You know that buttery, toasty smell when a croissant hits the warm air from the ovenor in this case, the air fryer? These Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants take all that golden, flaky joy and wrap it around melty cheddar and savory ham. They’re trending hard right now because they’re cozy, nostalgic, and absurdly easy. Breakfast just got exciting again.
This dish uses refrigerated croissant dough, leftover ham, and your favorite cheesemine’s sharp cheddar, for the record. Pop them in the air fryer, and in under 10 minutes you’ve got a warm, crispy, pull-apart snack. Think Sunday brunch meets kid-approved lunchbox upgrade. It’s like your favorite diner meal, minus the wait and the cleanup. Great for quick meals or cozy mornings in.
Started making these during a snowed-in week back in 2021 when the fridge was full of holiday ham. My son took one bite and said, “Why haven’t we been doing this forever?” I learned the trick is not overfilling themtoo much cheese and it’ll leak (tasty, but messy). After more than a decade photographing and testing cozy meals, this one’s stayed in rotation for good reason.
Thomas Baker
Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants – Irresistibly Easy Recipe
Indulge in the flaky, golden goodness of Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants. These delightful pastries are filled with savory ham and melted cheese, creating a perfect snack or brunch treat that’s simple to prepare. With a crispy exterior and gooey interior, Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants are sure to impress your family and friends.
Unroll the croissant dough on a clean surface and separate the triangles.
Place slices of ham on each triangle, then top with shredded cheese.
Roll from the wider end of the triangle towards the tip, tucking in the edges to seal.
Brush each rolled croissant with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
Check doneness at 8 minutes; remove once crispy and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Feel free to substitute turkey for ham or add pesto for an Italian twist. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Your Go-To for Delicious Mornings!
Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with these incredibly simple yet satisfying Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants. Here’s why they’re about to become your new favorite:
Quick and easy: From pantry to plate in just about 20 minutes (including prep!), you’ll have warm, flaky croissants that taste like they came from a gourmet bakery.
Perfect for multitasking: While these golden beauties crisp up in the air fryer, you’ll have hands-free time to brew your coffee, set the table, or simply enjoy a quiet moment before the delicious chaos begins.
Family-approved: With a delightful combination of savory ham and gooey, melted cheese nestled inside a buttery pastry, these are a guaranteed hit. Kids and grandparents alike will be asking for more!
Versatile delight: Whether it’s a bustling breakfast, a satisfying midday snack, or even a convenient on-the-go lunch, these croissants fit the bill perfectly. Plus, they store and reheat wonderfully, making meal prep a breeze!
Ingredients Breakdown: Simple Goodness for Your Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants
You don’t need a gourmet pantry for these delightful ham and cheese croissants! Here’s everything you’ll need, along with a few tips to pick the best for your batch.
Ingredient
Details
Pre-made croissant dough (8 oz package)
This is your secret weapon for speed! Look for refrigerated dough that comes in a tube, typically yielding 8 triangles. You’ll find it in the dairy or refrigerated section near biscuits and pie crusts. Brands like Pillsbury often work great.
Sliced ham (4 oz)
Thinly sliced deli ham (like Black Forest, honey ham, or even smoked turkey for a twist) works best. If using leftover ham, ensure it’s sliced thin enough to roll easily without tearing the dough.
Shredded cheese (1 cup)
Cheddar and Swiss create a classic, comforting flavor profile. But don’t hesitate to experiment! A mix of Monterey Jack and Colby, or even some mozzarella for extra stretch, would be delicious. Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully.
Egg (1)
Just one large egg, lightly beaten, is all you need for that professional, golden-brown, bakery-worthy finish and a slight sheen.
Quick Prep & Cook Details:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8-10 minutes
Yield: 8 delicious croissants
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Perfect Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants
This recipe is incredibly beginner-friendly, but following these steps and tips will guarantee perfectly golden, flaky, and cheesy croissants every single time.
Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This crucial step ensures consistent cooking and helps achieve that irresistible crispy, flaky exterior right from the start.
Prep the croissant dough: Carefully unroll the pre-made dough on a clean, lightly floured surface or parchment paper. Gently separate the triangles into individual pieces.
Assemble the fillings: On the wider end of each croissant triangle, lay a small slice or a few pieces of your thinly sliced ham. Then, sprinkle about 1-2 tablespoons of shredded cheese right on top of the ham. Remember, a little restraint goes a long way herebe mindful not to overfill, as too much filling can make them difficult to roll and prone to oozing during cooking. Less is definitely more to keep things tidy and ensure even baking!
Roll them up: Starting from the wider end of each triangle (the base where you placed your filling), gently but firmly roll toward the point. Once rolled, lightly tuck the edges slightly to help seal in the delicious ham and cheese.
Add the golden egg wash: In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the beaten egg over the top and sides of each rolled croissant. This egg wash is what gives them that beautiful, glossy, golden-brown glaze.
Cook in the air fryer: Arrange the assembled croissants in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Ensure there’s a little space between each one to allow for optimal air circulation and all-over crispinessavoid overlapping! Cook for 8–10 minutes. Begin checking at the 8-minute mark; they’re ready when they’re beautifully golden brown and the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbling.
Cool and serve with care: Once cooked, carefully remove the croissants from the air fryer. Let them rest on a wire rack for a couple of minutes before you dig in. The filling will be incredibly hot and gooey, so allowing them to settle prevents burns and helps the cheese set slightly.
Serving and Storage Tips: Enjoying Your Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants
Serving suggestions: These irresistible ham and cheese croissants are best enjoyed warm, right out of the air fryer! They make a cozy, flaky centerpiece for breakfast or brunch. Pair them with fresh fruit, a hot cup of coffee, or even a light green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage: Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store any cooled croissants in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor and texture surprisingly well.
Reheating: To bring back that glorious crispy texture, reheating in the air fryer is your best bet! At 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, they’ll be as good as freshly baked.
Reheating Method
Time & Temperature
Notes
Air fryer reheating
350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes
Best for restoring crispiness.
Oven reheating
375°F (190°C) for 7–8 minutes
Also good for crispness, but takes longer.
Microwave (least crispy)
20-30 seconds per croissant
Quickest, but results in a softer, less crispy croissant. Use if you’re in a hurry!
Pro Tips and Flavor Tweaks for Your Air Fryer Croissants
Ready to customize or perfect your Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants? Here are some insights from countless batches:
Give them room to breathe: This is crucial! For that coveted all-over crispiness, never overcrowd the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary, ensuring a little space between each croissant.
Experiment with fillings: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Swap out ham for thinly sliced turkey, roast beef, or even pre-cooked bacon. A tiny smear of Dijon mustard or a sprinkle of fresh herbs (like chives or parsley) before rolling can add an extra layer of zing.
Cheese ideas galore: While cheddar and Swiss are champions, mozzarella adds an amazing stretch, pepper jack brings a subtle kick, and provolone offers a milder, creamy touch. The key is to use a good melting cheese that you love!
Keep it simple for kids: For the little ones or picky eaters, a classic combination of plain ham and mild cheddar cheese is almost always a winner. You can even try cutting their portions smaller after baking.
These tips will help you tailor the Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissant recipe to perfectly suit your cravings, utilize what’s in your fridge, or simply make the most of your air frying experience. Happy air frying!
Expert Insight: Perfecting Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants
Using an air fryer for ham cheese croissants ensures a delightfully crisp exterior while keeping the interior soft and melty. The circulating hot air evenly browns the croissant, enhancing its buttery layers without adding excess oil. This method is a smart, time-saving alternative to traditional baking that preserves texture and flavor. To truly perfect them, ensure your air fryer is preheated and don’t overcrowd the basket; this promotes even cooking and that desirable golden crunch.
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The Journey to Perfect Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants
Like many home cooks, I’m always looking for ways to make comforting favorites quicker and easier without sacrificing flavor. My adventure with these Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants was a delicious journey of trial and error. I started with a few attempts where the croissants were a bit too crunchy on the outside or the cheese wasn’t quite melted enough, and sometimes the filling would ooze out. Each batch taught me something valuable: the importance of thin ham slices, the perfect amount of cheese (less is indeed more!), and why a preheated air fryer and proper spacing are non-negotiable. Finally, I nailed that perfect balancea beautifully flaky, golden crust, savory ham, and gloriously gooey cheese in every bite. It’s a recipe born from real kitchen moments, and I’m thrilled to share these hard-won tips so you can achieve golden perfection every time.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants )
Can I use frozen croissants for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen croissants but make sure to thaw them completely before assembling. This helps the ham and cheese to heat evenly and prevents excess moisture. Slightly warming the croissants also improves flakiness after air frying.
What temperature should I set my air fryer?
Set your air fryer to 350°F for this meal. This temperature crisps the outside while melting the cheese inside without burning the croissants. Cook time is typically 8-10 minutes, but check midway to avoid overcooking.
Can I add other ingredients to this dish?
Absolutely! You can include spinach, tomatoes, or different cheeses to customize the flavor. Just keep added ingredients light to prevent soggy croissants and ensure everything cooks thoroughly in the air fryer.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness instead of using a microwave, which can make the croissants soggy.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick breakfast?
Yes, this dish is perfect for a quick breakfast. Assembly is simple and cooking takes less than 15 minutes total, making it a fast and tasty option for busy mornings without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants Await!
There you have ita foolproof way to bring the magic of a bakery right into your kitchen with these delectable Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants! They truly come together in a snap, offering golden, flaky bites that’ll instantly fill your home with the inviting aroma of a cozy bakery. You’ll absolutely adore how the warm, melty cheese and savory ham perfectly nestle inside that buttery, perfectly toasted croissant shell. It’s the definition of effortless comfort that tastes wonderfully homemade, even when you’re short on time.
Before you dash off to make them, here’s a quick secret from my kitchen: try swapping in pepper jack for a little extra zing, or for a touch of sweet and savory, add a tiny smear of honey mustard before you roll them uptrust me, it’s a game changer! And don’t forget, leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge and re-crisp wonderfully in the air fryer, just like fresh. Always give them enough room to breathe in the air fryer basket for the crispiest, most even finish every single time.
Ready to cozy up with these incredible treats? I’d love to see your creations! Snap a pic, share your personal tweaks, or tell me if this recipe reminds you of a cherished breakfast from your own kitchen memories. Please pass this simple joy alongit’s a recipe your family will absolutely want on repeat. You’ll wanna make it again and again, guaranteed!
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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