the Breville Test Kitchen

Air-Fried Croque Madame

Name: Air-Fried Croque Madame
Cook time: 1200 s
Total time: 2100 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 pepper - to season; ½ tsp white truffle oil; 3 tbsp (2 oz) Dijon mustard; 6 slices (8 oz) black forest ham; 1½ cups (5 oz) finely grated Gruyere cheese; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 4 quail eggs; Chopped chives - to serve

This is the egg-topped sister of the Croque Monsieur. A simple yet indulgent, French grilled sandwich, boasting a filling of ham, gruyere cheese and bechamel sauce. Finished off with fried quail eggs and sprinkling of chives, it's perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.

35 mins total time

20 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 pepper
to season
½ tsp white truffle oil
3 tbsp (2 oz) Dijon mustard
6 slices (8 oz) black forest ham
1½ cups (5 oz) finely grated Gruyere cheese
2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 quail eggs
Chopped chives
to serve

Instructions

1Place 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.
3Adjust 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. Season with salt and pepper and add the truffle oil. Remove the pan from the heat, cover and set aside.
4Line 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.
5Insert the wire rack into position 4. Place the pan in the oven and air fry for 7 minutes.
6When there is 4 minutes remaining on the timer, place the remaining slices of toast on top. Top 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.
7Place a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the eggs to the pan and cook for about 1½ minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
8The cheese should be melted and golden. 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.
9Cut the sandwiches in half, top each half with an egg, sprinkle with chives and serve.