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Croque Monsieur Air Fryer Recipe

Croque Monsieur Air Fryer Recipe - Great Meal Recipes

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!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 433
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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.

Notes

  • 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.