Air-Fryer Monte Cristo: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

The Monte Cristo sandwich is a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours. It is a ham and cheese sandwich that is dipped in egg and fried. The air fryer's hot air circulation cooks the sandwich evenly, ensuring the bread gets toasted while the cheesesection melts. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and can be served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a side of raspberry preserves.

Choosing the right bread

• Sourdough: Sourdough bread has a tangy flavour that can complement the sweetness of the sandwich. It has a chewy texture and a crispy crust, making it a great option for the air fryer.
• Multigrain: If you prefer a healthier option, multigrain bread is a good choice. It adds a nutty flavour and a chewy texture to the sandwich.
• Whole Wheat: Whole wheat bread is a nutritious alternative to white bread. It has a denser texture and a slightly sweeter flavour, which can enhance the overall taste of the sandwich.
• Rye: Rye bread has a distinct flavour and a dense texture. It can add a earthy and slightly sour taste to your Monte Cristo sandwich.
• Cinnamon Bread: For a sweet twist, cinnamon bread can be a delicious choice. The warm spice of cinnamon pairs well with the savoury and sweet flavours of the sandwich.

When choosing the bread, look for a sturdy loaf that can hold up to the weight of the fillings and the egg mixture without falling apart. You want the bread to be thick enough to absorb the egg mixture without becoming soggy.

Preparing the batter

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need milk, water, vanilla extract, and pancake mix for the batter. The pancake mix typically includes flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. You can also add an egg to the batter for a richer flavour. If you prefer a thicker batter, you can gradually add more pancake mix to achieve the desired consistency.

Next, combine the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Start by adding the milk, water, and vanilla extract. Then, slowly add the pancake mix while continuously stirring the mixture. Keep adding the pancake mix until you achieve a thick batter. You can also add a pinch of salt and a small amount of sugar or vanilla to enhance the sweetness. Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly until you get a smooth, lump-free batter.

Once you have a well-combined batter, set it aside while you prepare the other components of the sandwich. The batter will be used to coat the assembled sandwich before air-frying, giving it a delicious crispy texture.

When you are ready to dip the sandwich, give the batter a quick stir to ensure the ingredients haven't settled. Then, carefully dip the assembled sandwich into the batter, coating both sides evenly. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing the sandwich in the air fryer.

The batter plays a vital role in the cooking process, as it gives the sandwich a golden crust and a French toast-like texture. It also adds a touch of sweetness to the savoury sandwich, creating a delightful blend of flavours.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste preferences. You can experiment with different types of milk, such as dairy or plant-based options, to find your favourite. Additionally, you can add spices or herbs to the batter for a unique twist. For a more indulgent treat, you can even sprinkle powdered sugar or dip the sandwich in maple syrup after cooking.

Assembly

The Monte Cristo sandwich is a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The assembly process is straightforward, but there are a few key steps to keep in mind to ensure your sandwich turns out perfectly.

First, gather your ingredients: bread, cheese, ham, turkey (optional), egg, milk, water, vanilla extract (optional), and pancake mix. You will also need toothpicks, butter or cooking spray, and powdered sugar for serving. Some recipes also suggest raspberry or strawberry jam, maple syrup, or honey mustard for dipping.

Now, let's get started on assembling this delicious sandwich:

Step 1:

Begin by laying out your bread slices. For a truly decadent sandwich, use Texas Toast, which is a thicker-sliced bread that will hold up to the weight of the fillings. You can also use white sandwich bread, brioche, whole wheat bread, or challah bread.

Step 2:

On one slice of bread, layer the fillings. Start with the cheese—Swiss, Gruyere, or a combination of both. Then add the ham, followed by the turkey if using. You can also add a slice of cheese on top of the turkey for an extra gooey treat.

Step 3:

Place the second slice of bread on top and gently press the sandwich together. If desired, spread a layer of mustard or mayonnaise on the inside of the bread before adding the fillings. This adds a tangy, creamy dimension to the sandwich.

Step 4:

Secure the sandwich with toothpicks. Insert toothpicks at an angle into all four sides of the sandwich to keep the bread from sliding around and the fillings from falling out during the cooking process.

Step 5:

Create your custard mixture (or batter). In a bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, water, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture will be used to dip the sandwich and create a delicious, crispy coating. If you prefer, you can also use pancake batter for an extra fluffy texture.

Step 6:

Dip the sandwich into the custard mixture or batter. Be sure to coat both sides well, but don't let the sandwich soak for too long, as this can make the bread soggy. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing the sandwich in the air fryer.

Step 7:

Preheat your air fryer to between 370-380°F (190°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. You can also use parchment paper.

Step 8:

Place the sandwich into the air fryer basket and set the timer. For a truly golden, crispy sandwich, cook for 6-7 minutes on one side, then carefully flip and cook for an additional 1-3 minutes on the other side.

Step 9:

Remove the sandwich from the air fryer and sprinkle with powdered sugar. This adds a delightful sweet contrast to the savoury sandwich. You can also serve the sandwich with a side of jam, preserves, or honey mustard for dipping.

Step 10:

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and gooey Monte Cristo sandwich! It's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is sure to impress your taste buds.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, meat, or bread to create your own unique version of this classic sandwich.

Cooking

Ingredients

To make an Air Fryer Monte Cristo sandwich, you will need the following ingredients:

• Bread (white, Texas toast, sourdough, rye, cinnamon, or whole wheat)
• Ham (deli or French)
• Turkey (optional)
• Cheese (Swiss, Gruyere, Gouda, Cheddar, Provolone, Guyer, or American)
• Egg
• Milk
• Water
• Vanilla extract (optional)
• Pancake mix (optional)
• Powdered sugar
• Raspberry or strawberry jam/jelly/preserves
• Butter or cooking spray
• Salt (optional)
• Sugar (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 370-380°F (190°C).
• In a mixing bowl, combine the egg, milk, water, and vanilla extract. If you are using pancake batter, also add the pancake mix to this mixture and stir until a thick batter forms.
• Assemble the sandwich by layering cheese, ham, and turkey (if using) between two slices of bread. Secure the sandwich with toothpicks.
• Dip the sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are well coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off.
• Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket, greased with butter or cooking spray.
• Air fry for 6-7 minutes, then flip the sandwich and air fry at 350-370°F for an additional 1-3 minutes.
• Remove the sandwich from the air fryer and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
• Serve with a side of raspberry or strawberry jam/jelly/preserves for dipping.

Tips

• For a more savoury sandwich, spread mustard or mayonnaise on the inside of the bread before adding the fillings.
• To prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy, use thick bread and lightly coat it in the egg mixture.
• Use sturdy bread that can hold up to the weight of the fillings.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with vegetarian deli slices, cheese, or vegetables like spinach or roasted bell peppers.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve a Monte Cristo sandwich. It is traditionally served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of raspberry preserves, but you can also serve it with maple syrup, honey mustard, jelly, or strawberry jam for dipping.

For a more savoury option, serve with a side of Dijon mustard or spicy mustard. You could also add some hot sauce to your sandwich.

If you want to make a full meal out of your Monte Cristo, serve it with a side of black-eyed peas, salt and pepper zucchini chips, a side salad with grape tomatoes and sliced cucumbers, or a fruit salad.

Frequently asked questions