This Air Fryer Caprese Panini on Italian bread is a must as it is slathered in butter and then layered with pesto, slices of juicy tomato, and fresh mozzarella. In just 10 minutes you will have a crispy sandwich on the outside that is melted to perfection on the inside. Add in slices of chicken for a heartier sandwich to keep you full longer.

Air Fryer Caprese Panini

I love Air Fryer Sandwiches! Between my Air Fryer Grilled Cheese, my Air Fryer Tomato, Pesto, Mozzarella Grilled Cheese, and this Air Fryer Caprese Panini I pretty much make one almost every day of the week! I love how easy they are and I absolutely love the crispy outside with the soft tender cheesy inside.

You are going to fall in love with this Air Fryer Caprese Panini on your very first bite, The Italian bread, with the pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes are to die for! Add the additional drizzle of balsamic to take the flavor combination to the next level! This will become your go-to sandwich when you make lunch at home!

How to Make Air Fryer Caprese Panini

Preheat air fryer to 350℉. Line the basket with parchment paper.
Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. Lay each slice butter side down on a large cutting board or sheet pan to make assembly easier.

Slice the mozzarella and place slices on a double layer of paper towel to absorb extra moisture.
In a small bowl, combine the mayo and 2 tablespoons of pesto. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and add another tablespoon of pesto if desired.
Slice the tomato, and use the tip of your knife to gently scrape the seeds out, this will help keep your sandwich from getting soggy. Place slices on a double layer of paper towel.
Assemble the sandwiches: Spread pesto mayo on each slice of bread. Add three slices of mozzarella to each sandwich, followed by three slices of tomato. Season with salt and pepper.

Insert two toothpicks into each sandwich to keep the bread from blowing away in the air fryer. Air fry for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until cheese is melted and bread is lightly browned and crispy. Serve right away.

Tips Tricks and FAQs

Parchment squares and circles for air fryers are readily available on Amazon. They make for quick clean up, and prevent food from getting stuck to your air fryer basket. They are a staple in my house.
To soften butter, microwave for 15 seconds, flipping every 5 seconds, until it’s just soft to the touch.
You can also brush melted butter on the bread, just be careful not to overly saturate the bread, it could make your sandwich soggy.
Absorbing the extra moisture from the cheese and sliced tomato is crucial to keep your sandwich from becoming soggy.
For extra tang, add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to the pesto mayo.
Air fryers work by rapidly circulating hot air. This can cause light food items to get blown around. Hold them down with toothpicks or short skewers, just be careful to keep the wood away from heating elements, trim toothpicks short if need be.

Storage

Air Fryer Caprese Paninis are best enjoyed right away. If you prefer to save it, wrap it up and place it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Most likely it will become soggy as it sits.

What kind of bread should I use with a Panini?

Any rustic loaf of bread will work for Paninis. Try using Italian, sesame seed Italian, French, or Ciabatta.

Can I use other cheese in a Caprese sandwich?

Yes, try adding other cheeses like parmesan, asiago, or gruyere.

Can I add more protein to this Caprese Sandwich?

Yes, you can add shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked steak for a heartier sandwich.

Air Fryer Caprese Panini

Name: Air Fryer Caprese Panini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 6 min
Ingredients: 8 slices Italian bread; 3 to 4 tablespoons softened butter; 12 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced; 2 cup mayonnaise; 2 to 3 tablespoons prepared pesto; 2 medium tomatoes; Salt and pepper

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 6 minutes

Ingredients

8 slices Italian bread
3 to 4 tablespoons softened butter
12 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
2 cup mayonnaise
2 to 3 tablespoons prepared pesto
2 medium tomatoes
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 350℉. Line the basket with parchment paper.
Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. Lay each slice butter side down on a large cutting board or sheet pan to make assembly easier.
Slice the mozzarella and place slices on a double layer of paper towel to absorb extra moisture.
In a small bowl, combine the mayo and 2 tablespoons of pesto. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and add another tablespoon of pesto if desired.
Slice the tomato, and use the tip of your knife to gently scrape the seeds out, this will help keep your sandwich from getting soggy. Place slices on a double layer of paper towel.
Assemble the sandwiches: Spread pesto mayo on each slice of bread. Add three slices of mozzarella to each sandwich, followed by three slices of tomato. Season with salt and pepper.
Insert two toothpicks into each sandwich to keep the bread from blowing away in the air fryer. Air fry for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until cheese is melted and bread is lightly browned and crispy. Serve right away.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1238Total Fat: 117gSaturated Fat: 30gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 82gCholesterol: 134mgSodium: 1580mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 22g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Air Fryer Caprese Panini