Croque Monsieur in air fryer (Next Level Cheese Toastie)

gruyere cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: emmental cheese

Emmental is often less expensive and still melts well.

ham

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: bologna

Bologna is a budget-friendly alternative to ham.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Margarine can be a less expensive substitute for butter.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + cornstarch

Water with cornstarch can mimic the creaminess of milk.

Slice the cooked ham.

Grate the extra mature cheddar cheese.

Warm 250 ml of milk in the microwave for a couple of minutes.

Melt 25 g of butter in a pan.

Add 25 g of plain flour to the melted butter and mix until combined.

Cook the flour until it reaches a creamy consistency, ensuring it doesn't become too dry.

Incorporate the warm milk gradually, mixing continuously to achieve a smooth sauce.

Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a few teaspoons of Dijon mustard.

Coat one slice of bread with the béchamel sauce.

Layer a generous amount of ham on top of the sauce-covered bread.

Spread more Dijon mustard over the ham.

Add grated cheddar cheese on top of the mustard.

Top with another slice of bread to complete the sandwich.

Spread butter on the top side of the sandwich.

Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (392°F).

Place the sandwich in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes.

After 7 minutes, flip the sandwich and add more butter to the top side if desired.

Remove the sandwich after cooking and coat the top with more béchamel sauce and additional cheese.

Return the sandwich to the air fryer for an additional 3.5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens