When I was a really young bride and mother, my father used to stop by my place on his day off every week for lunch. I used to make him a Bologna and Cheese Toastie. He loved them. Sometimes, if I had them, I would insert a couple of blades of fresh chives into the sandwich. He really loved that!
A toastie is basically the name that the British use for a grilled/toasted sandwich. They would not call a Grilled Cheese a Grilled Cheese for example, it would be known as a Cheese Toastie.
I don't know about you, but I think the word "Toastie" automatically makes something taste better. We are such suggestive creatures.
My father has been in hospital for a week now, so dinners have been very simple these days. Much of our time is being spent with him in the hospital. He's not enjoying any toasties of course, but as soon as we can get him home, I am sure we will be treating him to one! (Hopefully more sooner than later!)
This Ham and Cheese Toastie with its filling of delicious smoky Italian Deli Ham, creamy rich cheddar cheese and grainy mustard is a real favorite. Add a cup of soup and you have a delicious lunch or light supper.
I like to do my toasties in the air fryer these days. Not only do you get a lovely and buttery crisp finish, but they stay crisp, never soggy and you don't end up with smushed bread from having to press it down in a skillet. The air circulates all around the buttered bread and bakes/brown it up nice and, well . . . toastie!
I do confess I used a bit of extra cheddar in this sandwich as I accidentally grated more, and I didn't want it to dry up or go to waste. Waste not, want not as they say. Can there ever be too much cheese? I think not!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED
TO MAKE
AIR FRYER HAM & CHEESE TOASTIE
There is nothing too complicated here.
- 2 thick slices of quality white bread
- 2 TBS butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (60g) hand grated strong cheddar cheese
- 4 thin slices deli ham
- 1/2 TBS grainy Dijon mustard
I used Dempster's Texas Toast White Sandwich Bread. It is nice and thick and toasts up very nicely.
I only keep salted butter in the house, so that is what I used.
I love Coastal Cheddar Cheese. It is made in Devon in the U.K. It has a beautiful flavor. You can find it at Costco, and I also buy it in Sobey's here in Canada. It's lovely. In any case, use a good strong, well-flavored cheddar cheese.
I used Italian Deli ham from the deli-counter. Thinly sliced. I used only four slices, but you use as much as you like! Less is more I find, however. You want the sandwich to hold together.
I used French's grainy Dijon mustard.
.jpg "Air Fryer Ham & Cheese Toastie")
HOW TO MAKE
AN AIR FRYER HAM & CHEESE TOASTIE
Quick, easy and delicious, these come out perfectly toasted each and every time. I do confess, I probably added a bit more cheese to this one. I had it grated and didn't want to waste it.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400*F/200*C if necessary.
- Butter both slices of bread liberally on both sides. Place one slice of bread into the tray of your air fryer. Spread with the grainy mustard. (The butter helps things to stick better.)
- Reserve 3 TBS of the cheese to put on top of the sandwich. Sprinkle 1/2 of the rest on top of the mustard spread slice of bread in the air fryer. (Divide the cheese up so there is some both on top and bottom of the ham so that it sticks and stays in the sandwich better.)
- Lay the slices of ham evenly over top of the cheese. Scatter the remaining cheese on top. Then place the other slice of bread over top, butter side up.
- Air fry for 4 minutes at 400*F/200*C. Remove from the air fryer basket, carefully flip over and return to the basket. Scatter the reserved cheddar cheese on top. (I try to pile most of it near the center of the bread.)
- Return to the air fryer and continue to air fry for 4 to 5 minutes longer at 400*F/200*C until the cheese on top is how you know you will enjoy it, and the cheese inside has melted. (I like mine nice and melty.)
- Remove from the air fryer basket, cut in half and serve immediately. Enjoy! (I do like it to sit for a few minutes to avoid cheese burn on my tongue and mouth.)
WHAT TO SERVE
WITH
AN AIR FRYER HAM & CHEESE TOASTIE
On this occasion I enjoyed my sandwich with an assortment of raw veggies. Fresh cherry tomatoes from my sister's garden and some sliced baby cucumbers. Fresh, crisp and they went beautifully on the side.
You could also serve this tasty sandwich with a hot cup of soup. Pick your favorite, but I believe cream soups go best, such as tomato, mushroom or even celery.
If you are feeling especially indulgent you could serve a side of potato chips with this sandwich. I would go for plain ones myself, but sour cream and onion would also be very nice. Heck! Who am I kidding, any kind of potato chip would be nice! (Or crisps as they are known in the U.K.)
For a dinner or heartier meal, you could serve this sandwich with some oven chips and a salad. I don't think anyone would complain.
WHY
I LIKE TO
AIR FRY TOASTIE SANDWICHES!
Here are a few reasons why air frying is a great idea!
1. Food is healthier using little or no fat in many instances to cook.
2. Food cooks much more evenly due to the circulation of air around it.
3. Not a lot to clean up afterwards. Air fryer parts more often than not will go in the dishwasher.
4. No more smashed or soggy sandwiches. Sandwiches stay nice and crisp.
5. Your kitchen stays nice and cool as compared to using the oven.
6. Well-suited to cooking for smaller families or individuals.
OTHER
AIR FRYER TOASTIE RECIPES
THAT YOU MIGHT ENJOY
If you enjoy using your air fryer, you might also enjoy using the following recipes. I guarantee they are delicious! (I know I am a bit biased!) (They can also be done in the skillet for those who don't have an air fryer.)
AIR FRYER REUBEN SANDWICH - Everything you love about a Reuben Sandwich in a crisp and buttery toastie, done in the air fryer. Crisp golden brown exterior, tangy kraut, smoked meat, cheese and a homemade Thousand Island Dressing. Buttery, crisp and generously filled. Easy and delicious.
AIR FRYER TUNA MELT - After making tuna melts in my air fryer, I will never make them any other way. These are fabulous. The bread stays nice and crisp with a beautiful golden-brown buttery crust. The filling is delicious, but that bread practically melts in the mouth, with a generous tuna and cheese filling.
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Yield: One Sandwich
Air Fryer Ham & Cheese Toastie
Prep time: 2 MinCook time: 9 MinTotal time: 11 Min
Crisp and buttery golden brown with a rich layer of cheddar cheese gilding the top and a smoky ham, cheese and grainy mustard filling. Use the best cheddar you can buy for this tasty sandwich!
Ingredients
- 2 thick slices of quality white bread
- 2 TBS butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (60g) hand grated strong cheddar cheese
- 4 thin slices deli ham
- 1/2 TBS grainy Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400*F/200*C if necessary.
- Butter both slices of bread liberally on both sides. Place one slice of bread into the tray of your air fryer. Spread with the grainy mustard.
- Reserve 3 TBS of the cheese to put on top of the sandwich. Sprinkle 1/2 of the rest on top of the mustard spread slice of bread in the air fryer.
- Lay the slices of ham evenly over top of the cheese. Scatter the remaining cheese on top. Then place the other slice of bread over top, butter side up.
- Air fry for 4 minutes at 400*F/200*C. Remove from the air fryer basket, carefully flip over and return to the basket. Scatter the reserved cheddar cheese on top.
- Return to the air fryer and continue to air fry for 4 to 5 minutes longer at 400*F/200*C until the cheese on top is how you know you will enjoy it, and the cheese inside has melted.
- Remove from the air fryer basket, cut in half and serve immediately. Enjoy!
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