the Breville Test Kitchen

Air-Fried Croque Monsieur

Name: Air-Fried Croque Monsieur
Cook time: 900 s
Total time: 1800 s
Yield: Makes 2
Ingredients: 4 slices sourdough bread - about 1cm thick; 25 g unsalted butter; 1½ tbsp plain flour; 1 cup (250 ml) milk; ¼ tsp coarse salt; Freshly ground black pepper - to season; ¼ tsp mustard powder; ¼ tsp smoked paprika; 3 tbsp (55 g) Dijon mustard; 6 slices (230 g) black forest ham; 1½ cups (150 g) finely grated Gruyere cheese; Chopped flat-leaf parsley - to serve

This French bistro favourite is one very chic grilled cheese sandwich. Black forest ham and gruyere cheese layered with creamy bechamel sauce and Dijon mustard. Crispy on the outside, rich and melting on the inside. You may well need a knife and fork to tackle this delight…not to mention a cheeky glass of red.

the Smart Oven™ Air Fryer XL

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30 mins total time

15 mins active time

Medium

Makes 2

Ingredients

Measurements:

4 slices sourdough bread
about 1cm thick
25 g unsalted butter
1½ tbsp plain flour
1 cup (250 ml) milk
¼ tsp coarse salt
Freshly ground black pepper
to season
¼ tsp mustard powder
¼ tsp smoked paprika
3 tbsp (55 g) Dijon mustard
6 slices (230 g) black forest ham
1½ cups (150 g) finely grated Gruyere cheese
Chopped flat-leaf parsley
to serve

Instructions

1
Place the bread, in a single layer, in the air fry basket. Insert the basket into rack position 1. Set the oven to Grill, High, for 5 minutes and press Start.
Tip: Bread toasts differently depending on the ingredient ratio. To avoid burning, check the bread regularly during cooking.
2
The bread should be evenly golden on one side. If not, grill it a little longer.
3
Adjust the oven to Air Fry, Super Convection, 205°C, for 3 minutes and press Start. Meanwhile, make the bechamel. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until a paste has formed and starts to bubble. Gradually add the milk whisking until smooth after each addition. Continue whisking for 2 minutes, or until the sauce boils and thickens. Add the salt, pepper, mustard powder and paprika. Remove the pan from the heat, cover and set aside.
4
Line the roasting pan with baking paper. Place 2 slices of toast in the pan, untoasted side facing up. Spread the mustard on each slice. Fold the ham and place on top of the mustard. Spread the ham with about 2 tablespoons of the bechamel sauce and sprinkle with about half the cheese.
5
Once preheated, insert the wire rack into position 4. Place the pan in the oven and air fry for 3 minutes.
6
When the oven signals, place the remaining slices of toast on top, toasted side up. Spread with the remaining bechamel and cheese. Adjust the oven, select Phase Cook for P1 and set the oven to Air Fry, Super Convection, 205°C, for 4 minutes. Press Start for P2, set the oven to Grill, High, for 4 minutes and press Start.
7
The cheese should be melted and golden. If not, grill it a little longer.
8
Cut the sandwiches in half, sprinkle with parsley and serve.