Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak in 15 Minutes
This easy air fryer Philly cheesesteak uses deli roast beef, melted provolone, peppers, onions, and mushrooms to make a fast, cheesy sandwich with almost no cleanup. The vegetables cook first, the beef heats for only a few minutes, and the mayo-coated rolls toast right alongside the filling.
Watch the Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Video
Watch the full Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak video on YouTube
A quick air fryer Philly cheesesteak made with deli roast beef, vegetables, and melted provolone.
Why This Shortcut Cheesesteak Method Works
Thinly sliced deli roast beef is already cooked, so you can skip slicing and cooking a whole steak. The peppers, onions, and mushrooms go into the air fryer first because they need more time to soften and brown.
Adding the roast beef for only four minutes heats it without drying it out. Provolone gets mixed into the filling and melted over the top, while a thin layer of mayonnaise helps the rolls become golden and toasted during the final two minutes.
Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
Deli roast beef, tender vegetables, and plenty of melted provolone piled into toasted hoagie rolls for an easy air fryer cheesesteak.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces thinly sliced deli roast beef, roughly chopped
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced or chopped
- 1 small bell pepper, thinly sliced or chopped
- 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 6 slices provolone cheese, divided
- 2 hoagie or sub rolls
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, or enough to lightly coat the rolls
- Olive oil spray
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Ingredient note: Adjust the amounts to fit the size of your rolls and how loaded you like your cheesesteaks.
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Place the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms on a weighted air fryer liner or in an air fryer-safe pan.
- Season: Lightly spray the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper if desired.
- Cook the vegetables: Air fry at 400°F/204°C for 8 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- Prepare the beef: While the vegetables cook, roughly chop the deli roast beef into bite-size strips or pieces.
- Add the roast beef: Add the beef to the softened vegetables and give everything another very light spray of oil.
- Heat the beef: Air fry at 400°F for 4 more minutes.
- Add the first cheese: Place a few slices of provolone over the meat and vegetables and allow them to begin melting.
- Prepare the rolls: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the cut sides of each roll.
- Mix and finish: Mix the melted cheese into the meat and vegetables, then add the remaining provolone over the top.
- Toast the rolls: Place the mayo-coated rolls alongside the filling and air fry for about 2 minutes, until the bread is toasted and the cheese is fully melted.
- Assemble: Divide the cheesy filling between the toasted rolls and serve immediately.
Mikey tip: Deli roast beef is already cooked, so add it only after the vegetables soften. Cooking it too long can make it dry or tough.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Cheesesteak
- Cook the vegetables first. They need more time than the already-cooked deli roast beef.
- Do not overcook the beef. Four minutes is enough to warm it and blend it with the vegetables.
- Keep paper liners weighted. Never place an empty liner in a preheating air fryer because it can lift into the heating element.
- Use only a light oil spray. Too much oil can make the sandwich filling greasy.
- Mix cheese into the filling. This spreads the melted provolone through every bite before the final slices go on top.
- Watch the rolls closely. Air fryers toast bread quickly, so check before two minutes if your machine runs hot.
Philly Cheesesteak Topping Ideas
I am from Philly, so this version uses onions, peppers, mushrooms, meat, cheese, and bread. You can easily change it to match your favorite order.
- Use only onions and leave out the peppers and mushrooms.
- Swap provolone for American cheese or your favorite cheese sauce.
- Add hot peppers, banana peppers, or pickled jalapeños after cooking.
- Spread a little garlic mayonnaise on the roll before toasting.
- Add ketchup if you are willing to risk making Philly mad.
Gear Used for This Recipe
Gourmia Air Fryer
The 8-quart air fryer I use to cook the vegetables, beef, cheese, and rolls.
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Olive Oil Sprayer
Adds a light, even coating without soaking the vegetables or deli roast beef.
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Air Fryer Paper Liners
Helps contain the chopped filling and makes cleanup easier. Always keep the liner weighted with food.
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More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
For another handheld dinner, try my air fryer sausage and peppers sub. You can also make my air fryer kofta kebabs or browse the Meats and Seafood recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make a cheesesteak with deli roast beef?
Yes. Deli roast beef is a convenient shortcut because it is already thinly sliced and fully cooked. It needs only a few minutes in the air fryer to heat through and mix with the vegetables and cheese.
How do I keep deli roast beef from drying out?
Add it after the vegetables have already cooked. A very light oil spray and a short four-minute cooking time warm the meat without drying it out.
What cheese is best for a Philly cheesesteak?
Provolone melts smoothly and has plenty of flavor. American cheese or cheese sauce also works well.
Can I leave out the mushrooms or peppers?
Absolutely. Use only onions, skip the vegetables entirely, or add the cheesesteak toppings you prefer.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
A short preheat can help the vegetables begin cooking immediately, but follow the instructions for your specific air fryer model.
What Topping Would Get You Kicked Out of Philly?
Leave a comment below and tell me what you put on your cheesesteak that would make Philly mad.
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