I’m sharing my Air Fryer Grilled Ham And Cheese Sandwich recipe that comes together in just 10 minutes, using deli or leftover holiday ham and fig jam for a savory-sweet twist.
I can’t believe how a couple slices of deli ham and a smear of fig jam turn a plain afternoon into something worth stopping for. It’s weirdly sophisticated but dumb easy, the kind of thing I throw together when I’m hungry and impatient.
Some folks call it the Air Fryer Grilled Ham And Cheese Sandwich, others insist on Air Fryer Ham And Cheese Toastie, and honestly both names fit. It crisps, it melts, the jam sneaks in this sticky sweet note and you’re suddenly eating better than you planned.
I mess up timing sometimes but that char is the best part.
Ingredients
- bread supplies quick carbs and some fiber, gives texture and soaks up butter and jam
- Butter adds rich fat for flavor and browning, it makes edges crisp and golden too
- Ham offers protein, savory saltiness and meaty texture, holiday ham can be slightly sweeter sometimes
- Gouda melts beautifully and adds creamy protein and calcium, it brings mild smoky sweet notes
- Fig jam gives sticky sweetness and fruity acidity, balances salty ham and rich cheese perfectly
- Nonstick spray helps crisp bread without extra butter, cutting a few calories and preventing sticking
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 slices sandwich bread (sourdough, white or country)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ounces thinly sliced deli ham or leftover holiday ham
- 2 ounces Gouda cheese, sliced (about 2 slices)
- 1 tablespoon fig jam, plus extra if you like
- Nonstick cooking spray (optional)
How to Make this
1. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for about 2 to 3 minutes so it’s hot and ready.
2. Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread, cover the whole surface don’t be shy with it.
3. On the unbuttered side of one slice spread 1 tablespoon fig jam, add more later if you like it sweeter.
4. Layer 3 ounces thin sliced deli or leftover holiday ham over the jam, then lay 2 ounces Gouda (about 2 slices) on top. If the holiday ham is thick warm it briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds so it heats through.
5. Close the sandwich with the other bread slice, buttered side facing out, press gently so it holds but dont squish all the fillings out.
6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray if your basket tends to stick, then place the sandwich in the basket flat.
7. Air fry at 370°F for 6 to 8 minutes total, flipping once at about 3 to 4 minutes and pressing gently with a spatula after the flip so the crust browns evenly. Check for a deep golden color and melty cheese.
8. Remove the sandwich carefully (cheese will be hot), let it rest 1 minute then slice and serve. Enjoy the sweet and savory combo.
Equipment Needed
1. Air fryer (preheat to 370°F 188°C)
2. Heatproof spatula for flipping and pressing the sandwich
3. Butter knife for spreading the softened butter
4. Small spoon for the fig jam
5. Microwave and microwave safe plate (optional, if you need to warm thick ham)
6. Serrated knife and cutting board for slicing and resting the sandwich
7. Tongs or oven mitts to remove the hot sandwich safely
8. Plate for serving, plus a paper towel or cooling rack if you want less sogginess
FAQ
Easy Air Fryer Grilled Ham And Cheese Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Bread: swap sourdough for whole wheat or multigrain (nuttier), ciabatta or country loaf for a chewier crust, or gluten free if you need it.
- Butter: use mayo (spreads and browns great), brush with olive oil for a lighter crust, or soften cream cheese for a richer, tangy edge.
- Ham: try sliced turkey or chicken breast (leaner), prosciutto for a salty delicate bite, or leftover roast beef for a meatier sandwich.
- Fig jam: replace with apricot or raspberry jam (similar sweet-fruit vibe), honey or maple syrup for simple sweetness, or whole grain mustard for a savory-sweet punch.
Pro Tips
– Don’t be shy with the butter, spread it all the way to the edges so the bread browns nice and helps keep the jam from soaking in. if your butter is super soft chill it a minute so it spreads without tearing the bread.
– Fold thin ham slices instead of piling them, that gives you even coverage and less slipping, and try slipping a little cheese under the ham as well as on top so you get a gooey middle and less soggy bread.
– Preheat the air fryer and flip once, press gently after the flip so the crust browns even, but if the bread is getting too dark lower temp to about 350°F and add a minute or two — check at 5 minutes so you dont overcook.
– Warm the fig jam a few seconds or thin it with a tiny splash of water so it spreads easier and wont pool, and serve extra jam or a dab of Dijon on the side for contrast, the sweet and tangy together really make it sing.
Easy Air Fryer Grilled Ham And Cheese Recipe
I’m sharing my Air Fryer Grilled Ham And Cheese Sandwich recipe that comes together in just 10 minutes, using deli or leftover holiday ham and fig jam for a savory-sweet twist.
1
servings
730
kcal
Equipment: 1. Air fryer (preheat to 370°F 188°C)
2. Heatproof spatula for flipping and pressing the sandwich
3. Butter knife for spreading the softened butter
4. Small spoon for the fig jam
5. Microwave and microwave safe plate (optional, if you need to warm thick ham)
6. Serrated knife and cutting board for slicing and resting the sandwich
7. Tongs or oven mitts to remove the hot sandwich safely
8. Plate for serving, plus a paper towel or cooling rack if you want less sogginess
Ingredients
-
2 slices sandwich bread (sourdough, white or country)
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
-
3 ounces thinly sliced deli ham or leftover holiday ham
-
2 ounces Gouda cheese, sliced (about 2 slices)
-
1 tablespoon fig jam, plus extra if you like
-
Nonstick cooking spray (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for about 2 to 3 minutes so it's hot and ready.
- Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread, cover the whole surface don't be shy with it.
- On the unbuttered side of one slice spread 1 tablespoon fig jam, add more later if you like it sweeter.
- Layer 3 ounces thin sliced deli or leftover holiday ham over the jam, then lay 2 ounces Gouda (about 2 slices) on top. If the holiday ham is thick warm it briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds so it heats through.
- Close the sandwich with the other bread slice, buttered side facing out, press gently so it holds but dont squish all the fillings out.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray if your basket tends to stick, then place the sandwich in the basket flat.
- Air fry at 370°F for 6 to 8 minutes total, flipping once at about 3 to 4 minutes and pressing gently with a spatula after the flip so the crust browns evenly. Check for a deep golden color and melty cheese.
- Remove the sandwich carefully (cheese will be hot), let it rest 1 minute then slice and serve. Enjoy the sweet and savory combo.
Notes
- Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 253g
- Total number of serves: 1
- Calories: 730kcal
- Fat: 49g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Polyunsaturated: 3g
- Monounsaturated: 18g
- Cholesterol: 182mg
- Sodium: 1400mg
- Potassium: 540mg
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 38g
- Vitamin A: 800IU
- Vitamin C: 0.5mg
- Calcium: 450mg
- Iron: 1.7mg
