Air Fryer Hot Chicken Ham and Cheese Recipe – Crispy Delight!

Crispy, golden perfection awaits you in this delectable air fryer hot chicken ham and cheese creation that promises to revolutionize your meal routine.

Southern comfort meets modern cooking technology with a delightful twist.

Juicy chicken nestled between layers of melted cheese and savory ham creates an irresistible combination that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Minimal effort leads to maximum flavor in this ingenious dish.

The magic happens quickly, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that looks like it came from a gourmet kitchen.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch, spice, and cheesy goodness.

This recipe will become your new go-to meal that impresses everyone at the table.

Why Air Fryer Hot Chicken Ham and Cheese Brings the Heat

• Speed Up Lunch Prep: Whip up these hot chicken sandwiches in under 15 minutes using the air fryer, making it perfect for busy weekdays or quick weekend meals.
• Crispy Meets Creamy Delight: Experience the perfect balance of crispy air-fried chicken with melted cheese and tender ham, creating a mouthwatering texture combination that'll make taste buds dance.
• Customizable Flavor Explosion: Play with seasonings like garlic powder and smoked paprika to create a personalized sandwich that suits your flavor preferences, turning a simple recipe into a gourmet experience.
• Healthier Comfort Food Hack: Enjoy a lighter version of a classic sandwich by air frying instead of deep-frying, reducing oil while maintaining that satisfying crunch and golden-brown exterior.

Everything That Goes Into Hot Chicken Ham and Cheese

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and juicy meat that serves as the base of the sandwich, perfect for air frying.
• Ham: Adds savory flavor and extra protein to complement the chicken.

• Cheese Slice: Melts beautifully to create a creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Butter: Helps toast the buns and adds golden crispiness.

• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic flavor to the chicken.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth and mild heat to the seasoning.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall taste of the chicken.
• Mustard or Mayonnaise: Optional spread that adds tangy or creamy flavor to the sandwich.

• Sandwich Buns: Serves as the base for the hot chicken sandwich.
• Lettuce or Spinach: Optional fresh greens for added crunch and nutrition.

How to Cook Hot Chicken Ham and Cheese in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the spices into both sides of the chicken, ensuring every inch gets some love.

Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the seasoned chicken into the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not crowding each other. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through, do a quick flip to ensure even cooking. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 3: Create the Sandwich Base

• Layer a slice of ham on each chicken breast
• Top with a slice of cheese
• Split your sandwich buns
• Brush the inside of the buns with melted butter
• Optional: Spread a layer of mustard or mayonnaise for extra zing

Step 4: Toast and Melt

• Place bun bottoms in the basket
• Add the chicken with ham and cheese
• Position the bun tops slightly to the side

Air fry for 2-3 minutes until the cheese becomes gooey and the buns turn golden brown.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

• Crisp lettuce
• Fresh spinach leaves

Plate immediately and enjoy the crispy, melty goodness while it’s hot!

Top Tricks for Crispy and Gooey Hot Chicken Ham and Cheese

• Prevent Chicken Dryness: Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure crispy exterior and juicy interior, which helps spices adhere better and promotes even cooking.
• Optimize Cheese Melting: Let cheese sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before assembling sandwiches, enabling more uniform melting and preventing cold centers.
• Control Bread Toasting: Brush bun surfaces lightly with butter to achieve golden-brown crispiness without oversaturating, ensuring a perfectly toasted texture.
• Customize Flavor Profiles: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or smoked gouda to add unique depth and personalize your sandwich experience.
• Ensure Food Safety: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F internally, guaranteeing thorough cooking and preventing potential foodborne illness.

How to Save Leftovers Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Reheating in Air Fryer: Restore crispiness by preheating the air fryer to 350F. Unwrap the sandwich and place it in the basket, heating for 3-4 minutes until warm and crisp. Check midway to prevent overcooking.
• Microwave Option: For a quick warm-up, heat the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Be aware that the bread might lose its crunchiness compared to the air fryer method.
• Freezing: Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the air fryer or microwave method.

What Goes Well with Hot Chicken Ham and Cheese

• Spice Up with Pickle Perfection: Serve the hot chicken sandwich alongside crisp, tangy dill pickles to cut through the richness of the melted cheese and buttery bun.
• Cool Down with Creamy Coleslaw: Pair the spicy chicken sandwich with a creamy, cool coleslaw that balances the heat and adds a refreshing crunch to each bite.
• Fizz and Flavor Combo: Complement the sandwich with an ice-cold craft beer or a sparkling lemonade to refresh your palate and enhance the meal's bold flavors.
• Crisp Side Salad Solution: Toss a light mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to provide a fresh, light counterpoint to the hearty, warm sandwich.

Tasty Variants of Hot Chicken Ham and Cheese

• Spicy Southwest Spin: Replace smoked paprika with chili powder and add cayenne pepper for heat. Top with pepper jack cheese and add sliced jalapeños for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Season chicken with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Swap ham for prosciutto and use provolone cheese. Spread sun-dried tomato pesto on buns for extra flavor.
• Bourbon BBQ Crunch: Brush chicken with bourbon-infused BBQ sauce before air frying. Use sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon strips. Add crispy onion straws for extra texture.
• Asian-Inspired Blend: Marinate chicken in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Use Swiss cheese and replace ham with thin-sliced teriyaki chicken. Drizzle with sriracha mayo for a tangy finish.

FAQs on Hot Chicken Ham and Cheese

• Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! Cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack work great and can add unique flavors to your hot chicken sandwich.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The current recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can easily add heat by using spicy mustard, hot sauce, or adding cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix for that classic hot chicken feel.

• Do I need a special type of chicken for this recipe?

No, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they’re uniform in thickness for even cooking in the air fryer. If they’re thick, you might want to pound them slightly to ensure even cooking.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can pre-season the chicken and have ingredients ready. Cook the chicken and assemble just before serving to keep the buns crisp and cheese melty.

Air Fryer Hot Chicken Ham And Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy southern air fryer hot chicken ham and cheese fuses Nashville’s fiery spirit with melty, comforting flavors. Crispy breaded chicken nestled with salty ham and gooey cheese creates a quick, irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (thinly sliced or pounded to 0.5 inch thickness)
• 4 slices deli ham

Cheese and Bread:

• 4 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
• 4 sandwich buns or rolls

Seasonings and Condiments:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter, melted
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Dijon mustard
• mayonnaise
• lettuce or baby spinach

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Instructions

1. Transform chicken breasts into flavor-packed canvases by generously coating both sides with a robust blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single, uncrowded layer within the air fryer basket, ensuring maximum heat circulation and even cooking.
3. Activate the air fryer to 375F (190C) and cook the chicken for approximately 8-10 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee thorough and uniform preparation, until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (74C).
4. While chicken rests momentarily, prepare sandwich components by laying a delicate slice of ham and melted cheese atop each perfectly cooked breast.
5. Gently brush sandwich buns’ interior with golden, liquefied butter, creating a rich foundation for additional condiments like tangy mustard or creamy mayonnaise.
6. Position bun bottoms inside the air fryer, carefully layer with cheese-adorned chicken and ham, then crown with bun tops slightly offset to prevent excessive moisture absorption.
7. Crisp the assembled sandwiches for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts luxuriously and buns transform into golden, crunchy vessels.
8. Elevate the final presentation by nestling fresh lettuce or vibrant spinach leaves between layers, then serve these gourmet air-fried creations immediately while warmth and texture remain pristine.

Notes

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a more flavorful crust.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and crispy exterior.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to accurately check chicken’s internal temperature for perfectly cooked meat.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular buns with gluten-free alternatives or lettuce wraps.
• Experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack or Swiss for varied flavor profiles.
• Quickly brush buns with garlic butter before toasting for an extra aromatic and rich taste experience.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall meal preparation time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg