Air Fryer Croque Monsieur Pinwheels take everything we love about the classic French sandwich and turn it into a fun, crispy, family-friendly bite. Creamy béchamel, savory ham, and melty cheese are rolled into soft bread, sliced into pinwheels, and air-fried until golden and irresistible.
As a mom and wife, I love recipes like this because they feel special without being complicated. These pinwheels are perfect for quick lunches, cozy dinners with a salad, or party appetizers that disappear the moment they hit the table.
Why You’ll Love These Croque Monsieur Pinwheels
- Creamy, cheesy, and crispy in every bite
- Inspired by a classic French comfort food
- Quick and easy in the air fryer
- Perfect for lunch, snacks, or entertaining
- Loved by kids and adults alike
They’re cozy comfort food made fun and shareable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pinwheels
- White or sandwich bread, crusts removed
- Deli ham, thinly sliced
- Gruyère or Swiss cheese, shredded
For the Béchamel Spread
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg
For Finishing
- Melted butter or olive oil spray
- Extra shredded cheese for topping (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Croque Monsieur Pinwheels
Step 1: Make the Béchamel
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook until thickened, then season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Flatten each slice of bread with a rolling pin. Spread a thin layer of béchamel evenly over the surface.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Layer ham and shredded cheese on top of the béchamel. Roll the bread tightly into a log, pressing gently to seal.
Step 4: Slice and Air Fry
Slice each roll into pinwheels about 1 inch thick. Lightly brush or spray with melted butter.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place pinwheels in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm while the cheese is melty and the edges are crisp.
Tips for Perfect Pinwheels
- Flatten bread well so it rolls tightly
- Don’t overfill to prevent cheese leakage
- Use parchment liner if needed
- Flip gently halfway through cooking
- Serve immediately for best texture
Easy Variations
- Add Dijon mustard to the béchamel
- Use turkey instead of ham
- Mix Parmesan with Gruyère for extra depth
- Add sautéed mushrooms for a Croque Madame twist
- Use whole wheat bread for a heartier option
What to Serve With Croque Monsieur Pinwheels
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Tomato soup for dipping
- Fresh fruit on the side
- Roasted vegetables
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness
- Avoid microwaving to keep them crunchy
- Best enjoyed fresh and warm
FAQs About Air Fryer Croque Monsieur Pinwheels
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and roll ahead, then slice and air fry just before serving. - Can I skip the béchamel?
You can, but it adds creaminess and makes this truly Croque Monsieur-style. - What cheese works best?
Gruyère is classic, but Swiss or mozzarella also work well. - Can I freeze them?
They’re best fresh, but you can freeze assembled rolls and air fry from frozen with added time. - Are these kid-friendly?
Very — they’re cheesy, soft inside, and perfectly crispy outside.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Croque Monsieur Pinwheels are creamy, cheesy, and wonderfully comforting. They turn a classic French sandwich into a fun, shareable dish that works for family meals, parties, or cozy weekends at home.
As a mom, I love recipes like this — simple, comforting, and made to be enjoyed together. 🧀🥪🤍
