Air-Fryer Leftover Roast Beef Melt

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Air-Fryer Leftover Roast Beef Melt

Sunday's roast shouldn't feel like Monday's leftovers. This recipe turns cold roast beef into a hot, cheesy toasted sandwich with caramelised onions and a touch of horseradish. It feels like something you'd order in a proper pub, but it's ready in minutes and uses exactly what you've already got.

Air-Fryer Leftover Roast Beef Melt
Air-Fryer Leftover Roast Beef Melt preparation stage

You’ll Need

Main
2 thick slices of white or sourdough bread
100g leftover roast beef, thinly sliced
30g mature cheddar, grated
¼ small onion, thinly sliced
10g butter, softened
1 tsp horseradish sauce

Optional but Dangerous
Caramelised onion chutney
Dijon mustard
Pickles
Small pot of leftover gravy for dipping

Method

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C.

Butter one side of each slice of bread.

Turn the bread over and spread the horseradish sauce onto one slice.

Layer on the sliced roast beef.

Scatter over the sliced onion and grated cheddar.

Add a spoonful of onion chutney if using.

Top with the second slice of bread, keeping the buttered side facing out.

Place the sandwich into the air fryer basket.

Air fry for 4 minutes, then carefully turn it over.

Cook for another 3–4 minutes, until both sides are crisp and golden and the cheese has fully melted.

Leave to stand for 1 minute, slice in half and serve immediately.

Lad Tip: Roast beef dries out quickly if you keep reheating it on its own. Melting it inside a toastie with cheese locks the moisture back in and gives yesterday's roast a completely new lease of life.

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