Air Fryer Monte Cristo Sandwich: Crispy Outside, Gooey Inside
The Ultimate Staycation Picnic! Easily Make a Crispy and Gooey Monte Cristo Sandwich in Your Air Fryer.
Due to the prolonged pandemic, many of us have been spending more time at home. While traveling far might be difficult, you can still create special moments right in your own home. How about spreading out a picnic mat in your living room and enjoying a delicious homemade picnic treat like a Monte Cristo sandwich? Many people think Monte Cristo sandwiches are difficult to make, but in reality, anyone can easily prepare them at home. With a golden, crispy exterior and a wonderfully gooey inside filled with the delicious combination of ham, cheese, and sweet jam – this Monte Cristo sandwich is a winner! Let me show you how to make it even more conveniently and deliciously using your air fryer.
Ingredients- 3 slices of bread
- 3 Tbsp strawberry jam
- 2 slices of ham
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, to make the sandwich look nice, carefully trim off the crusts from the slices of bread with a knife. (Tip: Removing the crusts makes the outside crispier and easier to eat!)
Step 2
Take one slice of bread and spread the strawberry jam evenly and thinly across the surface using a spoon or knife. The sweetness of the jam will enhance the sandwich’s flavor.
Step 3
On top of the jam-spread bread, layer 1 slice of cheddar cheese, 1 slice of ham, and then another slice of cheddar cheese. Using plenty of ham and cheese makes it even more delicious.
Step 4
Spread strawberry jam evenly on both sides of another slice of bread. Then, place this bread, jam-side down, on top of the layered ingredients. After covering, spread more strawberry jam evenly on the top surface. (Tip: Spreading ample jam ensures it stays moist after cooking.)
Step 5
On this slice of bread, layer another slice of cheddar cheese, 1 slice of ham, and finally, one more slice of cheddar cheese.
Step 6
Spread strawberry jam thoroughly on the remaining slice of bread. Then, flip it over and place it jam-side down on top of the layered ingredients. The preparation of the filling for your Monte Cristo sandwich is now complete.
Step 7
In a bowl, crack the 2 eggs and whisk them gently with a fork or whisk until smooth. It’s important not to over-whisk; aim for a smooth consistency. (Tip: You can add a pinch of salt or pepper to the egg mixture if you like.)
Step 8
Dip the prepared sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. Then, place the egg-coated sandwich onto a plate filled generously with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat both sides thoroughly. Coating well with breadcrumbs is key to achieving a super crispy texture in the air fryer. Place the breadcrumb-coated sandwich onto your air fryer-safe pan.
Step 9
Place the pan with the sandwich into the air fryer. Set the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and cook for approximately 6 minutes. This first 6-minute cook at 180°C will start to turn the exterior a light golden brown.
Step 10
After 6 minutes, carefully remove the sandwich from the air fryer and flip it over. Place it back into the air fryer and cook for another 4 minutes at 180°C (350°F). Flipping and cooking evenly on both sides is crucial for a perfect result.
Step 11
After a total of 10 minutes of cooking, check if the sandwich has turned a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through. Carefully remove the perfectly cooked Monte Cristo sandwich from the air fryer.
Step 12
Cut the well-cooked Monte Cristo sandwich into serving-sized pieces (usually triangles). Now you have your delicious Monte Cristo sandwich, perfect for enjoying a wonderful picnic at home! It’s best enjoyed immediately while warm.