Ingredients
Ham & Cheese Filling
- Sliced ham: deli ham, amount as desired
- Cheese sticks: mozzarella or cheddar, 8 sticks
Bread Coating
- Bread slices: white or whole wheat, 8 slices
- Egg wash: 1 large egg beaten with 1 tbsp water or milk
- Breading seasoning: garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste (optional)
- Cooking spray: as needed for air fryer basket
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Trim crusts off the bread slices and flatten each slice slightly with a rolling pin for easier wrapping. Lay the ham slices flat, place one cheese stick on top of each, then roll them up tightly inside the ham.
- Wrap with bread: Firmly enclose each ham and cheese roll inside a prepared bread slice. Seal all edges tightly, using a bit of water or egg wash if needed to secure the bread edges.
- Coat with egg wash and seasoning: Lightly dip each wrapped stick into the beaten egg wash. Optionally sprinkle or dip into a seasoned breadcrumb mixture or press gently with your hands to create a textured crust.
- Preheat and air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the sticks in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray the sticks with cooking spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese inside has melted.
- Serve warm: Carefully remove the sticks from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy perfectly gooey, crispy ham cheese sticks without mess.
Notes
- Seal edges well to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; allow space for even crisping.
- Use room temperature cheese sticks to help them melt evenly inside.
- Check cooking times as air fryers vary; adjust to avoid over-browning.
- Try different bread types or seasoned bread crumbs for extra flavor and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free bread)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: air fryer ham cheese sticks, crispy ham cheese snacks, easy appetizer, game day finger food, gluten free snack option