Say goodbye to the skillet and hello to the easiest, crispiest grilled cheese you’ve ever made! This air fryer version delivers a perfectly golden exterior with a gooey, melty interior. Add a slice of tomato for extra flavor and juiciness—it’s a game-changer!
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread (white, sourdough, or whole wheat)
- 1–2 slices ham
- 1–2 slices cheese (cheddar, Swiss, American, or your favorite)
- 1 tomato slice (optional)
- Butter (softened, for spreading)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If your air fryer doesn’t require preheating, you can skip this step.
2. Assemble the Sandwich:
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will be the outer side that gets crispy in the air fryer.
- Flip the slices over so the unbuttered sides are facing up.
- Layer the ham, cheese, and tomato slice (if using) on one slice of bread. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side out.
3. Place in the Air Fryer:
Place the assembled sandwich in the air fryer basket. Make sure it’s lying flat and not folded or overlapping. If needed, gently press down to keep it together.
4. Cook the Sandwich:
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway through. After about 2–3 minutes, carefully flip the sandwich using tongs or a spatula to ensure even browning.
5. Check for Doneness:
The sandwich is ready when the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey. If needed, cook for an additional minute to achieve your desired crispiness.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the sandwich from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute. Slice it in half, if desired, and serve warm. Pair with soup, salad, or enjoy it on its own!
Tips for Success
- Bread Choice: Use sturdy bread like sourdough or whole wheat to prevent it from getting too soggy from the tomato slice.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses—cheddar melts well, Swiss adds a nutty flavor, and American gives a creamy texture.
- Tomato Tip: Pat the tomato slice dry with a paper towel before adding it to the sandwich to avoid excess moisture.
- Batch Cooking: If making multiple sandwiches, cook them one at a time to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to uneven crisping.
Storage
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh and hot. However, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.
This Air Fryer Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwich is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. With perfectly crispy bread, melty cheese, and savory ham, it’s the ultimate comfort food made effortlessly!
