This Pastrami 2-Cheese Grilled Cheese combines the savory, smoky flavors of pastrami with the gooey, melty goodness of two kinds of cheese. The air fryer gives the sandwich a crispy, golden-brown crust while keeping the inside perfectly cheesy and tender. It’s a delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese, ideal for lunch or a quick, indulgent dinner!
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, rye, or white)
- 4 ounces pastrami (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese
- 2 slices of cheddar cheese (or provolone for a milder flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions:

- Prep the bread:
- Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. This will give the sandwich a golden, crispy crust once cooked.
- Assemble the sandwich:
- On the non-buttered side of one slice of bread, layer a slice of Swiss cheese, followed by a slice of cheddar cheese (or provolone).
- Add a generous layer of pastrami on top of the cheese.
- If desired, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the other slice of bread before placing it on top of the sandwich, buttered side facing out.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Air fry the grilled cheese:
- Place the assembled sandwich in the air fryer basket. If needed, cut the sandwich in half to fit.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the sandwich from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute before slicing it in half.
- Serve with a side of pickles or chips, and enjoy!
Nutrition (per sandwich):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Potassium: 250 mg
Note:
Feel free to get creative with the type of cheese or bread you use. Rye bread is a great option to complement the pastrami for a more deli-style flavor, and you can experiment with other meats or toppings like sauerkraut for a Reuben-inspired sandwich. This Pastrami 2-Cheese Grilled Cheese is the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and crispy!