Easy Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe in the Air Fryer
With its delicious combination of ham, cheese, and jam, this easy Monte Cristo sandwich recipe can't be beat! And since it can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it's the perfect main course to whip up any time of day. With the help of your air fryer, you can prepare an amazing sandwich packed with sweet and salty flavor in a matter of minutes.
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What Do I Need to Make This Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe?
You won't believe how much flavor this easy sandwich recipe has. That's because it's prepared with a handful of delicious ingredients. All you need to make a homemade Monte Cristo for breakfast or lunch is:
- Brioche bread
- Shredded Swiss cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Deli ham
- Eggs
- Half and half
- Nutmeg
- Powdered sugar
- Raspberry Preserves
How Do I Make Easy Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe?
A classic Monte Cristo is always easy to prepare. But with the help of your air fryer, you can whip up your own sweet and salty sandwiches in a fraction of the time. Just follow these easy instructions to make your own crispy ham and cheese sandwiches.
Step One: Prepare the Spread
In a small bowl, stir together the Swiss cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until well blended. Spread the mixture on one side of each piece of bread.
Step Two: Layer the Sandwich
Distribute the ham slices evenly over four pieces of the bread, then place another slice of bread on top of the ham to make four sandwiches.
Step Three: Coat the Sandwiches
In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, and nutmeg until smooth and creamy. Dip each sandwich into the egg wash, coating both sides evenly. Lightly shake the sandwich to remove excess egg.
Step Four: Air Fry the Sandwiches
Line the basket of your air fryer with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place the sandwiches in the basket, cooking in batches if needed. Set the air fryer to cook at 350 degrees for 8 minutes, flipping the sandwich halfway through the cooking time.
Step Four: Serve the Monte Cristos
When the sandwiches are finished cooking, lightly dust with powdered sugar. Serve with raspberry preserves spread over the top or in a small bowl for dipping.
What is a Monte Cristo Sandwich?
This delicious sandwich features a sweet and salty combination of deli meat and powdered sugar. Typically, the sandwich is made with thinly sliced meat, like ham or turkey, then topped with Swiss cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard. After the ingredients are layered between two slices of bread, the sandwich is then coated in egg wash and fried until golden brown. When served, a Monte Cristo is typically topped with a coating of powdered sugar and a serving of jam or preserves on the side for dipping.
How Do You Store Monte Cristo Sandwiches?
These sweet and salty sandwiches are best when they're served right out of the air fryer. But if you aren't able to finish all of your sandwiches, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. Place the uneaten sandwiches in an airtight container for best results.
To reheat the sandwiches, place them in the air fryer for around five minutes, until heated through.
Can I Make Monte Cristo Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
Since these crispy air fried sandwiches are best right after they're made, it's not a good idea to bake them ahead of time. But that doesn't mean you can't get some of the prep work finished before you start cooking.
To make this recipe in advance, stack the sandwiches by spreading the cheese, mayo and mustard on the bread and adding the ham. Then, wrap the prepared sandwiches in foil or plastic wrap and keep them refrigerated. You can prepare the sandwiches up to two days in advance.
When you're ready to eat your sandwiches, dip them in the egg wash and bake them in the air fryer according to the recipe instructions.
Monte Cristo Sandwich Ideas
This classic recipe is delicious any time of day. But if you want to change things up as you're making your own sandwiches, you can make a few simple substitutions. Try these recipe ideas as you put your own Monte Cristo recipe together.
- Add more meat. Ham is the classic filler found in Monte Cristos. But that doesn't mean you can't mix things up as you're making your own sandwiches at home. Try adding more or different deli meat, like turkey or roast beef.
- Use different bread. Brioche bread is a great way to add a slight sweetness to your meal that balances out the saltiness of the ham and cheese. But if you don't have any on hand, you can swap the brioche bread for white, wheat, or sourdough.
- Try different cheeses. The mild flavor of Swiss cheese is a great option when preparing this easy dish. If you're not a fan of Swiss cheese, you can try making this sandwich with another mild cheese like provolone or mozzarella.
- Serve with a sweet sauce. To add a hint of sweetness to each bite, complement your ham and cheese sandwiches with a sweet dipping sauce. Try serving your Monte Cristos with strawberry jam, raspberry preserves, or honey.
What to Serve with Monte Cristo Sandwiches
Monte Cristo sandwiches are a delicious blend of ham, turkey, and cheese, dipped in egg batter and fried to perfection. But what truly elevates this indulgent classic are the sides that accompany it. We've compiled a list of the best dishes to serve with Monte Cristo sandwiches, perfect for foodies, home cooks, and sandwich lovers.
1. Fresh Fruit Salad
A light and refreshing fruit salad is the perfect counterpoint to the rich flavors of a Monte Cristo sandwich. Combine seasonal fruits like berries, melon, and citrus for a burst of freshness that balances the savory sandwich.
A mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can add a crisp, acidic contrast to your meal. Consider adding nuts, dried fruits, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for added complexity.
3. French Fries
You can't go wrong with classic French fries. Their crispy texture pairs wonderfully with the gooey, cheesy goodness of the Monte Cristo. Sprinkle them with sea salt and serve with ketchup or aioli for dipping.
4. Coleslaw
Coleslaw offers a crunchy and creamy side that complements the soft texture of the sandwich. Opt for a tangy vinegar-based slaw to cut through the richness, or a classic creamy coleslaw for added indulgence.
5. Tomato Soup
A warm bowl of tomato soup is an excellent pairing, providing a comforting, flavorful dip for your sandwich. The acidity and sweetness of the tomatoes enhance the savory notes of the Monte Cristo.
For a twist on the classic fry, sweet potato fries offer a slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the saltiness of the sandwich. They're also a healthier alternative and can be baked for a lighter option.
8. Potato Salad
A creamy potato salad with a touch of mustard or vinegar can add a satisfying, hearty element to your meal. It's a great way to balance the textures and flavors on your plate.
Cranberry sauce isn't just for Thanksgiving. Its tart and sweet profile complements the savory and salty components of the Monte Cristo, making it a delightful addition.
Air Fryer Monte Cristo Sandwiches
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 slices brioche bread
- 3 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 lb thick sliced deli ham or sliced baked ham
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup half and half
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Raspberry preserve for serving (or preserve of choice)
Instructions
- Line your air fryer basket with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a small mixing bowl, mix together your cheese, mayonnaise and dijon mustard until well combined. Spread the cheese mixture on each piece of bread.
- Distribute your ham evenly on 4 pieces of the slathered bread. Top each with the remaining bread slices.
- In a shallow dish, combine the eggs, half and half and nutmeg. Mix well. Dip each sandwich into the egg wash, coating both sides well. Shake excess egg mixture off.
- Place sandwiches in basket. Set your air fryer at 350 degrees on the air fry setting and cook each sandwich for around 8 minutes, flipping the sandwich half way through. You may have to work in batches depending on air fryer size.
- Lightly dust your sandwiches with powdered sugar. Spread your preserves on top of the sandwich or place in a small bowl for dipping.
- Serve and enjoy!
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