Air Fryer Monte Cristo Sandwich

Experience a fun and tasty twist on a classic sandwich favorite with our Air Fryer Monte Cristo Sandwich! Enjoy the combination of sweet and savory flavors and gooey, crisp textures of a traditional Monte Cristo sandwich recipe using an air fryer’s convenience and healthier cooking method – ready in less than 30 minutes! 

This delicious, easy-to-make Monte Cristo sandwich air fryer recipe is a gourmet experience made in the comfort of your own kitchen. Layers of tender ham, turkey, and melted cheeses are nestled between slices of soft bread, enveloped in a light egg batter, then air-fried to golden perfection. The heat of the air fryer gives the sandwich an irresistible crispy exterior while keeping the inside warm and gooey. 

Like a traditional Monte Cristo recipe this sandwich is finished with a light powder sugar dusting and a side of fruit preserves for dipping. Whether you’re seeking an indulgent breakfast, a brunch showstopper, or a satisfying dinner that breaks the monotony, you can’t go wrong with this air-fried Monte Cristo! 

For more tasty air fryer sandwich recipes, try my Air Fryer Subway Meatball Sub, Air Fryer Meatloaf Sandwich, or Air Fryer Hardee’s Bit Hot Ham ‘N Cheese. 

What is a Monte Cristo Sandwich? 

A classic Monte Cristo sandwich recipe is a ham and cheese sandwich made with soft brioche bread dipped in an egg-milk batter and pan-fried until golden brown. It is a variation of a classic French Croque Monsieur – a hot ham and cheese sandwich that is typically grilled or baked.

This air fryer recipe was inspired by the beloved Monte Cristo sandwich Disneyland serves at the Blue Bayou restaurant in the New Orleans Square–one of our favorites. The famous dish is served with a powdered sugar garnish and jam as a dipping sauce. We added a few new ingredients for a modern twist and cooked it in the air fryer for easy prep and a healthier cooking alternative. 

Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Monte Cristo Sandwich

• Convenient & Quick: Making a Monte Cristo in the air fryer takes less than 30 and delivers a perfectly cooked sandwich with minimal hands-on prep. This recipe is an ideal choice for a quick brunch main dish or a satisfying meal without much effort. 
• Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates a golden, crispy outside while perfectly melting the cheese inside. No need for extra oil to pan-fry! 
• Flavor-Packed: This air fryer Monte Cristo dish combines a delightful balance of savory meats, melted cheeses, and sweet garnishes for a unique and delicious flavor experience. 
• Versatile: Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a unique brunch option, or a comforting dinner, this sandwich hits the sweet and savory spot for any occasion. 

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you will need to make this Monte Cristo air fryer recipe:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information. 

• Bread: Use a good-quality, soft yet sturdy sandwich bread to soak up the egg wash yet hold up when air-fried. This recipe uses honey wheat bread to add some extra flavor, or you can use Texas Toast, challah, or brioche bread. 
• Ham: Opt for thinly sliced deli ham. Choose a smoked variation to add depth, Black Forest ham for a smoky-sweet flavor, or honey-glazed ham to elevate the sweetness. 
• Turkey: Thinly sliced turkey breast adds depth and variety to the sandwich’s meaty profile. Choose oven-roasted sliced turkey for a more traditional flavor or smoked turkey for a richer taste.
• Swiss Cheese: This is the classic cheese for a Monte Cristo sandwich, providing a mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture. 
• American Cheese: Gives the classic Monte Cristo recipe an extra melty twist, adding a mild flavor that balances the sharper Swiss cheese. 
• Eggs: Use large eggs to create a sufficient Monte Cristo sandwich batter and give the final result its signature golden-brown crunch. 
• Milk: Adds moisture to the egg batter and helps it form a cohesive texture. Whole milk adds a signature creaminess, or use half and half for a lighter option. 
• Ground Nutmeg: A hint of ground nutmeg in the batter enhances the overall flavors of the sandwich. 

How to Make an Air Fryer Monte Cristo Sandwich

Here are the step by step directions, for making Air Fryer Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe.

Prepare air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 380ºF for at least 5 minutes while you prepare the sandwiches.

Assemble the sandwiches. Add one slice of turkey, Swiss Cheese, Ham, and American cheese to the bottom layer of one piece of bread. Add a top slice of bread, then press the sandwich together. Repeat for the remaining sandwiches.

Prepare batter. Combine the egg, milk, salt, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl and whisk until well combined. Hold the corners of the sandwich and carefully dip it into the egg mixture; make sure the batter is on all sides and is well coated. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.

Cook. Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place as many whole sandwiches that will fit in an even layer (likely 2-4 sandwiches at a time) in the air fryer and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through until the outer crust is golden-brown and the cheese is melted. Cook in batches as needed.

Serve. Let the sandwiches rest for about a minute so the cheese sets before sprinkling with powdered sugar. Enjoy each Monte Cristo sandwich with dipping sauce like strawberry, raspberry, or blackberry jam, or serve with a spread of mustard or mayonnaise to add a tangy, creamy flavor. 

Pro-Tips For Making This Air Fryer Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe

• Choose the right bread. For the best results, use soft yet sturdy bread that can hold up to the egg mixture and the weight of the fillings without falling apart. 
• Secure the sandwich properly. To prevent the sandwich from opening or ingredients from sliding out during the air frying process consider using toothpicks to secure the top and bottom halves together. Then remove the toothpicks before serving.
• Perfect your egg wash. Thoroughly whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and nutmeg to achieve a well-blended batter to evenly coat the sandwiches. You can also add an optional splash of pure vanilla extract to enhance the sweetness.
• uickly dip, don’t soak.  When dredging the sandwiches in the egg wash, dip them quickly on both sides so they are lightly coated. Soaking for too long can make the bread overly soggy, which might prevent it from getting crispy in the air fryer.
• Use cooking spray. A light spray of cooking oil on the air fryer basket can prevent sticking and help achieve a more uniform golden crust on the sandwiches. You can also use parchment paper.
• Flip for even cooking. Carefully flip the sandwich halfway through the cooking time, ensuring both sides get evenly crispy and golden. Gently flip the sandwiches using a spatula to keep the fillings intact. 
• Cook in batches. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, only cook 2-4 sandwiches at a time; however many will fit with a little space between so the outer crusts crisp up properly. 
• Rest before serving. Allow the sandwiches to rest for a minute after cooking to help the cheese set slightly, making it easier to cut in half and ensuring the fillings don’t spill out. 

Recipe Variations

Below are optional variations to switch up the Monte Cristo sandwich air fryer recipe:

• Hawaiian Rolls: Make the Monte Cristo with Hawaiian Rolls by swapping them for regular bread. The slightly sweet bread is a fun twist and enhances the savory-sweet flavor contrast, and the rolls will hold up during air frying. 
• Vegetarian: Replace the meat with vegetarian deli slices or additional cheese and vegetables like spinach or roasted bell peppers. The key is to maintain the balance of flavors and textures. 
• Meats: Switch up your meat filling by experimenting with chicken deli slices or bacon for alternative protein. 
• Cheeses: Swap the Swiss and American cheese for other variations that melt well like Gruyére, provolon, or cheddar. 
• Spicy: Add some heat by serving cooked sandwiches with spicy mustard or hot sauce, or add a slice of pepper jack cheese for a kick. 

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this Monte Cristo sandwich air fryer recipe with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a side of your favorite fruit preserves for a classic experience for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. You can also serve the sandwiches with mustard and mayo for a delicious flavor contrast, or pair them with some of our sweet or savory recommendations below for a full-spread meal: 

• Sweet Potato Fries
• Copycat KFC Coleslaw
• Air Fryer Grapes

Storage Directions

This recipe is best enjoyed right away, but you can wrap cooled leftovers in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

How to Reheat Monte Cristo in the Air Fryer

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350ºF for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, to restore the crispy outer texture and re-melt the filling. 

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Egg Salad Sandwiches
• Air Fryer Lobster Grilled Cheese
• Easy Air Fryer Pepperoni Grilled Cheese
• Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sandwich
• Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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