Bagel sandwiches are so versatile depending what you top them with. They’re always a fan favorite for breakfast and lunch around here. To me, there’s nothing better than a hot ham and cheese bagel in the air fryer, which is ready in 10 minutes or less!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
For starters, there’s just something purely classic about a hot ham and cheese sandwich. The crunchy bagel makes the perfect bread, and you can dress it up to your liking.
Add some egg and you have yourself a breakfast sandwich, or put some mustard in there for a nice lunch option.
Oh and did I mention it’s a great way to use up leftovers? If you’ve got ham sitting around from Christmas, Easter, or another family meal, don’t let it go to waste! This recipe works perfectly with leftover ham or deli ham, depending on the season.
That said, it’s equally easy to just toast a bagel in the air fryer to add butter or cream cheese to if you’re not in a sandwich mood.
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Ingredients to Grab
- 1 Bagel, any flavor
- 2 Slices ham
- 1 Slice cheese
- Other toppings as desired (optional)
Ingredient Suggestions and Variations
- Bagel. I like everything bagels best for the added flavor, but you can use any type you like. Feel free to substitute a bagel thin, English muffin, ciabatta, a croissant, or a bun instead. I also made a guide on how to cook frozen croissants in the air fryer to help out there
- Ham. The type of ham is up to you! Leftover sliced holiday ham is perfect for this, but you can also use thin-sliced ham, black forest ham, grilled ham, Canadian bacon, or cooked regular bacon
- Cheese. I recommend using cheddar or swiss cheese (I’m using cheddar today). Other less common (but still tasty) options include provolone, pepper jack, brie, or fresh mozzarella
- Variations. Feel free to add vegetables (caramelized onions, spinach, lettuce, or sliced tomato is perfect), a fried egg for a breakfast sandwich, herby cream cheese, mayonnaise, worcestershire sauce, or Dijon mustard for a savory option
- Seasonings. Your bagel may already have flavor on it, but if not, feel free to add some inside, or on top with the help of some brushed melted butter! Everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, and onion powder are some of my favorites
How to Make an Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Bagel
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F
- Slice your bagels (if not pre-sliced)
- If desired, spread a dressing (such as Dijon mustard or cream cheese) on bottom half of bagel (optional)
- To the bottom bagel, add two ham slices
- Top ham with a slice of cheese
- Add any vegetables desired on top of the cheese (optional)
- Place top of bagel on, creating a sandwich
- Add the sandwich to your preheated air fryer basket
- Cook on air fry setting for 4-6 minutes at 375°F, until bagel is toasted and cheese is melted
- Serve with any desired sides and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
Can You Make a Bagel Sandwich in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can make a bagel sandwich in an air fryer.
The air fryer will toast the bagel and heat the sandwich fillings simultaneously. This method works with a variety of fillings suitable for breakfast, lunch, or brunch.
How Long Should You Air Fry a Bagel Sandwich?
Generally, you should air fry a bagel sandwich between 4-5 minutes.
If you use a thin bagel, 2-3 minutes should be sufficient, whereas an overstuffed bagel may require 1-2 minutes more.
What Air Fryer Temperature Do You Use For a Bagel Sandwich?
Use an air fryer temperature of 375°F to 380°F, depending on available settings.
I recommend preheating the air fryer as well to avoid cold spots on the bottom, since this type of sandwich does not get flipped during cooking.
Recipe Pro Tips
- There’s no need to flip the sandwich in your air fryer during cooking
- My ham and cheese was perfect after 5 minutes in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. Other brands and sizes of air fryers may vary slightly (as will the thickness of your bagel and fillings)
- The amounts of meat and cheese may be adjusted to your liking
- Be careful removing it from the air fryer – it will be hot! I recommend a spatula or tongs, or letting it sit for a few minutes
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store any leftover ham and cheese sandwich in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days
- To reheat a bagel sandwich in the air fryer, use a lower temperature of 350°F and heat for 3-5 minutes, until warmed through. Time can vary slightly between air fryers and based on sandwich thickness, so adjust as needed
Final Thoughts
Making an air fryer ham and cheese bagel sandwich is so easy. It makes the perfect quick lunch at under 10 minutes including both prep and cook time.
What’s not to love about savory ham, melty cheese, and your favorite condiments, toppings, and seasonings. It’s super customizable, so you can enjoy your sandwich just the way you like it! I also love to add an egg to make an easy breakfast sandwich!
Honestly, the air fryer is great for sandwiches all around. Just look at this tasty BLT made with turkey bacon cooked in the air fryer. You could try a new sandwich every day on your lunch break and never get bored!
Hot Ham and Cheese Bagel in Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Bagel (any flavor)
- 2 slices Ham (spiral sliced or deli)
- 1 slice Cheese (cheddar or swiss recommended)
- Other toppings as desired (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F
- Slice your bagels (if not pre-sliced)1 Bagel
- If desired, spread a dressing (such as Dijon mustard or cream cheese) on bottom half of bagel (optional)
- To the bottom bagel, add two slices of ham2 slices Ham
- Top ham with a slice of cheese1 slice Cheese
- Add any vegetables desired on top of the cheese (optional)Other toppings as desired
- Place top of bagel on, creating a sandwich
- Add the sandwich to your preheated air fryer basket
- Cook on air fry setting for 4-6 minutes at 375°F, until bagel is toasted and cheese is melted
- Serve with any desired sides and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ham from the holidays!
- Add a fried egg before air frying to make a breakfast sandwich
- If you’d like to add veggies, spinach or sliced tomatoes are great choices
- Dijon is a good dressing for a lunch variation, and herb and garlic cream cheese is perfect for breakfast (if you want a sauce that is – it’s juicy and delicious without)
- Feel free to adjust amounts of meat and cheese to your liking
- Be careful removing the sandwich from the air fryer – it will be hot!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
