Crispy on the outside and irresistibly gooey on the inside, these Air Fryer Ham & Cheese Sticks combine savory deli ham with melty string cheese wrapped in a tender tortilla. Perfect as a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they deliver a comforting, melty bite that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them for game day, lunchboxes, or after-school treats, these sticks come together in just minutes using your air fryer.
The magic lies in their balance of textures — the wraps get golden and slightly crispy, while the cheese oozes warm and stretchy as you bite into each stick. Simple ingredients transform into a delicious, satisfying snack that’s both easy and fun to make.
- Quick and simple to prepare with minimal ingredients.
- Perfectly crispy exterior with melty, savory cheese inside.
- Customizable with different cheeses and flavorful seasonings.
- Ideal for snacks, appetizers, or lunchbox additions.
Ingredients
- Deli ham slices: Thinly sliced ham for wrapping the cheese, providing savory, salty flavor and protein.
- String cheese sticks: Mozzarella or your choice of small cheese sticks that melt beautifully inside the wraps.
- Small flour tortillas: Soft, thin wraps that crispen nicely in the air fryer without overpowering the filling.
- Mustard or mayo (optional): For brushing outside of wraps to add tang and help create a golden-brown crust.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Adds a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal when sprinkled on top before air frying.
- Everything seasoning (optional): A flavorful seasoning blend to enhance the savory kick of the sticks.
Instructions
- Prepare the Ham Wraps
-
Lay a slice of deli ham flat and place a string cheese stick at one end. Then roll the ham snugly around the cheese. This step creates the core filling that will remain gooey once cooked.
- Wrap in Tortillas
-
Center each ham-wrapped cheese stick on a small flour tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, tucking the edges securely as you go to prevent the cheese from leaking out during air frying.
- Brush and Season
-
Optionally brush the outside of each tortilla roll lightly with mustard or mayo to add flavor and promote browning. Then sprinkle with sesame seeds or an everything seasoning blend for extra texture and taste.
- Preheat and Air Fry
-
Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (approximately 375°F). Arrange the prepared sticks in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd for even cooking. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wraps are golden and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Serve Warm
-
Carefully remove the hot sticks from the air fryer. Serve immediately with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara to complement the savory filling.
- Use firm string cheese or pepper jack for melty and flavorful results.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer to ensure even crisping and melting.
- You can lightly spray tortillas with oil for an extra crispy exterior if desired.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best texture and to restore the crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these ham and cheese sticks alongside dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or marinara for added flavor. They make an excellent appetizer for parties, a lunchbox favorite, or a quick snack to satisfy cravings.
- Try using different cheese varieties like pepper jack for heat or mozzarella for a classic ooze.
- Make ahead by assembling and refrigerating the sticks, then air fry just before serving to save time.
- Experiment with seasonings on the tortilla exterior for personalized flavor profiles.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of cheese?
-
Absolutely! Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, while mozzarella offers classic creaminess. Cheddar works too if cut into sticks.
- What if I don’t have an air fryer?
-
You can bake these in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) on a parchment-lined tray for 10-12 minutes, flipping once, until golden.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
-
Yes, assemble and wrap the sticks, then refrigerate them covered until you are ready to air fry.
- How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
-
Brushing a thin layer of mustard or mayo and optionally spraying oil helps create a crispy barrier to keep the tortillas from becoming soggy.
- What dipping sauces pair best with these sticks?
-
Ranch, honey mustard, marinara, or even a spicy sriracha mayo add delicious complementary flavors.
- Can I use other types of wraps?
-
Small flour tortillas or sandwich wraps work best due to their flexibility and crisping ability.
- Is this kid-friendly?
-
Yes! This recipe is a great kid-friendly snack and perfect for lunchboxes or after-school treats.
Air Fryer Ham Cheese Sticks
Equipment
- 1 air fryer preheated to 375 °F
Ingredients
- 6 –8 slices deli ham
- 6 –8 string cheese sticks or small cheese sticks
- 6 –8 small flour tortillas or sandwich wraps
- optional: mustard or mayo for brushing
- optional: sesame seeds or everything seasoning
Instructions
- Lay a slice of ham flat and place a string cheese stick at one end. Roll the ham tightly around the cheese.
- Place the ham-wrapped cheese in the center of a small tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around it, tucking in the edges.
- Optionally, brush the outside of each roll with mustard or mayo and sprinkle with sesame seeds or seasoning.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 °F. Arrange the rolls in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cheese is melted.
- Carefully remove the sticks and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Use pepper jack for spice or mozzarella for mild flavor.
- Spray tortillas lightly with oil for extra crispiness.
- Assemble ahead and refrigerate before air frying.
- Great for game day snacks or quick lunches.
