Introduction
Air Fryer Egg Ham and Cheese Toast is one of those magical breakfast recipes that combines simplicity with flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food—crispy toast forms the perfect base, savory ham adds richness, gooey melted cheese provides indulgence, and the egg? It ties everything together into a complete, protein-packed meal.
Whether you’re looking to impress weekend brunch guests or fuel up on a busy weekday, this easy recipe delivers every time. The best part? It takes less than 15 minutes to make and doesn’t require a stovetop or oven—just your trusty air fryer.
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make 2 servings of Air Fryer Egg Ham and Cheese Toast:
For the Base:
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4 slices of bread – Thick white bread, sourdough, or brioche work best
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Softened, for spreading on the bread
For the Filling:
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4 slices of deli ham – Honey ham, smoked ham, or black forest
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½ cup shredded cheese or 4 slices of cheese – Cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese
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2 large eggs – As fresh as possible
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Chopped chives or parsley (optional) – For garnish
Optional Add-Ons:
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Sliced tomatoes
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Spinach or arugula
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Dijon mustard or aioli for an extra flavor kick
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Red chili flakes for spice
🍴 Tools Needed
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Air fryer (any model with at least a 3.5-quart basket)
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Small spoon
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Butter knife
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Measuring spoons
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Spatula or tongs
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by selecting good-quality bread. You want slices thick enough to hold the toppings and soft enough to cradle the egg without tearing.
Using a butter knife, spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice. This will help the toast get golden and crispy in the air fryer.
Step 2: Create a Bread Nest
Take each slice of bread and press down the center with a spoon or your fingers to create a shallow well or indentation. This is where the egg will sit.
You can also use a cookie cutter to remove a small circle from the center if you prefer a “nest” style toast. Set aside the cut-out and toast it separately for dipping!
Step 3: Layer the Ham and Cheese
Line the bread with a slice or two of ham, slightly folding it into the indentation. Sprinkle or lay the cheese on top of the ham, making a little wall around the edges to help contain the egg.
Tip: If you’re using shredded cheese, create a small ring to keep the egg from running over the sides.
Step 4: Add the Egg
Carefully crack an egg into the center of each toast. Try to keep the yolk intact. If your eggs are too large, you can remove a bit of the white before adding it to avoid overflow.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.
Place the assembled toasts into the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
Cook for 7–9 minutes:
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For a runny yolk: 7 minutes
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For a slightly set yolk: 8 minutes
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For a firm yolk: 9–10 minutes
Check halfway through cooking to ensure the egg is cooking evenly. If the top isn’t cooking as fast, lightly cover the basket with foil to retain heat.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the toasts with a spatula or tongs. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like chives or parsley. Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the yolk is perfectly cooked.
🧂 Serving Suggestions
This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
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With avocado slices and sriracha for a spicy kick
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Alongside a fresh fruit salad for a light, balanced breakfast
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Topped with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for sweet-savory lovers
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Cut into triangles for brunch platters or party appetizers
🥄 Recipe Variations
1. Vegetarian Option
Skip the ham and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grilled veggies.
2. Spicy Mexican Style
Swap ham for cooked chorizo, and add jalapeños, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.
3. Classic Croque Madame
Top the finished toast with a béchamel sauce and broil for a few seconds.
4. Mini Toast Cups
Use a muffin tin and smaller bread slices to create individual egg cups for kids or parties.
🧠 Pro Tips for Success
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Preheat your air fryer – This ensures the bread starts to crisp right away and the egg cooks evenly.
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Don’t overload the toast – Too much filling can make it soggy or cause it to collapse.
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Use parchment paper – For easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
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Watch the eggs – Cooking time varies based on air fryer brand and egg size.
🔁 Make-Ahead and Storage
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep parts ahead:
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Prepare the bread nests and layer with ham and cheese, then refrigerate until ready to add the egg and air fry.
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Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–5 minutes.
🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Toast, Approximate)
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Calories: 330
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Protein: 18g
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Fat: 21g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 2g
Note: These values can change depending on bread, cheese, and ham used.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of bread?
Yes! Rye, multigrain, sourdough, or even keto-friendly bread work well.
How do I prevent the egg from sliding off?
Make sure the bread indentation is deep enough and the toppings form a barrier. You can also crack the egg into a bowl first and spoon the yolk/white separately.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives like almond cheese or vegan mozzarella.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Egg Ham and Cheese Toast is not just a recipe—it’s a lifestyle hack. It’s the kind of meal that saves you time without sacrificing flavor, impresses guests without stressing you out, and satisfies hunger any time of day. It’s crispy, cheesy, rich with protein, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you’re making breakfast for one or brunch for a crowd, this is one of those go-to recipes that belongs in your air fryer rotation. Try it once, and you’ll come back to it again and again.
