 Slices Ham (about 6 ounces)
- 2 Tbsp. Mayonnaise
Instructions
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Preheat air fryer to 370°F (190°C).
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Spread mayonnaise on one side of each piece of bread (this replaces butter).
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Place one slice of bread mayo-side down, add cheese, ham, and any additional toppings, then top with the other slice mayo-side up.
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Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil, place the sandwich in the basket, and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Notes
Nutrition
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