Learn how to make a tasty and easy ham and cheese toastie using an air fryer. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack!
I love air fryer cheese toasties.
Recently, I confessed on Instagram that I rarely use our air fryer.
I get the benefits. But, if you aren’t using it to replace deep-fried food, it’s not healthier, and if you need to do loads of batches because you are cooking a big family dinner, it’s not cheaper.
For some people, I’m sure they are wonderful, and I’ve got loads of fantastic air fryer recipes, but for us, it’s mainly used when we need more oven space (hello, Christmas dinner parsnips) or to make toasties! I occasionally warm some chicken nuggets up in it. But it’s not a huge feature of our kitchen.
That said, air fryer toastie recipes are the best! A fantastic alternative to a grilled cheese sandwich, this easy toasted air fryer cheese sandwich is a favourite lunch in our house!
Why I Love Ham and Cheese Toasties in the Air Fryer
Well, we don’t have a toastie maker for one thing! Also:
- Toasties are proper comfort Food, perfect dipped in soup on a cold day.
- The melted cheese is just perfect.
- Easy air fryer toasties aren’t squashed like a toastie maker version. They are big and full.
- It’s quick and easy.
- Heating an air fryer to toast a sandwich is much cheaper than heating the whole oven.
Ingredients For Airfryer Cheese and Ham Toastie
All you need for delicious air fryer toasties with ham and cheese is:
Thick White Bread – I like a tiger bloomer, but any bread is fine really.
Butter
Cheddar Cheese – I love mature cheddar on toasties, but anything that melts, like pepper jack or gouda, is fine.
Ham – I like wafer-thin slices of ham, but quite a bit of it. Use thicker cuts of deli ham if you prefer.
How to Make a Ham and Cheese Toastie in the Air Fryer – Step-by-Step Instructions
Full, easy-to-follow instructions and quantities are available in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step One
Spread the butter liberally on both sides of the bread.
Step Two
Layer the ham evenly onto one slice.
Step Three
Sprinkle most of the grated cheese onto the ham, leaving a handful to top (optional).
Step Four
Top with the other slice of bread and gently press down.
Step Five
Carefully place it in the centre of the air fryer basket on top of the crisper tray.
Step Six
Air fry at 200 degrees C for 4 minutes. I used to preheat, but I’m not convinced it makes much difference.
Step Seven
Carefully flip over. I use a silicone spatula for a little help. Be very careful; the basket and tray will be hot, and don’t use metal utensils.
Step Eight
Sprinkle the rest of the grated cheese on top. Press in gently so it sticks onto the warm bread and the air fryer doesn’t blow it off.
Step Nine
Return to the air fryer and air fry for 4-5 more minutes until the cheese is how you like it.
Step Ten
Carefully remove from the basket, cut in half and serve.
Serving Suggestions
If your ham and cheese toastie is a snack, serve it just as it is, carefully!
For lunch I like to add crisps, coleslaw and some salad, or in the winter a nice bowl of homemade tomato soup. A cheese and ham toastie dips perfectly!
You could even add a side of chips.
Variations to Grilled Ham and Cheese in the Air Fryer
For simple variations to your air-fried ham and cheese toastie, try using different bread, ham and cheese. Things like Gouda are great, and you can use thicker ham or different breads. Seeded is my favourite.
For more options, try adding other flavours to your toastie. You could add mayo or dijon mustard (or mix for a mustard mayonnaise) to the inside of the bread instead of butter. You could add sliced tomato or onion; things like red onion marmalade or sweet chilli sauce would be nice. Anything that you might add to a sandwich, give it a go!
FAQ
Yes, air fryers are great for toasties.
Toastie is just the British term for grilled cheese.
I prefer cheddar, but anything that melts is fine.
You can make toasties in air fryers, in the oven, under a grill, or even in a frying pan. Benny and Joon fans might try an iron.
Other Recipes
If you like this air fryer ham and cheese toastie recipe, you might also want to try:
Air Fryer Cheese and Ham Toasties
Ingredients
- 2 Slices Thick White Bread
- 25 g Butter
- 50 g Cheddar Cheese (grated)
- 50 g Wafer Thin Ham
Instructions
- Butter the bread liberally on both sides.
- Layer the ham evenly onto one slice.
- Sprinkle most of the grated cheese onto the ham, leaving a handful to top (optional).
- Top with the other slice of bread.
- Carefully place it in the centre of the air fryer basket on top of the crisper tray.
- Air fry at 200 degrees C for 4 minutes.
- Carefully flip over.
- Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.
- Return to the air fryer and air fry for 4-5 more minutes until the cheese is how you like it.
- Carefully remove from the basket, cut in half and serve.
Video
Any nutritional information is given as a general guide only and may not be accurate. The information is provided using an online calculator and is specific to my ingredients. Please make your own calculations if you want precise information.
