Go Back

Air Fryer Croque Madame - A Crispy, Cozy Brunch Classic

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Bread: 2 thick slices of sturdy white, sourdough, or country bread
  • Ham: 2–3 slices of good-quality ham (Black Forest, Parisian, or smoked)
  • Cheese: 3–4 ounces Gruyère, Comté, or Swiss, grated
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons, plus more for the pan and for the bread if desired
  • Flour: 1 tablespoon (for béchamel)
  • Milk: 3/4 cup whole milk (warm)
  • Dijon mustard: 1–2 teaspoons
  • Nutmeg: A small pinch (freshly grated if possible)
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Eggs: 1–2 large eggs (one per sandwich)
  • Optional garnish: Chives or parsley, finely chopped
  • Cooking spray or oil: For the air fryer basket

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Lightly spray the basket to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the béchamel: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour and cook for 1 minute until foamy, not browned. Slowly whisk in warm milk. Simmer and whisk until thick, 2–3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, a pinch of nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon Dijon. Remove from heat.
  3. Assemble the base: Spread a thin layer of Dijon on one side of each bread slice. Place a slice in the air fryer-safe tray or on a small piece of parchment. Add a spoonful of béchamel, a generous handful of grated cheese, and the ham. Top with the second slice of bread. Press gently.
  4. Top with more béchamel: Spread a thin layer of béchamel over the top of the sandwich and sprinkle with more cheese. This helps create that golden, bubbly crust.
  5. Air fry the sandwich: Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 6–8 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is starting to brown. If the top is browning too fast, tent loosely with a small piece of foil.
  6. Cook the egg: While the sandwich finishes, heat a small nonstick pan with a touch of butter or oil. Fry the egg to your preference—sunny-side up with a runny yolk is classic. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Alternatively, you can crack the egg into a lightly oiled, air fryer-safe ramekin and cook in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes until set but still runny.
  7. Finish and serve: Remove the sandwich when the cheese is bubbling and edges are crisp. Top with the fried egg. Sprinkle with chives or parsley if you like. Serve hot.
  8. For extra toastiness: If you prefer, lightly butter the outside of the bread before assembling for a richer crust. Adjust time by 1–2 minutes if needed.