Air Fryer Sandwiches: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to make a sandwich. You can make a variety of sandwiches in an air fryer, from grilled cheese to ham and cheese, and even a turkey, brie, and apple sandwich. The key to a good air-fried sandwich is toasting the bread and melting the cheese without the sandwich falling apart or the fillings spilling out. This can be achieved by using toothpicks, grilling the sandwich in stages, or using a steamer rack or grill mat to keep things in place.

Air fryer sandwich recipes

Air fryers are a convenient way to make sandwiches with a "perfect equilibrium of crispy outer layers while maintaining tender goodness inside with every single bite". They are also healthier, easier to clean, and use less oil than traditional frying methods.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Burger buns or sandwich bread
• Lettuce, tomato, and pickles (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs or panko with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Dip each chicken breast in beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the breaded chicken breasts inside.
• Air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
• Assemble the sandwiches with the crispy chicken, adding lettuce, tomato, and any preferred condiments or toppings.

Classic Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• Butter or cooking spray
• Bread

Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Spread butter on one side of each bread slice (or use cooking spray).
• Place the bread slices butter-side down. Divide the shredded cheese equally between two slices.
• Top each cheese-covered slice with the remaining slices, butter-side up.
• Place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket and air fry for about 5-6 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese melts.

Monte Cristo Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of Swiss cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (optional)
• Raspberry or strawberry jam (for dipping)
• Ham, turkey, and bread
• 2 eggs
• Milk
• 4 slices of ciabatta bread or Italian bread

Instructions:

• Create sandwiches by layering ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese between bread slices.
• In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
• Place the dipped sandwiches in the air fryer basket and air fry for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
• Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm with raspberry or strawberry jam for dipping.

Turkey and Avocado Panini

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread (preferably ciabatta or sourdough)
• 8 slices of cooked turkey breast
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 4 slices of provolone cheese
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 5 minutes.
• While the air fryer is preheating, assemble the sandwiches. Place 2 slices of turkey, avocado slices, and 1 slice of provolone cheese between two slices of bread.
• Lightly brush the outside of each sandwich with olive oil or melted butter.
• Place the sandwiches into the air fryer basket and cook at 360°F (180°C) for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread turns golden brown and the
• Remove the sandwiches from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before slicing.

Air Fryer Ham and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 11 oz Package Hillshire Farm® Premium Carved Slow Roasted Seasoned Ham
• Colby Jack Cheese (2 slices per sandwich)
• Multi-Grain or Deli Style Bread of Choice
• Butter

Instructions:

• Add a light coat of butter to each slice of bread on one side.
• Place the buttered side down in the air fryer, then build the sandwich by adding a slice of cheese, ham, and another slice of cheese.
• Top with the last piece of bread, butter side facing up.
• Air Fryer at 360 degrees for 5 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich and air fry for another 5 minutes.

Air Fryer Turkey, Brie, and Apple Sandwich

Ingredients:

• Sourdough bread
• Avocado oil spray
• Dijon mustard
• Turkey cold-cut meat
• Brie cheese
• Thinly sliced apple
• Honey
• Arugula
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer.
• Spray each slice of bread on one side with avocado oil spray.
• Place the sprayed side down and evenly spread the mustard.
• Add the turkey, brie, apple slices, and a drizzle of honey.
• Top with the other piece of bread (sprayed side up).
• Air fry at 350 degrees F for 3 minutes. Then, flip and cook for another 2-4 minutes.
• While the sandwich is cooking, combine arugula with olive oil and salt and pepper in a small bowl until coated.
• Remove the top piece of bread, add the arugula, and put the bread back on top.

How to stop ingredients from flying off

To prevent ingredients from flying off in an air fryer, you can try the following methods:

• Use a stainless steel mesh or a rack to hold down the ingredients. The weight of the mesh is usually enough to keep the food from floating inside the basket.
• Use toothpicks to hold the ingredients down. Stab a toothpick through multiple layers of food to keep them together.
• Use a piece of cutlery such as a fork or butter knife to hold down slices of bread or other ingredients.
• Use the crisper plate that comes with most basket-style air fryers. Place the ingredients in the air fryer basket and weigh them down with the crisper plate.
• Preheat your air fryer before putting in the bread and cheese. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt slightly and cling to the sandwich before turning on the air fryer.

It is important to prevent ingredients from flying off in an air fryer as they can reach the heating element and cause a fire.

Best bread for air fryer sandwiches

Air fryers are a great alternative to conventional ovens, as they are more energy-efficient, convenient, and versatile. They are perfect for making sandwiches, as they can toast bread and melt cheese quickly and efficiently.

When it comes to choosing the best bread for air fryer sandwiches, there are several options that work well. Here are some recommendations:

Sourdough Bread

Sourdough bread is a popular choice for air fryer sandwiches. Its tangy taste and thick crust make it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches. The tangy flavour of sourdough also pairs well with a variety of fillings, such as turkey, brie, and apple, or ham and cheese.

Multi-Grain or Deli-Style Bread

Multi-grain or deli-style bread is another good option for air fryer sandwiches. These types of bread tend to have a denser texture and a nuttier flavour, which can add interest and substance to your sandwich. They also hold up well to the heat of the air fryer, making them a good choice for melting cheese or toasting.

White Bread

White bread is a classic choice for sandwiches and can also work well in an air fryer. It has a soft texture and a mild flavour, making it versatile and suitable for a variety of sandwich fillings. White bread is also less likely to burn or dry out in the air fryer, making it a good option for those who are new to using this appliance.

Gluten-Free Bread

For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, gluten-free bread is a necessity. Gluten-free bread tends to be denser and more crumbly than regular bread, but it can still be toasted in an air fryer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as gluten-free bread may cook more quickly.

Bread Made in an Air Fryer

You can even make your own bread in an air fryer! This allows you to have fresh, homemade bread without heating up your kitchen. The air fryer's rapid air technology creates a crispy crust while keeping the inside of the bread soft and fluffy. You can experiment with different types of flour, seeds, herbs, or cheese to create your own unique loaf.

In conclusion, there are several types of bread that work well in an air fryer, including sourdough, multi-grain, deli-style, white bread, and gluten-free options. You can also get creative and make your own bread in the air fryer, adding your own unique twist to your sandwiches. Experiment with different breads and fillings to find your favourite combinations!

Best cheese for air fryer sandwiches

Air fryers are a great way to make a sandwich with a perfectly crisped outside and a melty, gooey inside. The air fryer's fan circulates air around the sandwich for even heating, making it a quick and easy way to make a delicious toasted sandwich.

When it comes to choosing the best cheese for an air fryer sandwich, there are a few factors to consider, such as texture and flavour. Here are some of the best cheeses to use:

• Swiss Cheese — when paired with cheddar, it creates a sharp yet sweet taste.
• Cheddar Cheese — a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, it has a sharp, slightly aged flavour that pairs well with milder, creamier cheeses like Havarti or Monterey Jack.
• Monterey Jack — this cheese has a nice melting texture and a mild, creamy flavour.
• Gruyère — another excellent melting cheese with a slightly nutty flavour.
• Mozzarella — especially the low-moisture variety, it has a mild flavour and melts well.
• Havarti — a mild, creamy cheese that pairs well with sharper cheeses like cheddar.
• Muenster — this cheese has a mild, buttery flavour and melts well.
• Raclette — a Swiss cheese that is perfect for melting and has a creamy, nutty flavour.
• Brie — a soft, creamy cheese that pairs well with sweet ingredients like honey and apple.

When using an air fryer to make a grilled cheese sandwich, it is best to grate the cheese, as it helps it melt faster and gives a delicious cheese pull. Sliced cheese can also be used, but grated cheese generally gives better results.

In addition to cheese, other ingredients that go well in an air fryer sandwich include:

• Butter or mayonnaise
• Sourdough or rustic bread
• Mustard
• Onion
• Tomato
• Bacon
• Turkey
• Ham
• Chicken
• Pickles
• Sauerkraut
• Mushrooms
• Sautéed onions
• Arugula

So, to summarise, the best cheeses to use in an air fryer sandwich are those that melt well and have a good flavour. By pairing different cheeses and adding various ingredients, you can create a delicious, crispy, and gooey grilled cheese sandwich.

Air fryer sandwich cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for an air fryer sandwich depend on the type of sandwich you are making.

Classic Grilled Cheese

For a classic grilled cheese sandwich, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or 375°F. Spread butter or cooking spray on one side of each slice of bread. Place the slices butter-side down, and divide the shredded cheese equally between the two slices. Top each cheese-covered slice with the remaining slices, butter-side up. Place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket and cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese melts.

Turkey, Brie, and Apple Sandwich

For this sandwich, preheat your air fryer. Spray each slice of bread on one side with avocado oil spray. Spread mustard on one slice, and add the turkey, brie, apple slices, and a drizzle of honey. Top with the other slice of bread, sprayed side up. Air fry at 350°F for 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-4 minutes.

Ham and Cheese Sandwich

To make a ham and cheese sandwich, preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place the slices buttered-side down, and add a slice of cheese, ham, and another slice of cheese. Top with the last piece of bread, buttered side up. Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip and air fry for another 5 minutes.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Mix breadcrumbs or panko with garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Dip each chicken breast in beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the chicken in the basket. Air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown. Assemble the sandwiches with the crispy chicken, adding lettuce, tomato, and any desired toppings.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread and jelly on the other. Sandwich them together and spread softened butter on the outer sides of the bread. Place in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F for 4-5 minutes.

Monte Cristo Sandwich

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Create sandwiches by layering ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese between slices of bread. Dip each sandwich in an egg mixture, then place in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

Chicken Pesto Panini

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Slice the chicken into thin strips. Spread pesto sauce on focaccia bread slices and layer with the chicken strips, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. Lightly brush the outer sides of the sandwiches with olive oil and place in the air fryer. Cook at 370°F for about 5-6 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

Frequently asked questions