Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts

The Easiest Cheesy Appetizer You’ll Keep Coming Back To

Looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing snack that’s warm, melty, and packed with comfort? These Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts are your new go-to. Whether you’re hosting game night, whipping up an after-school treat, or craving something salty and cheesy, this easy air fryer recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Think of them as mini open-faced sandwiches — crispy, buttery crackers topped with savory deli ham and oozy Swiss cheese. You only need four ingredients, five minutes, and an air fryer to bring this crave-worthy appetizer to life.

Ingredients

This recipe makes 24 cracker melts (you can easily double or halve as needed).

48 Ritz crackers (you’ll use 24 on the bottom, 24 as the optional tops or for second batch)
8 slices deli ham, cut into small squares to fit the crackers
8 slices Swiss cheese, cut into squares to fit the crackers
4 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing on after air frying

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh parsley

A pinch of paprika or garlic powder

A drop of honey mustard or Dijon for dipping

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes per batch
Total Time: About 10 minutes
Yields: 24 cracker melts
Difficulty: Super easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cheese melts quickly and evenly.

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray to keep the crackers from sticking or shifting.

2. Assemble Your Cracker Melts

Place 24 Ritz crackers in a single layer in the basket, flat side up.
On each cracker, place a small square of deli ham.
Top with a square of Swiss cheese — make sure it stays within the cracker’s edges to avoid too much dripping.

Pro Tip: If you like your crackers extra crisp, add a second cracker on top like a mini sandwich (optional, but tasty).

3. Air Fry to Melty Perfection

Slide the basket into your air fryer and cook at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes.

Keep an eye on them — you want the cheese to be fully melted and just starting to bubble, but not browned.

Note: Cooking time may vary slightly based on the model of your air fryer.

4. Finish with Melted Butter

Carefully remove the crackers from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula — they’ll be hot!

Brush each one with a little melted butter for a golden, rich finish. This adds a warm, buttery shine and takes them to the next level.

5. Garnish and Serve

Serve these melty bites warm, either on a platter as a party snack or alongside a bowl of soup for a cozy lunch.

Garnish with:

Fresh parsley for color
A sprinkle of paprika or black pepper
Or a little drizzle of honey mustard for a sweet-salty combo

These cracker melts disappear fast — you’ve been warned!

Variations and Add-Ons

Feeling creative? Try these flavor twists:

Turkey & Cheddar instead of ham and Swiss
Add a slice of pickle or tomato under the cheese for a fresh zing
Use flavored crackers (like everything or garlic herb) for extra depth
Swap Swiss for provolone or gouda for a different meltiness

Storage & Reheating

Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days
Reheat in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes at 325°F to restore crispiness
Avoid microwaving, as it may make the crackers soggy

Final Thoughts

These Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts are small but mighty — buttery, crunchy, cheesy, and endlessly snackable. They’re perfect for casual gatherings, after-school snacks, or when you just need something quick and satisfying. With only a few ingredients and nearly no cleanup, it’s a recipe you’ll return to over and over.

Whether you’re serving a crowd or just treating yourself to a cozy bite, this quick air fryer recipe has you covered — melty cheese and all.