Discover a quick, delicious vegan meal with our Air Fryer Vegan Cheese and Ham Sandwich. Perfectly toasted sourdough bread, melty vegan cheese, and savory ham make this easy, plant-based recipe a must-try!
Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying vegan meal? Look no further! Our Air Fryer Vegan Cheese and Ham Sandwich is the perfect solution. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a warm, melty, and flavor-packed sandwich that's sure to hit the spot. This recipe combines savory vegan air fryer ham and gooey vegan cheese, complemented by fresh veggies and herbs, all nestled between slices of perfectly toasted sourdough bread. Ready in under 10 minutes, it's an ideal option for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack. Let's get started!
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Ingredients
The ingredients for our Air Fryer Vegan Cheese and Ham Sandwich are thoughtfully chosen to deliver a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The foundation of this sandwich is sourdough vegan bread, offering a slightly tangy and robust base. Vegan ham and cheese slices provide a savory and creamy core, perfectly mimicking the classic sandwich experience. Thinly sliced red onion and cherry tomatoes add a fresh, juicy crunch, while grated vegan cheese boosts the cheesy goodness. A touch of olive oil ensures a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
To elevate the taste, we sprinkle chopped chives, freshly ground pepper, and dill, adding a burst of herby freshness. These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to create cheese sandwiches that are not only delicious but also entirely plant-based.
You will need...
- sourdough vegan bread
- Vegan ham
- Vegan cheese slices
- red Onion
- grated vegan cheese
- cherry tomatoes
- olive oil
- chopped chives
- freshly grounded pepper
- dill
For exact quantities see the recipe card below.

Instructions & Step-by-Step Photos
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Take one slice of sourdough bread and spread a thin layer of olive oil on one side. Repeat with the other slice so that one side of each slice of bread has been oiled. Place the oiled side of one slice of bread facing down in the air fryer basket.
Layer the vegan slices of ham and cheese slices on top of the bread slice. Thinly slice the onion and place them along with the slices of tomato on top of the cheese.

Sprinkle grated vegan cheese, chopped dill and chives on top of the vegetables. Place the second slice of bread on top of the sandwich, with the oiled side facing up.
Lightly press down on the assembled sandwich to ensure it stays together and place the sandwich in the air fryer basket. Place the air fryer basket in the preheated air fryer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Carefully remove the sandwich from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Cooking time will vary according to your air fryer so make sure that you keep an eye on your cheese toastie while it is cooking!
Allow the sandwich to cool for a minute or two before serving. Cut the sandwich in half diagonally and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Vegan Cheese and Ham Sandwich!
📖 Recipe
Vegan Air Fryer Cheese and Ham Sandwich
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Discover a quick, delicious vegan meal with our Air Fryer Vegan Cheese and Ham Sandwich. Perfectly toasted sourdough bread, melty vegan cheese, and savory ham make this easy, plant-based recipe a must-try!
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Take one slice of sourdough bread and spread a thin layer of olive oil on one side. Repeat with the other slice. Place the oiled side of one slice of bread facing down in the air fryer basket.
2. Layer the vegan ham and cheese slices on top of the bread slice, thinly slice the onion and sliced cherry tomatoes and add them on top of the cheese.
3. Sprinkle grated vegan cheese, chopped dill and chives on top of the vegetables. Place the second slice of bread on top of the sandwich, with the oiled side facing up.
4. Lightly press down on the sandwich to ensure it stays together and place the sandwich in the air fryer basket. Place the air fryer basket in the preheated air fryer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Carefully remove the sandwich from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula.
5. Allow the sandwich to cool for a minute or two before serving. Cut the sandwich in half diagonally and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Vegan Cheese and Ham Sandwich!
Substitutions
This recipe is dairy free, egg free and vegan. If you did have any dietary requirements that need accommodating though, here are some substitutions you can make...
- Bread: Substitute the sourdough vegan bread with any other vegan bread of your choice, such as whole grain, , regular white bread, ciabatta, or gluten-free bread.
- Vegan Ham: Use other plant-based deli slices or grilled ham slices, or opt for marinated tofu, tempeh bacon, or seitan slices.
- Vegan Cheese Slices: Replace with any other type of vegan cheese you prefer, such as shredded vegan mozzarella, cheddar, or a homemade cashew cheese spread. A melty cheese works best. If it helps, here is a great Violife cheese review.
- Red Onion: Substitute with other types of onions like white or yellow onions, or use shallots for a milder flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Use regular tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers instead.
- Grated Vegan Cheese: Replace with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the need for additional vegan cheese, or skip it if you prefer less cheese.
- Olive Oil: Use any other type of oil such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or a vegan butter spread.
- Chopped Chives: Substitute with green onions (scallions) or skip them if you don't have any on hand.
- Freshly Ground Pepper: Use ground white pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a different flavor profile.
- Dill: Replace with other fresh herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, or thyme depending on your taste preference.
These substitutions allow you to customize the sandwich to your liking and ensure you can still enjoy it even if you don't have all the original ingredients on hand.
Variations
There are several variations you can try to keep your Air Fryer Vegan Cheese and Ham Sandwich exciting and tailored to your taste preferences:
- Spicy Kick: Add a few slices of pickled jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sandwich for some heat.
- Mushroom Medley: Sauté a few slices of mushrooms and add them to the sandwich for an earthy flavor.
- Avocado Delight: Add slices of ripe avocado for a creamy texture and extra nutrients.
- Green Goodness: Include some fresh spinach or arugula leaves for a burst of greenery and added crunch.
- BBQ Twist: Spread a thin layer of vegan BBQ sauce on the bread before assembling the sandwich for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro instead of dill and chives for varied aromatic profiles.
- Pesto Flavor: Spread a layer of vegan pesto on the bread for a rich, garlicky taste that pairs wonderfully with vegan cheese and ham. A great addition to this deli sandwich in my opinion!
- Tomato Basil: Add a few slices of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a Mediterranean twist.
- Nutty Addition: Spread a thin layer of vegan cream cheese or nut-based cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Olive Tapenade: Spread some olive tapenade on the bread for a savory, briny flavor that complements the vegan ham and cheese.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your perfect vegan sandwich!
FAQ's
Can I make this sandwich without an air fryer?
Yes, you can make this air fryer recipe using a stovetop frying pan or a conventional oven. For the stovetop, cook the sandwich in a preheated skillet over medium heat, pressing down occasionally, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. In the oven, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
What can I use instead of vegan ham?
You can use other plant-based deli slices, marinated tofu, tempeh bacon, or seitan slices as substitutes for vegan ham.
How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?
Ensure you use a minimal amount of oil on the slices of bread and avoid overloading the sandwich with wet ingredients. Slightly toasting the bread before assembling can also help keep it from getting soggy.
Can I add more vegetables to this sandwich?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, arugula, bell peppers, mushrooms, or avocado for added flavor and nutrition.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free vegan bread instead of regular sourdough bread to make this sandwich gluten-free.
What type of vegan cheese melts the best for this sandwich?
Brands like Violife, Daiya, and Follow Your Heart are known for their good melting properties. However, it's always best to try a few to find your favorite type of cheese alternative as tastes vary. For the perfect grilled cheese sandwich you will want a sharp cheddar cheese (plant based) that melts well.
Can I prepare this sandwich ahead of time?
It's best to prepare this sandwich fresh to enjoy the crispy texture. However, you can assemble the ingredients in advance and store them separately, then quickly assemble and air fry when ready to eat.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover sandwich in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Can I use different herbs and spices?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices like basil, parsley, thyme, or even a sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika to customize the flavor.
What side dishes go well with this sandwich?
This sandwich pairs well with a side salad, sweet potato fries, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup such as tomato soup for a complete meal.
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Alina Davies says
I hope you love this easy lunch recipe!