Air Fryer Monte Cristo

Air Fryer Monte Cristo sandwiches are the best of all worlds – like a grilled ham and cheese married French toast and had a raspberry jelly baby. It’s a little salty, a little sweet, and cooked to perfection when made in the air fryer.

Calling all sandwich lovers! Or actually just hungry people in general. Been looking for an easy air fryer sandwich recipe?

You’ve shown up at the best time. This isn’t your average sandwich and once you make it, be prepared to be addicted. You’ve been warned – lol!

Since I purchased my Cosori air fryer I rarely make sandwiches any other way. It’s easy, there aren’t many dishes to wash, and even my kids and husband can make them. Sandwiches with ham, like these ham and cheese pinwheels and ham and cheese crescent ring, are a family favorite.

You may be wondering what prompted me to make this sandwich. I love a good Monte Cristo and will order it anytime I see it on the menu. This is my rendition of Disneyland’s Monte Cristo from Blue Bayou & Cafe Orleans. Yes, I’m a Disney lover too if you didn’t know. 

While you can enjoy a Monte Cristo sandwich any time of day, they make a great breakfast or brunch sandwich or a tasty breakfast-for-dinner option, like these easy air fryer French toast muffin cups and the classic air fryer eggs Benedict.

What is a Monte Cristo? 

Monte Cristo sandwiches were actually inspired by the French. It’s a variation of the French Croque-Monsieur. Originally it was a sandwich that had ham, cheese and a couple of condiments BUT was battered like French toast. 

Over time the sandwich has evolved and many people now recognize it from Disney. 

Basically, it’s the best ham and cheese sandwich you have ever tasted! 

Ingredients to Make Monte Cristo Sandwiches 

• pancake mix – we like the Krusteaz brand mix
• milk – whole or 2% works best
• water
• vanilla 
• egg
• Texas toast
• Swiss cheese 
• deli ham – thin sliced
• powdered sugar
• raspberry jelly 

How to Make an Air Fryer Monte Cristo 

In a medium size mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix, water, milk, vanilla, and egg, and whisk together until it’s combined. At this point, your batter should be thick. If you need to add a little more pancake mix you can. 

Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees F. If you are using parchment paper liners, wait to put those in the basket until your sandwiches are ready to go in. 

Make the sandwich by starting with a piece of bread, a couple of slices of cheese, 5 ham slices, 2 more slices of cheese then topped with another piece of bread. 

Place toothpicks in the corners of the sandwiches to hold the sandwich together. 

Dip the sandwich in the batter on both sides, being careful when you flip it. Using a pair of tongs works best. 

Add the parchment liners to the basket if you are using them, then place the sandwiches in. Try to make sure they don’t touch. Depending on how many you are making and the size of your basket, you may need to cook in batches. 

Air fry the sandwiches for 10 minutes, flipping them at the 7 minute mark. 

Remove from the air fryer and allow to cool for a couple minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve with a side of raspberry jelly for your dipping sauce. 

What is the best bread to use? 

If you are in a pinch, you can use regular white bread. But if you’ve ever made French toast you know a thicker bread works much better. Which is why we use Texas toast for our Monte Cristo sandwiches. You could also use a French or Italian loaf and cut into thick slices.

Tips for Making Monte Cristo in the Air Fryer

• Add sliced turkey for a heartier sandwich.
• You can add a bit of jam inside the sandwich before cooking if desired.
• Substitute Gruyere cheese for the Swiss cheese if desired.
• Drizzle the cooked sandwiches with a bit of maple syrup for a sweeter sandwich.

How to Reheat a Monte Cristo Sandwich

I will forewarn you, these sandwiches are best when they are eaten fresh from the air fryer. If you choose to reheat, you can air fry at 350 degrees F or heat them on a baking sheet in the oven for just a few minutes.

Because the outside is battered, I don’t recommend reheating in the microwave because it will make the sandwiches slightly soggy.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes:

• Air Fryer Shrimp Po’Boys
• Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
• Cherry Cheese Danish {Air Fryer & Oven}
• Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts {3 Ways}