Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 18-20 minutes
Intensity: Easy
Serves: 1-2
Ingredients
For the sandwich:
2 slices of good quality white sandwich bread or country bread
2 slices of cooked ham (about 60g)
60g Gruyère cheese, grated (or Comté or Emmental as substitutes)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
For the béchamel sauce:
15g unsalted butter
15g plain flour
120ml whole milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
A pinch of grated nutmeg (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce
Melt 15g of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture forms a smooth paste and smells slightly nutty. This is called a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk, a little at a time, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once all the milk has been added, bring the sauce to a gentle simmer while continuing to whisk. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the Dijon mustard and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The béchamel should be thick but spreadable. Set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients .
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
Butter one side of each bread slice with the softened butter. This helps create a golden, crispy exterior.
Spread a generous layer of the béchamel sauce on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread. Top with a slice of ham, then sprinkle over half of the grated Gruyère cheese. Add the second slice of ham on top of the cheese, then place the second slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing out.
Spread a thin layer of the remaining béchamel over the top of the sandwich, then sprinkle the rest of the grated cheese over it. This top layer of béchamel and cheese is what gives the Croque Monsieur its characteristic golden, bubbly crust .
Step 3: Air Fry the Sandwich
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (355°F) for about 3 minutes.
Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of your air fryer basket. Place the assembled sandwich on the parchment paper. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the sandwich in batches or use a smaller piece of bread.
Air fry the sandwich for 6-8 minutes at 180°C. The exact time will depend on your air fryer model and the thickness of your bread. The sandwich is ready when the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbling, and the bread is crispy and toasted .
If the top is browning too quickly but the cheese is not yet fully melted, you can reduce the temperature slightly and cook for a few more minutes. Conversely, if you prefer a deeper golden crust, increase the temperature to 190°C for the final 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Serve
Carefully remove the Croque Monsieur from the air fryer using a spatula. Let it rest for a minute or two before serving, as the cheese and béchamel will be extremely hot.
Cut the sandwich in half diagonally if desired. Serve immediately with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the sandwich .
Variations
Croque Madame: Top the finished Croque Monsieur with a fried or poached egg for a classic variation. The runny yolk adds an extra layer of richness .
Kimchi Croque Monsieur: Add some chopped kimchi to the filling for a spicy, tangy twist. This works particularly well with a mix of mayonnaise and teriyaki sauce brushed on the bread .
Different Cheeses: While Gruyère is traditional, you can substitute Comté, Emmental, or even a good quality cheddar. Each cheese will bring its own character to the sandwich .
Nutritional Information
Please note that nutritional values are estimates and will vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.
Per serving (1 sandwich):
Calories: Approximately 573-609 kcal
Fat: 32-33g
Carbohydrates: 42-44g
Protein: 26-33g
Fiber: 3-5g