Air Fryer Sandwiches: How Long To Fry?

Air fryers are a great way to make a sandwich with a crispy exterior and a warm, melty inside. The time it takes to cook a sandwich in an air fryer depends on the type of sandwich and the air fryer being used. For example, a grilled cheese sandwich may take 3-4 minutes on each side, while a sandwich with thicker bread like Texas Toast may take 4-5 minutes in total. It's important to keep an eye on the sandwich while it's cooking, as air fryers can vary in terms of cooking time and temperature. To get a nice, even crisp on the bread, it's recommended to spread butter, mayo, or oil on the outside of the sandwich before placing it in the air fryer.

How to make an air fryer sandwich

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You can use a variety of deli meats, cheeses, and condiments to make your sandwich. Some popular combinations include:

• Turkey, brie, and apple with mustard and honey
• Ham and cheese
• Roast beef and cheddar
• Swiss and ham
• Salami and provolone

For the bread, thick-sliced bread like Texas Toast or sourdough works best. You will also need butter, avocado oil spray, or mayonnaise to spread on the bread for an even crisp.

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to around 350-400°F (175-200°C).
• Spread butter, mayonnaise, or avocado oil spray on the outside of your bread slices. You can also combine mayonnaise and mustard for a tangy flavour.
• Layer your chosen fillings on the bread.
• Close the sandwich and place it in the air fryer basket. If cooking more than one sandwich, ensure they are in a single layer and not stacked.
• Cook the sandwich for around 3-5 minutes, then flip it over and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.
• Once the sandwich is golden brown and the cheese is melted, remove it from the air fryer and enjoy!

Tips

• To prevent the bread from flying around in the air fryer, secure it with toothpicks before cooking.
• If your sandwich filling is not fully melted before the bread is toasted, turn down the temperature and flip the sandwich halfway through cooking.
• You can also cook grilled cheese sandwiches in an air fryer by spreading butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread and following the same cooking instructions.

How long to cook an air fryer sandwich

Air fryer sandwiches are a quick, easy, and delicious meal to make. The cook time depends on the type of sandwich you're making, the ingredients used, and the temperature of your air fryer. Here's a guide to help you cook the perfect air fryer sandwich:

Classic Grilled Cheese

For a classic grilled cheese sandwich, preheat your air fryer to 375-380°F (175°C). Spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of two slices of bread. Place one slice, butter-side down, in the air fryer. Add two slices of cheese, then top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up. Air fry for 3-4 minutes, then flip the sandwich and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the bread is golden brown.

Hearty Meat and Cheese Sandwich

If you're making a sandwich with meat and cheese, such as a ham and cheese or a turkey and brie sandwich, preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F (175-180°C). Spread butter, mayonnaise, or oil on the outside of two slices of bread. Assemble your sandwich with your desired fillings. Place the sandwich in the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes. Then, flip the sandwich and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

Peanut Butter and Jelly (or other fillings)

For a fun twist on a classic PB&J, or if you're using other soft fillings like Nutella or marshmallow fluff, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spread softened butter on the outside of two slices of bread, making sure to cover the edges. Spread your desired fillings on the inside of the bread. Place the sandwich in the air fryer and cook for 4-5 minutes. Let it cool slightly, then enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Preheat your air fryer for even cooking.
• Use thick-sliced bread, such as Texas Toast, for a sturdy sandwich that holds up in the air fryer.
• Avoid stacking sandwiches in the air fryer. Cook them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• Keep an eye on your sandwich, as air fryer models vary, and cooking times may need adjustment.
• If your bread starts to fly away in the air fryer, secure it with toothpicks before cooking.

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 healthier, easier to clean, and use less oil than other cooking methods.

The cooking time depends on the type of sandwich and the air fryer model. Typically, a sandwich will take between 3 to 6 minutes to cook in an air fryer at around 350-400°F.

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, 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 slices

Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Spread butter or cooking spray on one side of each bread slice.
• 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.
• Carefully remove and serve hot.

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.
• Carefully remove the sandwiches and let them cool for a minute before slicing and serving.

Air Fryer Turkey, Brie, and Apple Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of sourdough bread
• 2 sprays of avocado oil spray
• ½ tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 3 ounces of turkey cold-cut meat
• 3 slices of brie cheese
• 3 slices of 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 spread the 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. Keep an eye on the sandwich as cooking times may vary.
• While the sandwich is cooking, combine arugula with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Once the sandwich is done, remove the top piece of bread, add the arugula, and put the bread back on top.
• Cut the sandwich in half and enjoy!

Air fryer sandwich tips

Bread

The type of bread you use can make all the difference to your sandwich. If you're making a standard sandwich, go for a thick-sliced bread like Texas Toast. This is sliced thicker than regular sandwich bread, which is important because you want to avoid the fillings getting lost in the bread. If your bread is too thick, the fillings won't get gooey, and if it's too thin, the sandwich will be flimsy. Aim for bread that's about 1 inch thick.

If you're making a grilled cheese sandwich, opt for sourdough. Its tangy taste and thick crust make it the perfect choice for this type of sandwich.

Butter/Oil/Mayo

Before placing your sandwich in the air fryer, it's important to spread a layer of fat (like butter, oil, or mayo) on the outside of the bread. This will help you achieve a nice, crispy exterior. If you're using butter, make sure it's thoroughly softened so it spreads easily and you get an even layer.

Fillings

When it comes to the fillings, don't skimp! You don't want your sandwich to be overwhelmed by the bread. For a classic grilled cheese, spread a tangy mayo-mustard mix on the inside of the bread, then layer with cheese, onion slices, tomato slices, and bacon. For a simple ham and cheese, add a light coat of butter to the outside of the bread, then add cheese, ham, and another slice of cheese.

If you're making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, it might seem like a lot of peanut butter and/or jelly, but with thicker bread, it's important to get the right ratio. For a fun twist on the classic, try adding banana and honey, or Nutella and banana.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer. The temperature you cook your sandwich at will depend on the type of sandwich you're making and your air fryer model. For example, for a grilled cheese, you'd set the temperature to 375°F, whereas for a ham and cheese, you'd set it to 360°F, and for a PB&J, 400°F.

Cooking time will also vary depending on the type of sandwich and your air fryer, but generally, you'll want to air fry for around 3-5 minutes, then flip the sandwich and cook for another 2-5 minutes. Keep an eye on your sandwich to make sure it doesn't burn.

Serving

Air fryer sandwiches are best enjoyed straight out of the air fryer. For a complete meal, serve with a side salad or a warm cup of soup.

What to serve with an air fryer sandwich

An air fryer sandwich can be a quick, delicious, and easy meal to make. The best part is that you can make it with your favourite ingredients. Here are some ideas for what to serve with an air fryer sandwich:

Chips

Who doesn't love some good old chips with their sandwich? You can go for classic potato chips, or get creative with sweet potato, beetroot, or even kale chips.

Salad

A fresh, crisp salad can be a great side dish to an air fryer sandwich. Try a simple garden salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favourite dressing. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different ingredients like spinach, avocado, berries, or nuts.

Soup

On a chilly day, a warm bowl of soup can be the perfect companion to your sandwich. Try a classic like tomato soup or branch out with a heartier option like a lentil or butternut squash soup.

Fruit

Fresh fruit can add a burst of flavour and colour to your meal. Sliced apples, pears, or oranges can be a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins. Or, if you're feeling indulgent, try some grilled or caramelised fruit for a sweet treat.

Pickles

Pickles can be a great, tangy side dish to an air fryer sandwich. You can go for classic dill pickles or explore different varieties like pickled onions, peppers, or carrots.

Sandwich Ideas

Now that we've discussed some side dishes, let's talk about the star of the show – the sandwich! Here are some ideas for air fryer sandwiches:

• Turkey, brie, apple, arugula, mustard, and honey on sourdough bread.
• Ham and cheese on multi-grain or deli-style bread.
• Peanut butter and jelly on Texas toast.
• Grilled cheese with ham.
• Chicken cold cut with cheddar, chipotle mayo, and avocado.

Frequently asked questions