Air Fryer Croque Madame

Air Fryer Croque Madame is one of the best and easiest air fryer breakfast recipes!

Made with fresh eggs, sliced deli ham, and crust bread, this is the ultimate breakfast sandwich, and with the air fryer, you can make it in minutes!

There is nothing better for breakfast, whether it’s the middle of the summer, fall, winter, or even spring. Then a delicious breakfast sandwich!

I had always loved eating a Croque Madame Open-Faced Sandwich With Fried Eggs when I was a child. Now that I have my air fryer, I love surprising everyone with a tasty and homemade breakfast option. This is one of my kid’s favorites.

If you are looking for other ways to cook eggs in the Air Fryer, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER AVOCADO TOAST WITH EGG, AIR FRYER HARD BOILED EGGS, LOW-CARB AIR FRYER SCOTCH EGGS, and AIR FRYER LOADED BREAKFAST BURRITO.

What Is A Croque Madame

This classical French sandwich is either called Croque Monsieur or Croque Madame. They are made with either a fried egg or poached egg placed upon the sandwich fillings.

They usually contain deli ham, Swiss Cheese, and a classical Bechamel Sauce. Served up today on crusty French Baguettes.

It’s a classical French breakfast, which made its way to America back in the 1910s. Typically this sandwich is fried, but today, I used my Air Fryer to create a delicious and hearty breakfast option.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Croque Madame

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need:

• Deli Ham: Layer slices of deli ham for a savory, protein-packed addition to your French baguette.
• Swiss Cheese: Add Swiss cheese for a creamy, nutty flavor that melts beautifully.
• Bechamel Classical Sauce: Spread a rich Bechamel classical sauce to enhance the baguette with a smooth, velvety texture.
• Eggs: Use eggs to create a golden, crispy crust when brushed on the baguette before baking.
• Parsley: Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and a hint of fresh, herbal flavor.
• Salt: Season with a pinch of salt to bring out and balance the flavors in the baguette.
• Black Pepper: Add freshly ground black pepper for a touch of subtle heat and depth of flavor.

How To Make Croque Madame Air Fryer

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making croque madame airfryer, the full recipe is below in the printable recipe card, at the bottom of the post:

Start by cutting the baguette in half. Then spread the deli ham over the bread, overlapping it.

Place the covered baguette in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray. Spoon the Béchamel sauce over the ham. Then place the Swiss cheese over the Béchamel Sauce. Set in the air fryer, with a cook time for 4-5 minutes at 340 degrees F, air fryer setting. As soon as the cheese melts, remove it. Meanwhile, fry two eggs and then put them on top.

Air Fryer Croque Madame Recipe Tips

• Use Quality Bread: Choose sturdy bread, like sourdough or ciabatta, to hold up well to the toppings and air frying process.

• Layer Ingredients Evenly: Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bread, then layer with ham and cheese. Make sure the layers are even for consistent cooking.

• Lightly Brush with Butter: Brush the outside of the bread with a thin layer of melted butter for a golden, crispy crust.

• Cook in Batches: If making multiple sandwiches, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which ensures even crisping.

• Monitor Cooking Time: Air fryer cooking times can vary. Start with 6-8 minutes, checking halfway through, and adjust as needed to achieve a golden brown crust.

• Add the Egg at the End: Cook the sandwich first, then fry an egg separately to top the sandwich just before serving. This keeps the egg yolk runny and the sandwich crispy.

• Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of chives for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Air Fryer Croque Madame Recipe Variations

• Eggs: Without a fried Egg on top, this recipe is known as Croque Monsieur. You can follow the same exact recipe as below and simply omit the Egg.
• Bread: While you can use any bread, the best bread to use is a thicker beard, such as a baguette, sourdough bread, and Artisan Bread.
• Cheese: While I used classical Swiss Cheese, you can easily switch this out for any of your favorite cheeses, some of my favorite variations would be Gouda, Sliced Mozzarella Cheese, and a great Gruyere.

Air Fryer Croque Madame Recipe Faqs

Can I use other types of bread for Croque Madame? Yes, you can use different types of bread like whole wheat, rye, or multigrain. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the fillings and crisp up nicely.

Can I make Croque Madame without béchamel sauce? While béchamel sauce is traditional, you can substitute it with a mixture of mayonnaise and mustard or simply use extra cheese for a simpler version.

How do I ensure the cheese melts properly? For best results, use thin slices of cheese and layer them evenly. Preheating the air fryer and not overcrowding it will also help the cheese melt uniformly.

Can I prepare Croque Madame ahead of time? You can assemble the sandwiches and keep them in the refrigerator for a few hours before air frying. However, it’s best to cook them fresh for optimal crispiness.

How do I avoid soggy bread? Ensure that the béchamel sauce is not too thick and spread it thinly. Also, avoid overloading the bread with too much filling.

Can I freeze Croque Madame? Yes, you can freeze the assembled sandwiches before cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I make sure the egg on top is cooked to my liking? Fry the egg separately in a non-stick pan or an air fryer until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Place it on top of the Croque Madame just before serving.

What can I serve with Croque Madame? Croque Madame pairs well with a simple salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of fruit. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with some roasted potatoes or a light soup.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER LOADED BREAKFAST BURRITO
• EASY AIR FRYER BREAKFAST EGG ROLLS
• AIR FRYER HAM AND CHEESE BITES
• AIR FRYER BREAKFAST CHIMICHANGAS
• LOW-CARB AIR FRYER SCOTCH EGGS
• AIR FRYER BROCCOLI AND CHEDDAR CHEESE QUICHE
• AIR FRYER BREAKFAST GRILLED CHEESE

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