Air Fryer Sandwiches: Can You Do It?

Air fryers are a great way to make a variety of sandwiches, from grilled cheese to ham and cheese, and even paninis. The circulating air in the air fryer ensures even heating, making the outside of the sandwich crispy and golden brown while keeping the inside gooey and melted.

Air fryer sandwich recipes

Air fryers are a great way to make sandwiches with a "perfect equilibrium of crispy outer layers while maintaining tender goodness inside". They are also versatile, allowing for endless experimentation with ingredients and flavours. Here are some sandwich recipes you can make in an air fryer:

Grilled Cheese

This classic sandwich can be made in an air fryer with butter or mayonnaise, and your choice of cheese.

Ingredients:

• Butter or Mayonnaise
• Bread
• Cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella, or your choice)

Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Spread butter or mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice.
• Place the bread slices butter/mayo-side down.
• Divide the shredded cheese equally between two slices.
• Top each cheese-covered slice with the remaining slices, butter/mayo-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.

Turkey and Avocado Panini

A delicious and easy-to-make sandwich with turkey, avocado, and cheese.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

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

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

A healthier version of your favourite fast-food crispy chicken sandwich, made in the comfort of your own home.

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 breadcrumbs or panko with 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, lettuce, tomato, and any preferred condiments or toppings.

Air Fryer Turkey, Brie, and Apple Sandwich

A unique sandwich with a combination of turkey, brie, apple, arugula, mustard, and honey.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of sourdough bread
• Avocado oil spray
• Dijon mustard
• 3 ounces of turkey cold-cut meat
• 3 slices of brie cheese
• 3 slices of thinly sliced apple
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Arugula
• 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 spread mustard on it.
• 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°F for 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-4 minutes.
• While the sandwich is cooking, combine arugula with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
• Once the sandwich is done, remove the top piece of bread, add the arugula, and replace the bread. Cut the sandwich in half and enjoy!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for an air fryer sandwich will depend on the type of sandwich you are making and the type of air fryer you are using.

As a general rule, it is recommended that you preheat your air fryer for even cooking. Most recipes suggest preheating to 350-400°F. However, the cooking temperature can vary depending on the type of sandwich and the air fryer model. For example, one source recommends cooking a sandwich at 360°F for 5 minutes on each side, while another recommends 350°F for 3 minutes on the first side and 2-4 minutes on the other.

It is important to keep an eye on your sandwich while it is cooking, as the timing can vary depending on the type of bread used and the specifics of your air fryer. Additionally, some recipes suggest spraying the bread with oil or butter before adding your desired spreads and toppings.

When cooking with an air fryer, it is generally recommended to flip the food halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. This is especially important when cooking sandwiches to prevent overcooking or burning.

If you are cooking multiple sandwiches, it is best to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking. Additionally, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to test the doneness of meat, as per USDA guidelines.

Lastly, it is worth noting that the wattage of your air fryer will also impact the cooking time. Higher wattages will generally cook faster than lower wattages, so you may need to adjust the timing accordingly.

Air fryer sandwich serving suggestions

Air fryers are a fantastic way to make sandwiches, achieving the perfect balance of crispy outer layers and tender insides with minimal mess and oil usage. They are also incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients and create a variety of mouthwatering sandwiches. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Classic Grilled Cheese

This sandwich is a classic for a reason. It's simple, delicious, and easy to make in your air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Butter or cooking spray
• Bread slices of your choice
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your preference)

Instructions:

• Preheat your 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 in the air fryer.
• Divide the shredded cheese equally between the slices, adding it to the unbuttered side.
• Top each cheese-covered slice with the remaining slices, butter-side up.
• Air fry for about 5-6 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

If you're craving something more substantial, this crispy chicken sandwich will hit the spot. It's similar to what you'd find at a fast-food joint but healthier and made in the comfort of your own home.

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 your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs or panko with 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 and cooked through.
• Assemble the sandwiches with the crispy chicken, adding lettuce, tomato, and any preferred condiments or toppings.

Turkey, Brie, and Apple Sandwich

This sandwich is a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours, perfect for a quick and easy lunch.

Ingredients:

• Sourdough bread or your favourite sliced bread
• Avocado oil spray
• Dijon mustard
• Turkey cold-cut meat, shaved if preferred
• Brie cheese
• Thinly sliced sweet red 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 spread mustard on one slice.
• 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, keeping an eye on it as air fryer times may vary.
• While the sandwich is cooking, combine arugula with olive oil and season with salt and pepper in a small bowl.
• Once the sandwich is done, remove the top piece of bread, add the arugula, and replace the bread. Cut the sandwich in half and enjoy!

Ham and Cheese Sandwich

This classic combination is a favourite for a reason, and it's even better when it's toasted in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Hillshire Farm® Premium Carved Slow Roasted Seasoned Ham
• Colby Jack Cheese (2 slices per sandwich)
• Multi-grain or deli-style bread of your choice
• Butter

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F.
• Add a light coat of butter to each slice of bread on one side.
• Place the buttered side down in the air fryer and 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 fry for 5 minutes, then carefully flip and air fry for another 5 minutes.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and create your own air fryer sandwich combinations!

Air fryer sandwich preparation tips

Air fryers are a great way to cook sandwiches, giving them an extra crunchy exterior and melting the cheese inside. Here are some tips to help you prepare a delicious air fryer sandwich:

Preheat Your Air Fryer

It is important to preheat your air fryer for even cooking and to achieve the desired golden colour and crispness. Preheat the air fryer to around 350-400°F (180-200°C) for about 3 minutes before placing your sandwich inside.

Choose Your Bread and Spread

Select a bread that has a thicker crust, such as sourdough or ciabatta, as it will provide a better crunch. You can also use brioche buns or multi-grain bread. Spread butter, mayonnaise, or oil on the outside of the bread to enhance the golden colour and crispness. You can also spread a mixture of mayonnaise and mustard on the inside of the bread for added flavour.

Fillings

For the fillings, you can choose a variety of meats, such as ham, turkey, or chicken. Include cheese, preferably a blend of different types like Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella, to get that gooey, melted texture. You can also add vegetables like onion slices, arugula, or tomato for added freshness and crunch.

Assembly and Cooking

After assembling your sandwich, secure it with toothpicks to prevent the bread from flying around in the air fryer. Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket and cook for about 3 minutes. Then, flip the sandwich and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes, keeping an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Serving

Let the sandwich cool down a bit before removing the toothpicks and cutting it in half. Serve it with a side of your choice, such as sweet potato fries, crunchy dill pickles, or a bowl of soup.

Air fryer sandwich storage

Air fryer sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat your sandwich, simply place it back in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat your sandwich in a conventional oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

If you're looking for a quicker option, you can also reheat your sandwich in a microwave. Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until warmed through.

It's important to note that reheated sandwiches may not have the same crispy texture as when they were first cooked. The bread may become slightly softer, but the fillings will still be delicious!

Additionally, if you're storing your sandwich for later, it's best to leave out any fresh ingredients like arugula, as these may become wilted or soggy. You can always add these ingredients right before serving to ensure the best texture and taste.

Now you can enjoy your air fryer sandwiches anytime, knowing how to properly store and reheat them to preserve their deliciousness!

Frequently asked questions