Air-Fried Monte Cristo: A Quick, Crispy Comfort

The Monte Cristo sandwich is a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours. It's a ham and cheese sandwich that is dipped in egg and fried. The air fryer version is a healthier take on the classic sandwich, giving it an extra crispy texture. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make this mouth-watering sandwich using an air fryer.

Choosing the right bread

• White bread: This is the most common choice for a Monte Cristo sandwich. Square-shaped white bread is easiest to work with when securing the edges with toothpicks and dipping the sandwich in the batter.
• Sourdough: Sourdough bread has a tangy flavour that can complement the sweet and salty flavours of the sandwich.
• Multigrain bread: If you prefer a nuttier, healthier option, multigrain bread is a good choice.
• Texas toast: This is a thicker-sliced, square bread that can work well for a Monte Cristo sandwich.
• Challah bread: This soft, egg-enriched bread has a rich flavour and a tender texture.
• Brioche: Brioche bread has a rich, buttery taste and a soft texture that goes well with the other ingredients in the sandwich.
• Whole wheat bread: For a healthier option, you can choose whole wheat bread, which has a nutty flavour and a denser texture.
• Rye bread: Rye bread has a distinct flavour that can add an interesting twist to your sandwich.
• Cinnamon bread: If you want to emphasize the sweet flavours in your Monte Cristo, cinnamon bread could be a fun choice.

Ultimately, the best bread for your Monte Cristo sandwich depends on your personal preference and what you have on hand. White bread is a safe choice, but don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread to find your favourite variation of this classic sandwich.

Preparing the meat and cheese

First, gather your ingredients. For the meat, you'll need sliced ham and turkey. You can use deli meat or leftover ham—it's entirely up to you. As for cheese, Swiss cheese is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other varieties such as Gruyere, Gouda, Cheddar, or even blue cheese. You can also combine different cheeses to create your own unique blend.

Now, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Start with a slice of bread—white bread is a common choice, but feel free to use sourdough, rye, or even cinnamon bread for a unique twist. Place 1-2 slices of your chosen cheese on the bread. Then, add 3-4 slices of ham, followed by more cheese. Finally, top it off with a second slice of bread. If you want to get really indulgent, you can spread some mustard or mayonnaise on the bread before adding the fillings for an extra kick of flavour.

At this point, you might want to secure your sandwich with toothpicks, especially if it's piled high with meat and cheese. Stab toothpicks into the corners of the sandwich to hold the two slices of bread together. This will prevent the sandwich from opening up or losing its fillings during the cooking process.

If you want to add even more cheese, you can also include a slice of cheese in the middle of the sandwich, between the layers of ham and turkey. This will create an extra gooey and decadent centre.

Once you're happy with your meat and cheese layers, it's time to dip your sandwich into the batter. You can use a simple egg batter or get creative with pancake batter for a sweet and savoury flavour. Make sure both sides of the sandwich are well coated, then let the excess batter drip off before placing the sandwich in your air fryer.

And that's it! You're now ready to air fry your sandwich to golden perfection. Remember to cook it until the cheese is melted and the exterior is crispy. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Making the batter

First, gather your ingredients. You'll need pancake mix, an egg, milk, and water. You can also add a bit of vanilla extract for extra flavour, but it's not necessary.

Next, combine the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Start by whisking together the egg, milk, and water. If using vanilla extract, add it to this mixture. Gradually add the pancake mix, stirring continuously, until you have a thick batter. It should be thicker than your average pancake batter to ensure it sticks to the sandwich.

That's it! Your batter is now ready to be used for your Monte Cristo sandwich. Simply dip the assembled sandwich into the batter, coating both sides well, and you're ready to air fry!

Cooking the sandwich

Now that you've assembled your sandwich, it's time to cook it to perfection in your air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375-380°F (190°C). A preheated air fryer will ensure even cooking and the perfect texture for your sandwich.
• Make the custard mixture: In a bowl, combine the eggs and milk, whisking until smooth. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of sugar or nutmeg for extra flavour. This mixture will be used to dip your sandwich. Alternatively, you can use pancake batter for a sweeter twist.
• Dip the sandwich: Carefully dip your assembled sandwich into the custard mixture or pancake batter, making sure all sides are well coated. Don't soak the sandwich for too long, as this can make the bread soggy.
• Grease the air fryer basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with butter or cooking spray. This step is crucial to ensure your sandwich doesn't stick and helps achieve a crispy, golden crust.
• Place the sandwich in the air fryer: Gently place the coated sandwich into the prepared air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook one sandwich at a time or cook in batches.
• Cook the sandwich: Set the timer for 5-7 minutes for the first side. Then, carefully flip the sandwich and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown and crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
• Remove and serve: Take the sandwich out of the air fryer and sprinkle with powdered sugar while it's still hot. For an extra indulgent touch, serve your Monte Cristo sandwich with a side of raspberry or strawberry jam, honey mustard, or preserves for dipping.

Your air-fried Monte Cristo sandwich is now ready to be devoured! Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and savoury flavours and the satisfying crunch of the crispy exterior.

Serving suggestions

The Monte Cristo sandwich is a sweet and savoury dish, so it's best paired with sides that complement these flavours. Here are some suggestions:

• Crockpot black-eyed peas: A hearty and savoury side dish that will balance the sweetness of the sandwich.
• Salt and pepper zucchini chips: Crispy, salty, and a little bit healthier than regular potato chips.
• A side salad: A refreshing option with grape tomatoes and sliced cucumbers.
• Fruit: A sweet and refreshing option to go with the savoury sandwich. Try an easy ambrosia recipe, or simply serve some fresh fruit on the side.
• Maple syrup: For dipping. This will enhance the sweetness of the sandwich and create a delicious flavour combination.
• Honey mustard: A sweet and tangy dipping sauce that will add an extra layer of flavour.
• Raspberry vinaigrette: A fruity and tangy option to dip your sandwich into.
• Hot sauce: Try adding some hot sauce to your sandwich for a spicy kick.

You can also experiment with different types of cheese and bread to change up the flavours. For example, try using cheddar, provolone, or blue cheese, and sourdough, rye, or cinnamon bread for a unique twist.

Frequently asked questions