Air-Fryer Monte Cristo: A Crispy, Golden Treat

The Monte Cristo sandwich is a sweet and savoury delight, with a ham and cheese filling, and a French toast-style batter. It can be cooked in an air fryer, and this method has the added benefit of being healthier than deep-frying. The air fryer's hot air circulation cooks the sandwich evenly, ensuring the bread is toasted and the cheese melted. The result is a crispy exterior with a warm, gooey interior.

What is a Monte Cristo sandwich?

A Monte Cristo sandwich is a variation of the French croque-monsieur. It is a "French toasted" ham and cheese sandwich with a sweet and salty flavour. It is made with ham, cheese, mustard, and mayonnaise, then dipped in egg and cooked like French toast. It is then served with powdered sugar and a fruit preserve, such as raspberry jam.

The first documented reference to a "Monte Cristo Sandwich" was in an American restaurant industry publication in 1923. From the 1930s to the 1960s, American cookbooks commonly had recipes for similar croque-monsieur variants, under names such as "French sandwich" and "toasted ham sandwich". The sandwich rose in popularity nationally after the Blue Bayou Restaurant in Disneyland began to serve it.

How do you make it in an air fryer?

How to Make a Monte Cristo in an Air Fryer

A Monte Cristo sandwich is a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours. It is a ham and cheese sandwich, battered and fried, with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of fruit preserve. The air fryer's hot air circulation cooks the sandwich evenly, ensuring the bread gets toasted while the cheese melts inside. Here is a step-by-step guide to making this delicious sandwich in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Bread: Sturdy, thick-sliced white sandwich bread, Texas Toast, brioche, sourdough, challah, French or Italian loaf.
• Meat: Deli ham, thinly sliced, and turkey slices.
• Cheese: Swiss, Gruyere, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or American cheese.
• Egg: For the batter.
• Milk: For the batter.
• Powdered Sugar: For dusting.
• Fruit Preserve: Raspberry, strawberry, or blackberry jam, or preserves.
• Butter or Cooking Spray: To grease the air fryer basket.
• Mustard or Mayonnaise (optional): For spreading on the bread.

Method:

• Preparation: Lay out your bread slices. On one slice, layer ham slices, a slice of turkey, and a slice of cheese. If using mustard or mayonnaise, spread it on the inside of the bread before adding the fillings. Top with another slice of bread.
• Custard Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. This will be your dipping mixture. You can also use pancake batter.
• Dip the Sandwich: Hold the corners of the sandwich and carefully dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring that all sides are well coated.
• Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375-380 degrees F and preheat for 1-2 minutes.
• Cooking: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with butter or cooking spray. Place the sandwich into the basket. Set the cook time for 5-10 minutes on one side, then carefully flip and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Serve: Remove the sandwich from the air fryer and sprinkle with powdered sugar while it is still hot. Serve with a side of strawberry, raspberry, or blackberry jam, or preserves for dipping.

Tips:

• Bread Selection: Choose sturdy bread that can hold up to the weight of the fillings and the egg mixture without falling apart.
• Secure the Sandwich: Use toothpicks to secure the top and bottom halves of the sandwich together to prevent it from opening during the air frying process. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
• Egg Wash: Whisk the eggs with a splash of milk, salt, and a pinch of sugar or vanilla for a hint of sweetness.
• Avoid Soggy Sandwiches: Dip the sandwich quickly into the egg mixture to coat it lightly. Patting dry any tomato slices can also help prevent sogginess.
• Cooking Spray: Use a light coating of cooking spray or parchment paper to prevent sticking and achieve a uniform golden crust without greasiness.
• Flip for Even Cooking: Carefully flip the sandwich halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and melting of the cheese. Use a spatula to flip gently and keep the fillings intact.
• Let it Rest: Allow the sandwich to rest for a minute after cooking to let the cheese set slightly, making it easier to cut and preventing the fillings from spilling out.
• Serving Suggestions: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to maintain its texture. Serve with honey mustard or fruit preserves to enhance the sweet and savoury flavour profile.

What ingredients do you need?

Making a Monte Cristo sandwich in an air fryer is a fun and convenient way to enjoy this delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours. Here's a detailed list of the ingredients you'll need to create this indulgent treat:

Bread:

Choose a sturdy, good-quality bread that can hold up to the weight of the fillings and the egg mixture. Options include thick-sliced white sandwich bread, Texas toast, sourdough, brioche, challah, French, Italian, or whole wheat bread. You can also use pre-made French toast or cut a loaf of bread into thick slices.

Meat:

The classic combination is deli ham and turkey slices, but you can also add or substitute with other meats like bacon, smoked turkey, or chicken.

Cheese:

Swiss cheese is the traditional choice, but feel free to experiment with Gruyere, Cheddar, Gouda, Guyer, Monterey Jack, American cheese, or a combination of these.

Eggs:

You'll need eggs to create the custard-like coating for the sandwich. The egg yolks give the sandwich a French toast-like texture.

Milk:

Milk is mixed with the eggs to create a smooth, custard-like batter. You can use whole milk or dairy-free alternatives.

Seasonings:

A pinch of salt and a hint of vanilla or nutmeg can be added to the egg mixture for extra flavour.

Sweet Accompaniments:

The Monte Cristo sandwich is often served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of raspberry, strawberry, or blackberry preserves for dipping. You can also use maple syrup, jelly, or honey mustard.

Other Optional Ingredients:

You may want to include mustard or mayonnaise inside the sandwich for an extra layer of flavour. Additionally, butter or cooking spray can be used to grease the air fryer basket to ensure the sandwich doesn't stick.

What is the best bread to use?

The best bread to use for a Monte Cristo sandwich is a matter of personal preference. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, white bread is the most commonly recommended type of bread for this sandwich. This is because it provides a neutral base that allows the flavours of the fillings to shine. White bread is also softer and more likely to absorb the egg batter, resulting in a crispier exterior. Square slices are also easier to work with when assembling the sandwich and dipping it in the batter.

That being said, some people prefer to use other types of bread, such as sourdough, wheat, brioche, or Texas toast. These options can add a different flavour profile and texture to the sandwich. For example, sourdough bread has a tangy flavour that can complement the sweetness of the fillings, while wheat bread can add a nutty taste and a denser texture.

Ultimately, the best bread to use for a Monte Cristo sandwich is the one that you prefer. If you want to stick to tradition, white bread is the way to go. But feel free to experiment with different types of bread to find the one that suits your taste.

Can you make it without an egg?

Yes, you can make a Monte Cristo sandwich without using an egg. While eggs are a common ingredient in the batter for the sandwich, you can use other batters that don't contain eggs. For example, you could use a custard-like batter or pancake batter.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup milk
• 16 slices of cheese (Swiss, Gouda, or Gruyere)
• 8 slices of bread (white, Texas toast, sourdough, multigrain, brioche, or challah)
• 5 slices of ham
• Raspberry jelly
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla (optional)
• Water (optional)

Directions:

• Mix milk, water (if using), vanilla (if using), and pancake mix together in a bowl. Make sure the batter is thick; if it's too watery, gradually mix in more pancake mix.
• Assemble the sandwich by layering bread, 2 slices of cheese, 5 slices of ham, 2 slices of cheese, and bread.
• Use toothpicks to secure the sandwich together.
• Dip the sandwich in the batter on both sides.
• Place the sandwich in a lined air fryer basket and cook at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes.
• Flip the sandwich and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
• Remove from the air fryer and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of raspberry jelly for dipping.

Frequently asked questions