Air fryer ham and cheese toastie
If there is one thing the air fryer does brilliantly, it is toasties. Enjoy the crunch of golden sourdough filled with melted cheese and smoky ham, as well as Dijon mustard and fresh basil. This air fryer ham and cheese toastie comes out perfectly crisp on the outside and gooey in the middle. It is comfort food in its simplest, most glorious form.
Ingredients
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4 slices
Sourdough bread
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2 tbsp
Butter
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100 g
Sliced cheese
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100 g
Smoked ham
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1
Tomato
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2 tbsp
Dijon mustard
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Black pepper
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Fresh basil
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Spread the butter generously over the sourdough slices so they crisp up wonderfully in the air fryer. Make sure your butter is soft. That way, it spreads more easily and covers every corner. Always keep the buttered side facing outwards for a golden, even brown finish. And if you ever run out of butter, a little mayo works just as well.
After you take the air-fried ham and cheese toastie out of the fryer, let it sit for 1–2 minutes before cutting. This allows the molten cheese to firm up a bit, which prevents it from oozing out too much once you cut it. It also keeps the bread crisp by letting steam escape, guaranteeing a crunchy texture.
FAQ: Questions about air fryer ham and cheese toastie
Even the simplest recipes raise a few questions. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about air-fried ham and cheese toasties.
What type of cheese can I use for the air fryer toasties?
You can use almost any cheese for the air fryer toasties that melts well. Cheddar, Gouda, or mozzarella are all great choices. They give you a gooey texture and rich flavour. If you like a stronger taste, try mature cheddar or a mix of cheeses, and for a milder taste, go with young Gouda or a creamy Havarti.
What kind of ham should I choose for the air fryer toasties?
Smoked ham works best for air fryer toasties, as it complements the richness of the cheese. You can use thinly sliced cooked ham, serrano, or even honey-roast ham if you prefer a sweeter note. Just make sure it is not too thick, so it heats evenly.
What kind of bread is best for an air fryer ham and cheese toastie?
Sourdough bread is a great choice for an air fryer ham and cheese toastie. The thick slices crisp up nicely in the air fryer while staying soft inside. Its sturdy texture also soaks up the butter without turning soggy. If you do not have sourdough bread, a rustic Italian loaf works well, too. Avoid soft white bread as it tends to dry out or get squashed under the fillings.
How do I prevent the top slice from flying off?
Prevent the top slice from flying off by pre-melting the cheese a little before adding the top slice. Just place the open sandwich into the preheated air fryer for a minute or two, or give it about 20 seconds in the microwave. The cheese acts like glue and keeps everything in place.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
1245 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 7.5 gram fibers |
| Protein | 23 | 70.4 gram |
| Fat | 36.6 | 51.6 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 40.4 | 123.8 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
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Make easy ham and cheese toasties in your air fryer
If you are on the hunt for a new way to make your toasties extra delicious, you have found it. The humble combo of bread, butter, smoked ham, and cheese is one of the easiest and most satisfying things you can make. And yes, your air fryer can pull it off too, in no more than 20 minutes.
This version gets a little upgrade with slices of juicy tomato and a swipe of Dijon mustard for a subtle tang that cuts through all the cheesy richness. It is fantastic as a quick and easy lunch or snack when you want something hot and melty right now. And do not worry, we will spill the secret to making your air fryer ham and cheese toastie extra crispy on the outside and perfectly gooey in the middle right below.
A crispy golden crunch with a gooey cheesy middle
The secret to a crispy golden crunch and a gooey cheesy middle lie in the bread and the butter. Thick slices of sourdough are the way to go, as they are sturdy enough to handle all that cheese. We butter the outside generously and place it butter-side down in the air fryer basket. In a few minutes, you will have a beautiful, golden crunch that is hard to achieve in a frying pan without leaving behind a greasy aftermath.
Inside, the cheese does all the heavy lifting. As it melts, it creates a dreamy, stretchy pull when you take a bite. You can use any cheese that melts well, like cheddar, Gouda, mozzarella, or even a mix. When it starts bubbling and oozing at the edges, that is when you know it is just right.
Try these serving suggestions
Our ham and cheese toastie plays really well with others. Try it with a green goddess salad or a creamy tomato soup for dipping. If you are after something heartier, pair it with a handful of air fryer smashed potatoes.
Also, add a side of air fryer vegetables or air fryer sweet potato fries. Want to turn it into a full dinner? Serve it alongside air fryer chicken wings and crispy air fryer potato salad. They are all easy and just as satisfying as the toastie itself.
Make toasties your way
The good thing about this air fryer ham and cheese toastie is that you can experiment with the filling to your heart’s content. A thin layer of cream cheese adds a lovely tang and extra creaminess, especially when paired with smoked ham or roasted peppers.
Want to turn up the heat a bit? Add a spoonful of kimchi for a bold, tangy crunch or scatter over some pickled jalapeños for a spicy note. A bit of spicy mustard or chilli jam inside the bread also works wonders and gives every bite a nice little zing.
You can also go the savoury-sweet route with honey-glazed ham or caramelised onions, or keep it fresh with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a handful of herbs.
