the Breville Test Kitchen
Air-Fried Croque Monsieur
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.
30 mins total time
15 mins active time
Medium
Makes 2
Ingredients
Measurements:
4 slices sourdough breadabout 1cm thick
25 g unsalted butter
1½ tbsp plain flour
1 cup (250 ml) milk
¼ tsp coarse salt
Freshly ground black pepperto 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 parsleyto serve
Instructions
- 1Place 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.
- 2The bread should be evenly golden on one side. If not, grill it a little longer.
- 3Adjust 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.
- 4Line 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.
- 5Once preheated, insert the wire rack into position 4. Place the pan in the oven and air fry for 3 minutes.
- 6When 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.
- 7The cheese should be melted and golden. If not, grill it a little longer.
- 8Cut the sandwiches in half, sprinkle with parsley and serve.
