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Air Fryer Ham and Spinach Bread Cups

Soft sandwich bread becomes crisp little cups filled with savoury ham, spinach, tomato and bubbling mozzarella. Even the trimmed crusts turn into herby croutons, so nothing is wasted and the air fryer creates a cheerful lunch or snack from simple ingredients.

Soft sandwich bread becomes crisp little cups filled with savoury ham, spinach, tomato and bubbling mozzarella. Even the trimmed crusts turn into herby croutons, so nothing is wasted and the air fryer creates a cheerful lunch or snack from simple ingredients.

What you'll need.

For the bread cups

  • 8 slices sandwich bread
  • 1 egg yolk, beaten
  • 1 tbsp oil, plus extra for the moulds

For the filling

  • 150 g ham, chopped
  • 120 g fresh spinach, chopped
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 120 g mozzarella, grated

For the croutons

  • The trimmed bread crusts, cubed
  • ½ tsp dried rosemary
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • Salt, to taste

How to make it.

  1. Cut the crusts from the bread, cube them, then toss with salt, rosemary, basil and a little oil and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 7 minutes.
  2. Flatten the bread slices with a rolling pin, oil small air-fryer-safe moulds, and press the bread inside.
  3. Brush the bread with egg yolk and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, sauté the ham and spinach in a little oil until the spinach wilts, then stir in the tomato paste.
  5. Fill the bread cups with the mixture, top with mozzarella, and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes more, then serve with the croutons.

My tips.

Flatten the bread very well and press it firmly into the corners of the moulds so the cups keep their shape. For a vegetarian variation, replace the ham with mushrooms or chopped roasted pepper.

Good to know.

Can I assemble the cups ahead?
Prepare the shells and filling separately, then fill and finish them just before serving so the bread stays crisp.

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw it fully and squeeze out as much water as possible before frying.

What can I serve with the bread cups?
They pair well with tomato soup, a green salad, or a plate of fresh vegetables.

Prep 20 min · Cook 17 min · Total 37 min · Serves 4

Nutrition.

~380 kcal · Protein 20 g · Fat 20 g · Carbs 32 g (approximate, calculated automatically)

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