Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Warming the basket helps the bread start crisping right away. If your air fryer doesn’t need preheating, plan to add 1–2 minutes.

Prep the bread. Lightly spread butter or brush olive oil on the outer sides of each slice.

This gives you a golden, crispy exterior without drying the bread.

Add spreads to the inner sides. A thin layer of mayo, mustard, or aioli helps lock in moisture and adds flavor. Don’t go overboard or the sandwich can get messy.

Layer the fillings. Start with cheese on the bottom slice (it helps “glue” the sandwich). Add turkey, season with salt and pepper, then top with another slice of cheese.

Keep fresh veggies off for now; you’ll add them after cooking to keep them crisp.

Assemble the sandwich. Close it gently and press down just a bit to help everything stick together. If your bread is very tall, use a toothpick to anchor the corners.

Air fry for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway. Cook until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. Thicker bread or extra fillings may need an extra 1–2 minutes.

Keep an eye on it the first time.

Add fresh veggies. Open the sandwich slightly and tuck in tomato slices, arugula, or onions. This keeps the greens crisp and the tomato juicy without making the bread soggy.

Rest and slice. Let it sit for 1 minute to set the cheese, then slice diagonally for easier eating. Serve right away.