There’s something about warm pastry and salty ham crisping up in the air fryer that smells like Sunday breakfast at Grandma’s. These Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants are flaky on the outside, melty in the middle, and done in under 10 minutes. They’ve been making the rounds latelyand it’s easy to see why. Simple, golden, cheesy magic that feels way fancier than it is.
You only need three things: buttery croissants, sliced ham, and melty cheese. Layer it, fold it, pop it into the air fryerand boom. Perfectly toasted, gooey, and just a little crispy around the edges, like a bakery treat without the drive. It’s comforting and warm, but light enough to fit into your regular routine. Think weekend brunch meets easy air fryer breakfast recipes. No mess, no fuss.
I first made these in early 2021, right when we were craving cozy but didn’t want a pile of dishes. My husband took one bite and said, “Tastes like a deli, but better.” The key? Don’t overfill the croissantsjust enough ham and cheese so they melt without spilling out. I’ve written about food and tested home recipes for almost a decade now, and this one’s stayed in rotation thanks to those humble ingredients and quick payoff.
Yesica Andrews
Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants Easy Delicious Recipe
Indulge in the flaky, golden goodness of Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants, a perfect treat for any occasion. This easy and delicious recipe features savory ham and melted cheese wrapped in buttery croissant dough, making it a standout in Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, these croissants bring gourmet quality right from your air fryer.
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 These Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants
If buttery, flaky, and irresistibly cheesy goodness sounds like your kind of treat, you’re in for a delightful experience with these Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants. They’re an absolute game-changer for quick, satisfying meals. Here’s why:
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, these savory pastries are done in just 20 minutesperfect for busy mornings, a speedy lunch, or a last-minute snack.
No Mess, No Fuss: The air fryer crisps them up beautifully without needing a greasy skillet or heating up a large oven. Enjoy minimal clean-up and maximum flavor.
Effortlessly Customizable: Keep it classic with ham and cheese or switch things up with different fillings to suit your cravings (we’ll share ideas below!).
Cozy Nostalgia: They taste like something you’d find in a quaint little bakery, but even better because they’re made fresh right in your own kitchen with minimal effort.
Ingredient Breakdown
With just 4 simple ingredients, you can create delicious magic. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these golden treats:
1 (8-ounce) Can Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: These come in those familiar refrigerated canisters. They’re your secret shortcut to flaky pastry without the fuss of making dough from scratch, keeping things simple and foolproof.
4-6 Slices Deli Ham (or 1/2 cup chopped leftover ham): Pick your favorite quality sliced ham. Classic deli ham works perfectly, but thinly sliced leftover baked ham can add an extra layer of gourmet flavor.
1/2 Cup Shredded Cheese: A mix of cheddar and Swiss is my personal go-toit offers a fantastic melty texture with a delightful tang. Feel free to use what you have on hand or your preferred blend!
1 Large Egg: Whisking and brushing this over the croissant tops is essential. It gives that desirable glossy, golden-brown bakery finish that makes them look as good as they taste.
Pro Tip:
For the best results, use thinly sliced ham and avoid overstuffing the croissants. This crucial step prevents the dough from tearing during assembly and ensures that all the delicious fillings melt evenly inside, creating a perfectly balanced bite every time.
How to Make Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants
These delightful croissants bake up beautifully with just a few easy steps. Get ready for a delicious, flaky treat!
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. This ensures the croissants cook evenly from the very beginning, helping them crisp up perfectly.
Assemble the Croissants: Carefully unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Lay a single slice of ham (or a small amount of chopped ham) on the wider end of each dough triangle, then generously sprinkle with your shredded cheese. Starting from the wide end, gently roll each triangle up towards the tip, forming the classic croissant shape.
Brush for a Golden Finish: In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg. Using a pastry brush, gently coat the tops of each rolled croissant with the beaten egg. This egg wash is key to achieving that shiny, irresistible golden-brown finish you’d expect from a bakery.
Air Fry to Perfection: Arrange the prepared croissants in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this can prevent even cooking and crisping. Cook for 8–10 minutes, checking them at the 8-minute mark. They are ready when they are beautifully golden brown, puffed, and the cheese is wonderfully melty inside!
Step
Time (Approx.)
Preheat Air Fryer
2 minutes
Prepare and Assemble Croissants
8 minutes
Cook in Air Fryer
8–10 minutes
Helpful Tips & Variations
Make these savory croissants uniquely your own with these creative ideas and tips:
Cheese Swaps: Don’t limit yourself to just cheddar and Swiss! Experiment with different cheeses like creamy mozzarella, nutty Gruyère, or even a spicy pepper jack for a flavorful kick. Provolone or fontina also melt beautifully.
Ham Alternatives: While ham is classic, you can easily switch things up! Try thinly sliced turkey, savory roast beef, or even crumbled pre-cooked bacon for delightful variety.
Pesto Twist: For a fresh, aromatic, and herby note, add a thin smear of basil pesto inside the croissant before rolling it up. It pairs wonderfully with both ham and cheese.
Serving Suggestions: These Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or a steaming cup of coffee for a complete breakfast or brunch.
Reheat Like a Pro: To re-crisp any leftover croissants and bring them back to their fresh-baked glory, simply pop them back into the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Avoid microwaving, as this tends to make them soggy and less appealing.
Serving and Storing
Here’s how to best enjoy these delicious croissants (and save any extras for later):
Best When Fresh: For the ultimate experience, these croissants are crispiest and gooey-est right out of the air fryer. The melted cheese and flaky crust are truly at their peak.
Leftover Storage: If you happen to have any extras, allow them to cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Uncooked Croissants: You can prepare and roll the croissants ahead of time, then freeze them before baking! Arrange the uncooked, rolled croissants on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, simply pop them into the air fryer straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the standard cook time. No need to thaw!
Storage Method
Duration
Reheating Tips
Fridge (Cooked)
Up to 3 days
Air fry 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C)
Freezer (Uncooked)
Up to 1 month
Air fry frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cook time
Expert Insight: Perfecting Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants
Using an air fryer for ham cheese croissants ensures a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the interior flaky and melty. This method reduces cooking time and enhances texture by circulating hot air evenly, making air fryer ham cheese croissants a quick and reliable way to achieve bakery-quality results at home.
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Mastering Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants at Home
Perfecting these Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants was a slow dance of crispy edges and melty cheeseI must have tested them through nearly a dozen attempts to get the balance just right. Each try taught me how to control the air fryer’s heat to achieve that perfect golden crust and a warm, gooey interior. Now, I’m thrilled to share the recipe that finally delivers that flaky, warm comfort every bite promises, making your kitchen feel like a cozy bakery.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants )
How do I prevent croissants from getting soggy in the air fryer?
To keep the croissants crisp, make sure they are not overcrowded in the basket. Preheat your air fryer for even heat and cook at the suggested temperature without wrapping them in foil. Lightly brushing the croissants with butter before cooking also helps achieve a golden, flaky texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare croissants filled and wrapped in plastic wrap the night before. Store them in the fridge and air fry straight from chilled; just add a minute or two to cooking time. This makes it a great option for busy mornings or meal prepping air fryer breakfast recipes.
What kind of cheese works best for this dish?
Mild cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, or Gruyere melt beautifully and complement the savory ham. These cheeses give a creamy texture without overpowering the buttery croissant flavor. Avoid very soft or watery cheeses to keep the filling from becoming soggy.
Can I use frozen croissants for this recipe?
Using frozen croissants is possible but requires thawing before assembling to ensure even cooking. Let them defrost completely at room temperature, then fill and air fry. This helps maintain a flaky texture rather than an undercooked middle.
What is the best temperature and time to cook in the air fryer?
Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook the croissants for 8-10 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure even browning. These settings create a golden crust and properly melted cheese without drying out the ham or pastry.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants come together in no time, delivering warm, flaky layers with melty, savory goodness every single time. They’re simple enough for a busy morning but feel like a truly special treatperfect for cozy kitchen moments with your family, or when you just need a little comfort food.
Feel free to mix up the cheeses or swap ham for turkey or bacon to keep things fresh and fun. A little pesto inside adds a lovely herbal twist, too, making each batch an adventure. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer, keeping that crisp, bakery-fresh touch without fussjust a little kitchen magic I’ve picked up along the way that I’m happy to share with you.
I’d absolutely love to see your version! Did it remind you of a favorite family breakfast, or inspire a new twist of your own? Share your photos and stories with me! These are the kind of simple, heartfelt recipes that bring people together and truly make the kitchen feel like home.
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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