Air Fryer Roast Beef Sandwiches

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

These sandwiches showcase tender deli roast beef layered with Swiss cheese and a tangy sauce made from mayo, stone ground mustard, and prepared horseradish. Brioche buns are toasted in the air fryer at 370°F for 4-6 minutes until warm and slightly crisp. The sauce adds a creamy, spicy kick, while the melted cheese enhances the rich, hearty filling. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, with easy substitutions for sauce ingredients or bread types. Leftovers store well for a few days but enjoy soon for best texture.

A smiling chef holding a plate of food.
By Lina Lina
Last updated on Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:51:29 GMT
Two air fryer roast beef sandwiches with pickles on top. Bookmark
Two air fryer roast beef sandwiches with pickles on top. | tinycakee.com

Air Fryer Roast Beef Sandwiches bring together tender roast beef, melted Swiss cheese, and a tangy special sauce that makes every bite a delight. These sandwiches are perfect for quick dinners or hearty lunches when you want something warm and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. The air fryer crisps the buns just right while warming the meat and cheese to gooey perfection.

I first made these sandwiches on a busy weeknight when I needed something fast but still special. They quickly became a family favorite because the combination of warm beef, melted cheese, and that zesty sauce is hard to beat.

Ingredients

  • Mayonnaise: provides creamy richness choose a good quality mayo for best flavor
  • Stone ground mustard: adds a subtle tang and texture look for a fresh jar with visible mustard seeds
  • Prepared horseradish: gives a spicy kick adjust according to your heat preference or swap if you prefer milder flavors
  • Brioche buns: soft slightly sweet buns that toast beautifully you can also use pretzel or regular burger buns
  • Swiss cheese: melts smoothly and has a mild nutty flavor havarti or provolone can also work well
  • Thinly sliced deli roast beef: opt for freshly sliced beef if possible for tenderness and flavor leftovers are perfect too

Instructions

Spoon Together the Sauce:
Mix mayonnaise, stone ground mustard, and prepared horseradish in a small bowl until fully combined. This sauce adds a creamy tang that complements the rich beef and cheese.
Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
If you want easier cleanup optionally line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil. Lay out two bottom buns and two top buns. Spread some of the sauce generously on each bun’s surface to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each bun, covering both bottoms and tops. On the bottom buns add about five slices of the thinly sliced roast beef, layering it evenly. The cheese melts into the meat as it cooks for gooey goodness.
Air Fry the Sandwiches:
Set your air fryer to the roast or air fry setting at 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the sandwiches for about 4 to 6 minutes or until the meat is warmed through, cheese is melted, and the buns are crisp on the outside. If you notice the tops getting too dark, remove them during the last minute or two to prevent burning. Repeat with remaining sandwiches in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Serve and Enjoy:
Use any leftover sauce as a dip or spread on your sandwich when serving. These warm sandwiches are perfect on their own or paired with pickles and chips.
A roast beef sandwich with pickles on top.
A roast beef sandwich with pickles on top. | tinycakee.com

Swiss cheese is my favorite because it melts so smoothly and pairs perfectly with roast beef. I remember making this for a casual family gathering and everyone was surprised how quickly these came together but still tasted restaurant quality. The air fryer adds just the right crispness to the bread while keeping the inside warm and melty.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container for up to three days but note that the buns might lose some crispness. Reheat in the air fryer briefly to regain crunch or warm in a skillet.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try swapping horseradish for garlic aioli or mayonnaise for a milder sauce. If Swiss cheese is not available, provolone or gouda make tasty alternatives that melt well. Pretzel buns add a nice twist if brioche is unavailable.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sandwiches with simple sides like potato chips, coleslaw, or a pickle spear for a classic diner feel. For a heartier meal try pairing with a cup of beef consomme or au jus to dip the sandwich, turning it into a delicious beef dip style meal.

Two air fryer roast beef sandwiches with cheese and pickles.
Two air fryer roast beef sandwiches with cheese and pickles. | tinycakee.com

These air fryer roast beef sandwiches are quick, customizable, and perfect for weeknight meals.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of air fryer works best?

A standard basket air fryer is ideal, but toaster oven or top-flow models can be used. Cooking times may vary by model, so check regularly.

→ Can I make an open-faced version?

Yes, just reduce the cooking time by about a minute to prevent over-toasting the bread.

→ What if I don’t like horseradish?

Swap horseradish with garlic aioli or simply use mayonnaise for a milder flavor.

→ How can I replace stone ground mustard?

Dijon mustard works well, or you can omit it for a less tangy sauce. Yellow mustard adds more vinegar notes.

→ Are there alternative sauces to try?

Yes, options include BBQ sauce, horsey sauce, or a sweetener like honey or maple syrup added to mayo for a different twist.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep sandwiches in an airtight container for 2-3 days. The bread may soften over time.

Air Fryer Roast Beef Sandwiches

Tender roast beef and melted Swiss cheese combine with a flavorful sauce for a quick, savory sandwich.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
6 minutes
Total Time
16 minutes
By Lina: Lina

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 4 Portion Count (4 sandwiches)

Dietary Options: ~

What You’ll Need

→ Sauce

01 ⅓ cup mayonnaise
02 1 tablespoon stone ground mustard
03 3 teaspoons prepared horseradish

→ Sandwich Components

04 4 brioche buns
05 8 slices Swiss cheese
06 1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Combine mayonnaise, stone ground mustard, and prepared horseradish in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 02

Optionally line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil. Place two bottom buns and two top buns in the basket and spread the prepared sauce evenly on each bun.

Step 03

Place one slice of Swiss cheese on each bun. Add approximately five slices of roast beef to each bottom bun.

Step 04

Cook sandwiches on the air fryer setting at 370°F for 4–6 minutes, until the cheese is melted, meat is warmed through, and buns are lightly toasted. Remove top buns if they brown too quickly and finish cooking.

Step 05

Repeat assembly and cooking process for the remaining two sandwiches. Serve immediately with any leftover sauce.

Helpful Hints

  1. For substitutions, see FAQ for alternatives to horseradish and stone ground mustard.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Air fryer with basket
  • Small mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy and mustard; may contain gluten depending on bun choice

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Use this nutritional summary as a guide – it's not a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calories: 761
  • Fat: 48 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 44 g