Craving a classic diner favorite? The Steak and Shake Frisco Patty Melt is the perfect blend of juicy beef, melted cheese, and tangy Thousand Island dressing, all sandwiched between buttery, toasted sourdough. Get ready to indulge in a melt that’s bursting with flavor!

The Steak and Shake Frisco Patty Melt is a mouthwatering twist on the classic patty melt, featuring a perfectly seasoned beef patty, melted Swiss and American cheese, and tangy Thousand Island dressing, all sandwiched between two slices of buttery, toasted sourdough bread.
This comforting, flavorful sandwich is the ultimate indulgence, with a crispy exterior and a rich, juicy filling that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, this iconic diner-style melt brings all the delicious flavors together in one unforgettable bite.
If you love easy air fryer sandwich recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer BLT, Air Fryer Reuben Sandwich Recipe, or Air Fryer Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Juicy, Flavorful Beef Patty: The perfectly seasoned beef patty adds rich, savory flavor to every bite, making it the star of this melt.
- Melted Cheese Perfection: A blend of Swiss and American cheeses melts beautifully, creating a gooey, irresistible filling that perfectly complements the beef.
- Tangy Thousand Island Dressing: The addition of tangy Thousand Island dressing gives the sandwich an extra layer of flavor, balancing the richness of the cheese and beef.
- Buttery, Toasted Sourdough: The sourdough bread is toasted to golden perfection, with a buttery, crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, melty interior.
- Diner-Style Comfort at Home: Enjoy the classic Steak and Shake experience right in your own kitchen—this recipe brings the flavors of your favorite diner straight to your table!
If you love copycat recipes you can make in the air fryer, try these easy recipes Hardees Biscuit Recipe, Longhorn Steakhouse Fries Recipe, or Longhorn Steakhouse Texas Tonion Recipe.
Ingredients Needed

- Ground beef: Juicy, flavorful beef for a perfect patty melt.
- Swiss cheese: Melty Swiss cheese adds rich, creamy flavor.
- American cheese: Creamy American cheese for extra melt and texture.
- Sourdough or Texas toast: Toasted sourdough or Texas toast for perfect crunch.
- Butter: Butter for spreading on bread for golden crispness.
- Salt and pepper: Seasoning to enhance flavor in every bite.
- Frisco Sauce: Thousand Island dressing, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and yellow mustard.
How To Make Steak and Shake Frisco Patty Melts

Step One: In a small bowl, whisk together the Thousand Island dressing, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard until smooth. Set aside.

Step Two: Form the ground beef into 4 thin patties, slightly larger than your bread slices since they will shrink while cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step Three: Preheat the air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Step Four: Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked and slightly crispy on the outside (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C). Once done, top two patties with American cheese and the other two with Swiss cheese. Allow the cheese to melt as the patties rest.

Step Five: Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place 2 slices, buttered side down, in the air fryer basket. Spread a layer of Frisco sauce on the non-buttered side, then add one Swiss-cheese patty and one American-cheese patty. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side facing up. Air fry the sandwiches at 370 degrees F set cook time for 3-4 minutes until the bread is golden and crispy, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes to toast the other side.

Copycat Steak N’ Shake Frisco Melt Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Ground Beef: For the juiciest, most flavorful patties, opt for fresh 80/20 ground beef. The fat content ensures a rich, juicy burger.
- Don’t Overcook the Patties: Air fry the patties until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Overcooking can make them dry, so be sure to monitor them closely.
- Customize the Cheese: While Swiss and American cheese are classic choices, feel free to mix it up by adding cheddar or provolone for a different flavor twist.
- Crisp the Bread Perfectly: For extra crispy bread, make sure to butter both sides of the bread generously and use a nice thick sourdough or Texas toast.
- Use a Frisco Sauce Substitute: If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute the Frisco sauce ingredients with a store-bought Thousand Island dressing and add a dash of mustard and Worcestershire sauce for a quick fix.
- Don’t Skip the Flip: Make sure to flip the sandwiches halfway through the air frying process to ensure that both sides are evenly golden and crispy.
Storing
- Storing: Store leftover Steak and Shake Frisco Patty Melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, store the patties and bread separately to prevent sogginess.
- Freezing: Wrap the assembled patty melts tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating in the Air Fryer: To reheat, place the patty melts in the air fryer basket at 350°F for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will crisp the bread and warm the filling, giving you a freshly made taste.

What To Serve With Copycat Steak N’ Shake Frisco Melt Recipe
When serving your Copycat Steak N’ Shake Frisco Melt, consider pairing it with classic diner-style sides for the ultimate meal. Crispy, golden French fries or seasoned waffle fries are a perfect match to complement the juicy, cheesy patty melt.
For a lighter option, a crisp coleslaw or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the sandwich. If you’re craving something extra indulgent, serve it with a side of crispy onion rings or a creamy milkshake to complete the diner experience at home!
Steak and Shake Frisco Patty Melts Recipe Faqs
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes! While Swiss and American cheese are traditional, you can substitute with cheddar, provolone, or any cheese you prefer for a personalized flavor.
Can I make the Frisco sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! The Frisco sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge for convenience.
Can I cook the patties on the stovetop instead of in the air fryer? Yes, you can cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy? To avoid soggy bread, be sure to butter both sides of the bread and toast it to a golden crisp. Using fresh sourdough or thick Texas toast also helps keep the bread sturdy.
Can I freeze the assembled Frisco patty melts? Yes, you can freeze the assembled patty melts before cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the air fryer when ready to eat.
Can I adjust the seasoning on the beef patties? Definitely! Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, or even add garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite seasoning blends to customize the flavor of the beef patties.

More Air Fryer Copycat Recipes
- Longhorn French Onion Soup Recipe
- Longhorn Spicy Chicken Bites Recipe
- Air Fryer Longhorn Parmesan Chicken
- Longhorn Steakhouse Redrock Grilled Shrimp Recipe
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Steak and Shake Frisco Patty Melts
Description

Ingredients
Steak 'n' Shake Frisco Melts Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef, 80/20
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices American cheese
- 8 slices sourdough bread, or Texas toast
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
Frisco Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce and 1 tsp yellow mustard until smooth. Set aside.
- Form the 1 lb ground beef into 4 thin patties (slightly larger than your bread slices, as they’ll shrink during cooking). Season with Salt and pepper to taste on both sides.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Place the beef patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked and slightly crispy on the outside (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C). Once done, place a slice of 4 slices American cheese on two of the patties and a 4 slices Swiss cheese on the other two. Let the cheese melt while the patties rest.
- 2 tbsp butter one side of each 8 slices sourdough bread. Place 2 slices, buttered side down, in the air fryer basket. Spread a layer of Frisco sauce on the non-buttered side, and then add one Swiss-cheese patty and one American-cheese patty. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side facing up. Air fry the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes at 370°F, until the bread is golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes to toast the other side.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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