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    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

    Easy Air Fryer Panini (Ham & Brie)

    Published: Feb 25, 2025 · Modified: Feb 25, 2025 by Beth Sachs · 4 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe
    air fryer panini pin image.

    Crispy air fryer panini, oozing with soft melted brie and sweet honey-roasted ham. It's the perfect quick snack or easy lunch!

    Pair it with sweet potato fries or air fryer chips and don't forget the side salad. You might also like my air fryer cheese on toast recipe!

    2 paninis with ham and brie.

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    This ranks high among my children's top post-school treats, and I'm right there with them.

    Paninis are hearty, heartwarming, and just the ticket for cold days.

    I love brie and honey-glazed ham (topped off with a touch of cranberry sauce) but feel free to opt for any good melting cheese and switch up the meat – or skip it for a veggie version.

    Love cheesy air fryer snacks? You might also like my air fryer pizza bagels, air fryer toasted sandwich, air fryer tuna melt, and air fryer crustless quiche recipes!

    eBook front cover.

    ⭐Air Fryer Recipe eBook⭐

    With easy-to-follow recipes & instructions, you'll be able to master the art of air fryer cooking in no time. Buy now for £2.99!

    Jump to:
    • ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
    • 🛒 Ingredient notes
    • 🔪 How to make panini in air fryer
    • Top Tips
    • 🍴 Serving suggestions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥡 Storage
    • ❓ Frequently asked questions
    • 😋 Latest air fryer recipes on the blog
    • Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!

    1. The air fryer ensures a perfectly crisp exterior while maintaining a soft middle, striking the right balance of textures in your panini sandwich.
    2. Making a panini in the air fryer is quicker compared to traditional methods. You can have it prepped and cooked in under 10 minutes!
    3. You can experiment with various fillings, be it different cheeses, meats, or vegetarian alternatives, catering to all tastes.
    4. The air fryer is straightforward to clean post-cooking, meaning less time spent on washing up and more on enjoying your food.

    "My daughter loves toasties so cannot wait to try this one out - especially since it's air fryer friendly!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sashi

    🛒 Ingredient notes

    Ingredients for air fryer panini.

    To make this easy ham and cheese panini in the air fryer, you'll need just a handful of ingredients!

    Panini Rolls - 2 panini rolls (I like the ones with the grill marks), but you could also use ciabatta rolls.

    Ham - 6 slices of honey roast ham.

    Brie - 100g of brie, sliced into lengths. You could also use grated cheddar or gruyere. Mozzarella would also melt nicely.

    Tomato - 1 beef tomato cut into thick slices.

    Cranberry Sauce - for extra flavour. You could swap this for caramelised onion chutney, sriracha mayo, BBQ sauce, or pesto mayo.

    🔪 How to make panini in air fryer

    The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post

    One: Preheat the air fryer to 180 °C (350 °F).

    Two: Slice the panini rolls lengthways then spread half the cranberry sauce on one side only.

    Three: Top with the sliced brie, ham slices, and tomato.

    Step by step photo instructions for making an air fryer panini.

    Four: Spread the remaining cranberry sauce on the other side of the panini roll, then fold over onto the filling and press down firmly (use your hands or a heavy pan). You almost need to squash it!

    Five: Place the paninis in the air fryer basket and air fry for 5-7 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted.

    Six: Allow to cool for a minute before removing from the air fryer and serving immediately!

    Panini's in an air fryer basket.

    Top Tips

    • Just like a traditional oven, pre-heating your air fryer ensures consistent cooking and a perfectly toasted panini.
    • Line the air fryer basket with foil or baking parchment paper if you want an easy clean-up! I don't usually bother though.
    • While it's tempting to load up on fillings, an overstuffed panini might not cook evenly, or the contents might leak out into the air fryer basket.
    • Consider using a heat-resistant object or a small oven-safe dish to place on top of the panini, ensuring a uniform press.
    • Before removing the panini, ensure that the cheese has melted to your liking. If not, give it an extra minute or two.
    • After cooking, let your panini sit for a minute. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes slicing easier.

    🍴 Serving suggestions

    • A classic combo is a panini paired with a bowl of soup. Tomato and basil, roasted red pepper, or even a hearty vegetable soup pairs beautifully.
    • Opt for a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or even a Caesar salad.
    • A handful of lightly salted crisps can provide a satisfying crunch on the side. Air fryer chips or French fries are good too!
    • A fresh apple coleslaw or even a tangy red cabbage slaw can be a nice accompaniment, providing both crunch and flavour.
    • Offer a selection of dips like salsa, guacamole, or a garlic aioli for an added layer of flavour.
    Two air fryer panini rolls with brie and ham.

    📖 Variations

    Here are some tasty variations to consider for your air fryer panini, giving a twist to the classic ham and brie:

    1. Chicken and Pesto: Use grilled chicken slices with basil pesto, mozzarella, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean touch.
    2. Caprese: Combine fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves. Drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze or reduction before pressing.
    3. Roasted Veggie: Use roasted bell peppers, courgettes, and aubergines with hummus or goat's cheese spread for a vegetarian delight.
    4. Tuna Melt: Mix canned tuna with mayonnaise, a hint of mustard, sliced red onions, and top with cheddar cheese.
    5. BBQ Pulled Pork: Use slow-cooked pulled pork or slow cooker pulled beef with BBQ sauce, paired with mature cheddar.
    6. Reuben: Combine corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing for a classic deli sandwich.
    7. Fig and Goat's Cheese: Fresh or dried figs, soft goat's cheese, and a sprinkle of rosemary. Drizzle with a touch of honey before pressing.
    8. Brie, Apple, and Walnut: Layer thin apple slices with brie and sprinkle some chopped walnuts. The crunchy, sweet, and creamy combination is divine.
    9. Roast Beef and Swiss Cheese: Thinly sliced roast beef, horseradish mayo, and slices of swiss cheese.

    🥡 Storage

    Air fryer paninis should be eaten fresh, straight from the air fryer.

    If you have any leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to melt the cheese again.

    Two panini rolls on a wooden board with celery sticks.

    ❓ Frequently asked questions

    How long does it take to cook a panini in an air fryer?

    Cooking a panini in an air fryer typically takes 5 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bread and the contents. Make sure to check the panini periodically to prevent overcooking, as some air fryer models may cook quicker than others.

    How to achieve crispy texture in air fried paninis?

    To achieve a crispy texture in air fried paninis, preheat your air fryer to the cooking temperature. You can also lightly coat the outside of the bread with a small amount of oil or cooking spray to enhance the crispiness.

    Are there any tips for reheating a panini with an air fryer?

    To reheat a panini in an air fryer, set the temperature to 160°C (320°F) and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sandwich. This will refresh the crust without overcooking the contents. Keep an eye on the panini to avoid overheating.

    Can I use other cheeses?

    Certainly! Feel free to experiment. Mozzarella or cheddar are good alternatives.

    😋 Latest air fryer recipes on the blog

    • Air fryer tuna mwlt sandwich on a wooden board with salad and crisps.
      Best Ever Air Fryer Tuna Melt Recipe
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      Air Fryer Mini Egg Dessert Pots
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      Air Fryer Creme Egg Croissant Recipe
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    Two ham and cheese paninis on a wooden board.

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    Recipe

    Gourmet air fryer panini on a wooden board.
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    5 from 5 votes

    Easy Air Fryer Panini (Ham & Brie)

    Crispy air fryer panini, oozing with soft melted brie and sweet honey-roasted ham! It's the perfect quick snack or easy lunch!
    Course Snack
    Cuisine British
    Prep Time 2 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time 7 minutes minutes
    Servings 2
    Calories 452kcal
    Author Beth Sachs
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    Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients

    Metric - US Customary
    • 2 Panini Rolls cut in half lengthways
    • 2 tablespoon Cranberry Sauce
    • 100 g Brie sliced
    • 6 Slices of Honey Roast Ham
    • 1 Tomato sliced

    Instructions

    • Preheat the air fryer to 180 °C (350 °F).
    • Spread half the cranberry sauce over one cut side of each panini.
      2 tablespoon Cranberry Sauce, 2 Panini Rolls
    • Top with the sliced brie, ham slices, and tomato.
      100 g Brie, 6 Slices of Honey Roast Ham, 1 Tomato
    • Spread the remaining cranberry sauce on the other cut slice of each panini roll, then fold over onto the filling and press down firmly (use your hands or a heavy pan). You almost need to squash it!
    • Place the paninis in the air fryer basket and air fry for 5-7 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted
    • Allow to cool for a minute before removing from the air fryer and serving immediately!

    Notes

    Top Tips:
    • Just like a traditional oven, pre-heating your air fryer ensures consistent cooking and a perfectly toasted panini.
    • Line the air fryer basket with foil or baking parchment paper if you want an easy clean-up! I don't usually bother though.
    • While it's tempting to load up on fillings, an overstuffed panini might not cook evenly, or the contents might leak out into the air fryer basket.
    • Consider using a heat-resistant object or a small oven-safe dish to place on top of the panini, ensuring a uniform press.
    • Before removing the panini, ensure that the cheese has melted to your liking. If not, give it an extra minute or two.
    • After cooking, let your panini sit for a minute. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes slicing easier.
     
    Nutrition:
    The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
     
    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Air Fryer Panini (Ham & Brie)
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    452
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    23
    g
    35
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    12
    g
    75
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    8
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    81
    mg
    27
    %
    Sodium
     
    1186
    mg
    52
    %
    Potassium
     
    369
    mg
    11
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    35
    g
    12
    %
    Fiber
     
    2
    g
    8
    %
    Sugar
     
    7
    g
    8
    %
    Protein
     
    27
    g
    54
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    815
    IU
    16
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    9
    mg
    11
    %
    Calcium
     
    102
    mg
    10
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Snap a pic and tag @effortlessf00d on Instagram or Twitter
    eBook front cover.

    ⭐Air Fryer Recipe eBook⭐

    With easy-to-follow recipes & instructions, you'll be able to master the art of air fryer cooking in no time. Buy now for £2.99!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dina and Bruce

      August 30, 2023 at 10:44 am

      5 stars
      Gonna make this for dinner tonight! Sounds so good!

      Reply
    2. Shashi at Savory Spin

      August 30, 2023 at 12:41 pm

      5 stars
      My daughter loves toasties so cannot wait to try this one out - especially since it's air fryer friendly! 🙂

      Reply
    3. Toni

      August 30, 2023 at 1:27 pm

      5 stars
      Such a perfect snack! My kids really loved it!

      Reply
    4. Dannoo

      August 30, 2023 at 3:30 pm

      5 stars
      One of my favourite ways to use the air fryer. So crispy and delicious.

      Reply
    5 from 5 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    Hi, I'm Beth!

    Mum of three (and two crazy dogs), living in Cornwall, UK. I love creating easy, delicious and fuss-free recipes, perfect for busy families, just like my own.

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