Air Fryer Panini Recipes: Simple, Melted, Crispy Paninis for Home Cooks

This fryer is a handy tool for crafting tasty, crispy paninis at home. Here are three easy air fryer panini ideas you can make yourself, each designed for a quick meal or snack that pairs beautifully with a simple salad or soup.

Air Fryer Panini Recipes

Contents:

• 2 slices of bread of your choice
• 2 slices of ham
• 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or your favorite meltable variety)
• Butter

1. Grease one side of each slice of bread. Place a slice of bread buttered side down onto the work surface.
2. Layer ham and cheese on the bread, then crown with the second slice, buttered side up.
3. Slide the panini into the air fryer and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 5 to 8 minutes, until the bread turns golden and crispy and the cheese is perfectly melted.

Contents:

• 2 slices of whole wheat bread
• 1/2 ripe avocado
• A handful of fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Brush a little olive oil on one side of each bread slice. Place a slice of bread buttered side down.
2. Mash the avocado and spread it on the bread. Top with spinach, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
3. Put the panini in the air fryer and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the bread is crisp and the avocado is warm and creamy.

Contents:

• 2 slices of bread of your choice
• 2 slices of cooked chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons of pesto sauce
• 2 slices of mozzarella cheese
• Butter

For a crowd-pleasing finish, switch in a light pesto and mozzarella combo with sliced roasted chicken. The result is a creamy, herb-packed bite with a chewy crust that’s hard to beat—perfect for lunch on a busy day or a casual dinner at home.

Is it dangerous to put aluminum foil in the air fryer?

Low-and-slow caution applies here. If you choose to use foil, ensure it does not block airflow or touch the heating element. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific model to avoid overheating or uneven cooking. A simple, safer alternative is to place your fillings between bread slices and trust the air fryer’s circulating heat to crisp the exterior while the inside melts. This approach helps preserve the panini’s texture without compromising safety.

Instructions:

1. Grease one side of each slice of bread. Place a slice of bread buttered side down onto the surface.
2. Spread the pesto on the bread. Layer chicken and cheese slices on top, then crown with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
3. Place the panini in the air fryer and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the bread is golden, crisp, and the cheese is melted.

For best results, preheat the air fryer before cooking paninis. Cooking times may vary across different models, so a quick check a minute or two before the timer ends helps ensure perfect texture every time. These tips apply whether you’re aiming for a classic ham and cheese or a modern avocado, spinach, and pesto twist. The versatility of the air fryer makes it easy to tailor fillings to suit taste and dietary needs while delivering that satisfying, golden crust you’re after.