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 ½-inch thick; 1½ tbsp (¾ oz) unsalted butter; 1½ tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup (8 fl oz) milk; ¼ tsp kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper - to season; ¼ tsp mustard powder; ¼ tsp smoked paprika; 3 tbsp (2 oz) Dijon mustard; 6 slices (8 oz) black forest ham; 1½ cups (5 oz) finely grated Gruyere cheese; Chopped flat-leaf parsley - to serve

This French bistro favorite 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.

30 mins total time

15 mins active time

Medium

Makes 2

Ingredients

Measurements:

4 slices sourdough bread
about ½-inch thick
1½ tbsp (¾ oz) unsalted butter
1½ tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup (8 fl oz) milk
¼ tsp kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
to season
¼ tsp mustard powder
¼ tsp smoked paprika
3 tbsp (2 oz) Dijon mustard
6 slices (8 oz) black forest ham
1½ cups (5 oz) finely grated Gruyere cheese
Chopped flat-leaf parsley
to serve

Instructions

1
Place the bread in the air fry basket. Insert the basket into rack position 2. Set the oven to Broil, High, for 5 minutes and press Start to preheat.
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, broil a little longer.
Tip: It may need a little more or a little less extra cooking time, best to keep an eye on it.
3
Adjust the oven to Air Fry, Super Convection, 400°F, for 7 minutes and press Start to preheat. Meanwhile, 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 parchment 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 bechamel sauce and sprinkle with about half the cheese.
5
Insert the wire rack into position 4. Place the pan in the oven and air fry for 7 minutes.
6
When there is 4 minutes remaining on the timer, place the remaining slices of toast on top. Spread with the remaining bechamel and cheese, and air fry for 4 minutes. When the oven signals at the end of cooking, adjust the oven to Broil, High, for 4 minutes and press Start. Meanwhile, continue to the next step.
7
The cheese should be melted and golden. If not, broil a little longer.
Tip: Add tip It may need a little more or a little less extra cooking time, best to keep an eye on it.
8
Cut the sandwiches in half, sprinkle with parsley and serve.