Lunch & Dinner

Croque Monsieur Air Fryer Recipe – Great Meal Recipes

Name: Croque Monsieur Air Fryer Recipe – Great Meal Recipes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 tsp stone-ground mustard; ¼ tsp sea salt; ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper; Pinch of ground nutmeg; ½ tsp fresh thyme; 4 thick slices of brioche loaf; 12 slices of deli-style ham; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese, divided; 1 tbsp Dijon pickle relish

Barbara Brito March 21, 2025

Servings: 2 Total Time: 20 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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When I think of comfort food, the classic Croque Monsieur always comes to mind. It’s that perfect blend of crispy bread, savory ham, gooey cheese, and a touch of creamy goodness. It’s like a warm hug on a plate.

Now, take that and add the irresistible convenience of an air fryer. You have an effortless dish that speaks to both the gourmet and the everyday chef. Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what sides pair beautifully with this tasty treat.

What to Pair With Your Croque Monsieur

Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad adds a great contrast to the rich flavors of the Croque Monsieur. Toss greens with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.

Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a subtly sweet flavor that rounds out the savory bread and ham perfectly. They also add a delightful crunch.

Tomato Soup: A classic combo! The warm soup complements the cheese and bread, making it a delightful duo to enjoy even on a chilly day.

What is Croque Monsieur Air Fryer?

Simply put, a Croque Monsieur is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, traditionally made with béchamel sauce.

When prepared in an air fryer, the result is a crunchy exterior and a melty interior with remarkably less fat than traditional recipes. It’s a perfect way to enjoy this rich dish while keeping things lighter and easier.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick and Efficient: The air fryer reduces cooking time significantly. You get a deliciously crispy sandwich in under 10 minutes. No standing over the stove flipping sandwiches, just set it and go!

Less Fat: With minimal oil needed, this version of Croque Monsieur provides all the flavor without the extra calories from frying. It’s a guilt-free indulgence many of us crave.

Easy Cleanup: There’s nothing worse than a pile of dishes after a cooking session. The air fryer has fewer parts to clean, leaving you more time to enjoy your culinary masterpiece.

Versatile: This recipe serves as a blank canvas. Want to throw in some veggies? Go for it! Swap the ham for turkey or a meat alternative. The sky is the limit!

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish

Sauce:

1 cup whole milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tsp stone-ground mustard
¼ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Pinch of ground nutmeg
½ tsp fresh thyme

Ingredients:

4 thick slices of brioche loaf
12 slices of deli-style ham
2 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese, divided
1 tbsp Dijon pickle relish

Croque Monsieur Air Fryer Copycat Recipe

How To Make This Croque Monsieur Air Fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by making a simple béchamel sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for a minute until it turns golden. Slowly add the whole milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Stir in the stone-ground mustard, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and thyme. Cook until the sauce thickens.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich

Lay out your brioche slices. Spread a generous layer of the béchamel sauce on one side of each piece of bread. On two slices, add a layer of ham followed by half of the Gruyère cheese. Sprinkle some Dijon relish for a kick, then place the other slices on top.

Step 3: Butter the Exterior

Gently butter the outside of each sandwich. This will help achieve that golden-brown crust. If you prefer a slightly softer sandwich, you can skip this step, but trust me, the crunch is worth it!

Step 4: Air Fry the Sandwich

Place your sandwich in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 370°F and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they are evenly browned.

Step 5: Add More Cheese

After the initial cooking, take the sandwiches out and sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese on top. Pop them back in for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is gooey and bubbly.

Tips & Tricks

Use Fresh Bread: Stale bread may not toast well. Fresh brioche will yield a light and airy texture.
Experiment with Cheeses: Gruyère is traditional, but feel free to use Swiss, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor.
Don’t Rush the Sauce: Cook your béchamel slowly. This ensures a creamy texture without lumps.
Keep It Simple: If it’s your first attempt, go easy on the extras. Stick to ham and cheese for a traditional approach before experimenting.
Air Fryer Variations: Different air fryer models may require adjustments in cooking time. Keep an eye on your sandwiches as they cook.

How Do You Store The Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 2-3 days. To reheat, place them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to restore that delicious crispiness.

What Sides Would Complement Croque Monsieur Air Fryer?

French Fries: Classic and crunchy, they provide that quintessential café experience. Choose regular or sweet potato fries for a fun twist.

Coleslaw: Offering a crunchy, zesty contrast, coleslaw adds freshness to your meal. The tangy dressing complements the richness of the sandwich beautifully.

Pickles: They can be a simple addition, yet they make a big impact. Their sour crunch provides a refreshing balance to your rich croque.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If They Are Not Present?

Brioche Bread: You can use sourdough or whole wheat bread. Both will work, though the texture may differ slightly.
Gruyère Cheese: Substitute with mozzarella or Havarti. Both options will melt nicely without losing much flavor.
Ham: Turkey or chicken deli meat can also be used for an alternative protein source. Tofu slices work for a vegetarian version.
Mustard: If you don’t have stone-ground mustard, yellow mustard can replace it without altering the essence of the dish too much.

Conclusion

Now that you have the lowdown on making a Croque Monsieur in an air fryer, I hope you’re feeling inspired. This dish marries convenience with classic French flair wonderfully.

Gather the ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy an easy, flavorful meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a fancy brunch, this croque will satisfy cravings and earn praise around the table.

Don’t forget to add your custom touches! Enjoy every last bite, and happy cooking!

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Croque Monsieur Air Fryer Recipe – Great Meal Recipes

Author: Barbara Brito Cuisine: French Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 20 mins

Servings: 2 Calories: 435 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

In my years as a food enthusiast and recipe writer, I often seek ways to blend the traditional with the modern. The Croque Monsieur Air Fryer represents that beautiful dance of culinary tradition meeting contemporary convenience.

With an air fryer, you can achieve that golden, crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. It’s quick, efficient, and delicious!

This dish is a beloved staple in French cuisine, often gracing café menus and home kitchens alike. You don’t need to visit Paris to enjoy this delightful sandwich; whip it up effortlessly at home. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!