Open Faced Beef Ciabatta Sandwich Recipe for the Air Fryer

Can you put a sandwich in the air fryer?

The air fryer is great for many things, sandwiches included! I love making all types of crispy sandwiches or burgers in the air fryer, such as a grilled cheese sandwich, tomato avocado sandwich, or even this crunchy burger wrap.

Not only can you make sandwiches in the air fryer, but you can also make open faced sandwiches. It is so easy! Today’s air fryer recipe is perfect if you are wanting to try a simple yet flavorful, delicious and healthy sandwich in the air fryer. These open faced beef ciabatta sandwiches just hit the spot.

Keep reading to learn how to make a steak sandwich in the air fryer. 

4 Ingredient Air Fryer Open Faced Sandwich Recipe

What I love best about this recipe is that you can use any ingredients that you love and cooking time will be generally the same. Here is an open faced sandwich combo that I love.

Ingredients

• Ciabatta Rolls or any artisan bread
• Artichoke Spread (I used La Terra Fina Spinach Artichoke and Parmesan Dip & Spread – Made with Greek Yogurt)
• Shredded Beef Pork (I used Del Real Foods Seasoned Beef and Sauce Barbacoa – Fully Cooked)
• Parmesan Cheese (I used shredded Parmesan Cheese that I already had) sliced parmesan cheese works just as great

Other Sandwich Ideas

You can substitute the shredded beef pork for a variety of different proteins! I love this recipe best when I have leftover meat that I need to use up in a new way. Here are a few additional ways that you can make an open faced sandwich in the air fryer:

• Use BBQ beef or BBQ Chicken instead of the beef pork. I also love this Mississippi Chicken recipe that you can use as your protein.
• You can’t go wrong with a simple ham and cheese open faced sandwich. Especially if you have leftover air fried ham.
• I love tuna melts in the air fryer because it is perfectly crispy. Use your favorite artisan bread and whip up a batch of creamy and savory tuna to layer on top of the bread.
• Avocado, tomato, and egg sandwich… yes, you can keep it that simple and delicious.
•  Turkey, roast beef, lamb, salmon, the options are endless!

A few more ideas

Pair your meat with your favorite cheese, I love classic cheddar cheese, Monterey jack cheese, mozzarella cheese (especially if you pair it with a tomato), or any melty cheese.

The La Terra Fina Spinach artichoke spread that I used comes in many different flavors, a few of my other favorites include Caramelized Onion with Roasted Garlic, Tzatziki with Feta, or Smoked Gouda with Peppers.

Or use what you already have, like dijon mustard, BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, cream cheese, or honey and garlic. (I also love this poppy seed spread that I used to make ham and cheese slider sandwiches).

Or you can keep it simple and just use butter.

How long should you air fry a sandwich?

Once you’ve picked out your protein, bread, spread (or butter), and cheese, then it only takes about 6 minutes to air fry a sandwich. If you’ve been using your air fryer for awhile, you probably aren’t surprised by how quick this recipe comes together!

Here is how I made this beef ciabatta open faced sandwich using the shredded beef pork, artichoke spread, parmesan cheese, and artisan bread. Remember that these steps will work for any sandwich you are making!

Step 1. Assemble the sandwich

Cut Ciabatta or Artisan Bread in half lengthwise. Then spread a generous amount of Spinach Artichoke dip over each half. Top the sandwich with Shredded Beef or Pork.

You can either add the parmesan cheese now or later, depending on how melty and golden you like your cheese. I personally like to add the cheese during the last couple of minutes of cooking.

Step 2. Air fry

Place the open faced sandwiches in the air fryer basket. And cook the sandwiches for 6 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 204 degrees Celsius.

If you haven’t already, top the sandwiches with the parmesan cheese and air fry for 1-2 more minutes, or until the cheese melts (do this after the first 6 minutes of cooking).

How do I get extra crispy toast?

If you like your bread (or toast) more crispy, and you don’t have the Cosori Dual Blaze (dual burner) air fryer, then you can consider toasting the slices of bread for 1-2 minutes on each side anywhere from 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit (193-204 degrees C) before adding the spread, meat, and cheese.

If you have the Dual Blaze air fryer then you can toast it anywhere for 1-4 minutes at 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit (193-204 degrees C), or until the bread starts to crisp.

Final Thoughts

This open faced sandwich recipe will quickly become a classic in your home, especially if you always have leftover meats that you need to use in a new way. If your family is like mine, we don’t love eating the same leftovers the next. This way, I can use the leftovers for an entirely new meal that everyone will love!

This is the perfect air fryer recipe if you need a quick snack, easy lunch, or fast dinner. Share with us in the comments below what protein, spread, and cheese you ended up using for your air fryer sandwich!

More simple and easy air fryer recipes

• 30 Minute Shrimp Scampi Recipe in the Air Fryer (No Wine)
• 10 Minute Air Fryer Ham Quesadilla
• Easy 3 Ingredient Ramen Noodle Stir Fry Recipe (Air Fryer Instructions)
• Honey Garlic Pork Chops (Easy Air Fryer Instructions)
• Simple Cowboy Casserole Dinner in the Air Fryer

Air fryer tips and tricks you need to know

• Air Fryer 101
• Learn these common Air Fryer Mistakes!
• All about the Best and Worst Air Fryer Accessories
• How to Clean Your Air Fryer
• How to Cook Any Recipe in the Air Fryer
• FREE Download → Air Fryer Tips & Temps
• Air Fryer Buying Guide
• Watch Fabulessly Frugal YouTube Channel for Air Fryer Recipes

Get my air fryer cookbook for more air fryer recipe inspiration and tips.

Open Faced Beef Ciabatta Sandwich (Air Fryer Recipe)

Sandwiches in the air fryer are amazing because it is the perfect balance between crispy bread and melty cheese. Plus, this Beef Ciabatta open faced sandwich recipe only takes 8 minutes to cook in the air fryer and 4 ingredients. It doesn't get better than this!

4.55 / 5 ( 11 Reviews )

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes minutes

Serves: 4

Adjust Servings: 4

US CustomaryMetric

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 4-8 Ciabatta Rolls or any artisan bread
• 1 container artichoke spread I used a 32 ounce La Terra Fina Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan container, you don't need to use the entire container.
• 1 package shredded beef pork I used a 36 ounce package, you don't need to use the entire package. This recipe also works great if you have leftover meat that you want to use up.
• 8-16 slices Parmesan cheese or to taste

Instructions

• Cut the ciabatta rolls in half lengthwise.
• Spread a generous amount of Spinach Artichoke dip over each half of the bread, as much as you want.
• Top each bread with Shredded Beef or Pork.
• Air fry at 400 °F for 6 minutes.
• Top with parmesan cheese and air fry for 1-2 minutes more to melt the cheese.

Recipe Notes

This recipe works with any meat of your choice and any spread. Choose your favorites and enjoy! 

Nutrition

Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 309mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g