A beloved New Orleans staple gets an irresistible makeover with this Air Fryer Muffuletta Sandwich. Loaded with layers of savory deli meats and melty cheeses, this warm, pressed sandwich is finished with a punchy olive salad and crisped to golden perfection in the air fryer. It’s the perfect fusion of traditional flavor and modern convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Air Fryer Muffuletta Sandwich offers all the bold, briny flavors of the classic New Orleans version with the added ease and speed of an air fryer. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a hearty lunch, or simply craving a comforting bite, this sandwich delivers. The olive salad soaks into the bread, the cheeses melt into the meats, and the crust crisps up beautifully—every bite is rich, savory, and satisfying.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 round, seeded loaf of bread (8–9 inch)
- 4 oz salami, thinly sliced
- 4 oz capicola, thinly sliced
- 4 oz mortadella, thinly sliced
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
- 4 oz provolone cheese, thinly sliced
- 1 cup olive salad (store-bought or homemade)
directions
- Slice the loaf of bread horizontally in half and hollow out the soft interior, leaving about a 1/2-inch layer near the crust on each side.
- Stir the olive salad to redistribute oils and seasonings. Spread 1/2 cup onto each cut side of the bread, pressing it into the hollowed areas.
- On the bottom half, layer the meats and cheeses: salami, capicola, mortadella, mozzarella, and provolone.
- Place the top half of the loaf over the fillings to close the sandwich.
- Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in aluminum foil and let it rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Place the foil-wrapped sandwich in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the bread is slightly crisp.
- Remove from the air fryer, unwrap, and slice into wedges. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Calories: Approximately 235 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace deli meats with grilled vegetables like zucchini, roasted red peppers, and eggplant, and use a vegetarian olive tapenade.
- Spicy Twist: Add spicy giardiniera or crushed red pepper flakes to the olive salad for extra heat.
- Different Cheeses: Try using smoked provolone or fontina for a richer flavor profile.
- Mini Sandwiches: Use small individual rolls to create single-serve muffulettas, perfect for parties.
- Pressed Overnight: For deeper flavor, press the sandwich overnight in the fridge before air frying.
storage/reheating
Storage: Wrap leftover sandwich portions tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 4–5 minutes until warmed through and the bread is crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bread soggy.
FAQs
What is a muffuletta sandwich?
A muffuletta is a New Orleans classic sandwich made with Italian meats, cheeses, and a tangy olive salad, traditionally served on a round sesame loaf.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, assembling the sandwich ahead allows the flavors to develop. It can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to air fry.
Do I need to use all three meats?
No, you can customize it based on your preference or availability. Just keep the total meat quantity the same for a balanced sandwich.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, any sturdy, crusty bread like ciabatta or focaccia works well, but a seeded round loaf is traditional.
Is homemade olive salad better than store-bought?
Homemade gives you control over flavor and salt levels, but high-quality store-bought versions work great for convenience.
How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Removing the interior of the bread and pressing the olive salad into the crust helps prevent sogginess. Resting the sandwich wrapped also improves texture.
Can I freeze the sandwich?
It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated. Freezing is not recommended as it may alter texture and moisture levels.
Can I cook this without an air fryer?
Yes, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp.
What sides go well with a muffuletta?
It pairs well with chips, coleslaw, pickles, or a light Italian salad.
Is the sandwich spicy?
Not typically, but some olive salads may have a mild kick. You can adjust heat by adding spicy elements if desired.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Muffuletta Sandwich brings the iconic flavors of New Orleans into your kitchen with ease. Perfectly melty, satisfyingly savory, and brimming with bold character, it’s a go-to recipe for gatherings or a hearty meal at home. With its simple preparation and rich flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your sandwich rotation.
Print
Air Fryer Muffuletta Sandwich
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Bring the bold flavors of New Orleans into your kitchen with this Air Fryer Muffuletta Sandwich. Loaded with layers of cured meats, melted cheeses, and tangy olive salad all packed inside a crusty sesame loaf, this air-fried twist on the classic muffuletta is quick, melty, and mouthwateringly delicious.
Ingredients
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1 round, seeded loaf of bread (8-9 inch)
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4 oz salami, thinly sliced
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4 oz capicola, thinly sliced
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4 oz mortadella, thinly sliced
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4 oz mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
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4 oz provolone cheese, thinly sliced
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1 cup olive salad (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
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Slice the round loaf in half horizontally. Hollow out some of the soft bread from both halves, leaving about 1/2-inch near the crust.
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Stir the olive salad to mix the oils and seasonings. Spread 1/2 cup on each side of the bread, pressing it into the cavity.
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On the bottom half, layer the meats and cheeses in order: salami, capicola, mortadella, mozzarella, and provolone.
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Top with the other bread half and press down gently.
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Wrap the sandwich tightly in aluminum foil and let it rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
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Place the foil-wrapped sandwich in the air fryer. Cook at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crisp.
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Slice into wedges and serve warm.
Notes
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You can make your own olive salad with chopped green and black olives, giardiniera, capers, garlic, parsley, oregano, and olive oil.
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Resting the sandwich before air frying allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Great for sharing at parties or serving as a hearty lunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American, Southern
