San Jacobos in the Air Fryer
Crispy San Jacobos with melted cheese sealed between two slices of cooked ham, coated in breadcrumbs and baked golden in the air fryer. A Spanish everyday classic without a single drop of deep-fat frying.
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Cutting board
- 3 Dyb tallerken For the flour, egg and breadcrumbs
- 1 Whisk For beating the eggs
- 1 Brush For the oil
Ingredients
- 16 slice cooked ham In thick slices
8 slice cheese Emmental or gouda, in slices slightly smaller than the ham
Coating
75 g plain flour
2 pcs eggs
150 g breadcrumbs Panko gives the crispiest coating
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper Freshly ground
2 tbsp oil For brushing
Instructions
Preparation
- Lay 16 slice cooked ham out on the chopping board in eight pairs. Place one of the 8 slice cheese in the middle of the bottom slice of ham in each pair, so there's at least half a centimetre of free edge all the way round.
- Place the other slice of ham on top and press the edges firmly together with your fingertips, so the cheese is completely sealed in. If the ham is very thin, fold the edge in over the cheese first.
- Mix 75 g plain flour with 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper in a deep plate. Beat 2 pcs eggs together in another plate, and pour 150 g breadcrumbs into a third.
- Dip each pair first in the flour, then in the egg and finally in the breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb layer one more time, so the coating becomes double — the double layer is what keeps the melted cheese inside during baking.
- Place the breaded pieces on a plate and put them in the fridge for 15 minutes, so the coating sets and closes tightly around the edges.
Cooking in the air fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 190 °C.
- Brush both sides of the breaded pieces thinly with 2 tbsp oil. The oil is what gives the breadcrumbs their golden, crispy surface.
- Place the pieces in the basket in a single layer so they don't touch, and bake them at 190 °C for 12 minutes. Turn them gently after 6 minutes, so both sides become equally golden.
- Check that the coating is deep golden and firm. If it's still pale, give them 2-3 minutes more at 190 °C.
Serving
- Let the pieces rest for 2 minutes, so the melted cheese doesn't run out at the first bite. Serve them hot with chips.
Notes
Tips for perfect results:
Keep the cheese at least half a centimetre from the edge of the ham and press the edges firmly together — this is the most important safeguard against leaking cheese. The double coating (egg and breadcrumbs twice) seals the last gaps, and 15 minutes in the fridge before baking firms up the layer so it doesn't crack in the basket. Variation:
Emmental or gouda gives the classic Spanish flavour, while manchego makes the dish more pronounced and nutty. A little grated parmesan mixed into the breadcrumbs adds extra depth to the coating. Serving:
Serve them hot with chips, the way they do in Spain, and ideally a simple tomato salad or a little aioli on the side. Portion size:
If your air fryer is smaller, you can make the dish in two batches. The pieces need to lie in a single layer without touching, otherwise the coating will turn soft instead of crispy.
Keep the cheese at least half a centimetre from the edge of the ham and press the edges firmly together — this is the most important safeguard against leaking cheese. The double coating (egg and breadcrumbs twice) seals the last gaps, and 15 minutes in the fridge before baking firms up the layer so it doesn't crack in the basket. Variation:
Emmental or gouda gives the classic Spanish flavour, while manchego makes the dish more pronounced and nutty. A little grated parmesan mixed into the breadcrumbs adds extra depth to the coating. Serving:
Serve them hot with chips, the way they do in Spain, and ideally a simple tomato salad or a little aioli on the side. Portion size:
If your air fryer is smaller, you can make the dish in two batches. The pieces need to lie in a single layer without touching, otherwise the coating will turn soft instead of crispy.
Nutrition
Calories: 478kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 29gFat: 25gSaturated fat: 10gPolyunsaturated fat: 3gMonounsaturated fat: 9gTrans fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 1250mgPotassium: 310mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 320IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 330mgIron: 2mgNet carbohydrates: 29g
