Air-Fryer Cheese & Ham Toastie Recipe
Introduction
This air-fryer cheese and ham toastie is a quick, satisfying snack or light meal. Crispy on the outside and gooey with melted cheese and ham inside, it’s a perfect comfort food made effortlessly in your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 20g butter, softened
- 2 slices sourdough or other bread
- ½ tsp English mustard
- 50g grated mature cheddar or gruyère
- 1 tbsp chopped chives (optional)
- 1 thick slice of ham
- Black pepper, to season
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F).
- Step 2: Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Step 3: In a bowl, mix the remaining butter with the English mustard, grated cheese, chopped chives (if using), and season with black pepper.
- Step 4: Spread the cheese mixture evenly on the unbuttered sides of the bread slices.
- Step 5: Place the slice of ham on one cheese-covered slice, then top with the other slice so the buttered sides face outward.
- Step 6: Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crunchy on the outside and the cheese has melted inside.
- Step 7: Remove carefully, let it cool slightly, then slice and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a few slices of tomato inside for extra flavor.
- Use your favorite cheese blend for different tastes; mozzarella adds a nice stretch.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ham with sautéed mushrooms or grilled veggies.
- Ensure the butter is softened for easy spreading and even crispiness.
Storage
Best eaten fresh for maximum crispiness. If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 day. To reheat, place in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, any sturdy bread like whole wheat or rye works well, but sourdough offers great texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can cook the toastie in a frying pan or sandwich press on medium heat until the bread is toasted and the cheese melts, flipping carefully once.
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Air-Fryer Cheese & Ham Toastie Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
Description
This Air-fryer Cheese & Ham Toastie is a quick and delicious sandwich perfect for a satisfying snack or light meal. Using the air fryer ensures a perfectly golden, crunchy exterior while melting the creamy cheese inside. The combination of mature cheddar or gruyère with English mustard and optional chives adds a burst of flavor, complemented by a thick slice of ham. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s an easy recipe that elevates the classic toastie.
Ingredients
For the Toastie
- 20g butter, softened
- 2 slices sourdough or other bread
- ½ tsp English mustard
- 50g grated mature cheddar or gruyère
- 1 tbsp chopped chives (optional)
- 1 thick slice of ham
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) and allow it to heat up while you prepare the toastie.
- Prepare the bread: Butter one side of each bread slice evenly, ensuring a nice coating that will crisp up during cooking.
- Make the cheese mixture: In a bowl, mix the remaining butter with the English mustard, grated cheese, and chopped chives if using. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the toastie: Spread the cheese mixture over the unbuttered sides of the bread slices. Place the thick slice of ham between the two, ensuring the buttered sides face outward to help crisp the bread.
- Air-fry the toastie: Place the sandwich in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes total, carefully flipping the toastie halfway through to ensure even browning on both sides. Cook until the bread is golden and crunchy and the cheese inside has fully melted.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or a few drops of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use a skillet on medium heat or a sandwich press, but cooking times will vary.
- Ensure the ham slice is thick for a juicy bite, but not so thick that it prevents the cheese from melting properly.
- Use mature cheddar or gruyère for best melting properties and flavor depth.
- Optional chives add a fresh, mild onion-like taste but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: air fryer toastie, cheese toastie, ham sandwich, grilled cheese, quick snack, easy sandwich
