That buttery, flaky croissant smell hitting the air fryer? Pure magic. Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants are having a major moment on Pinterest right now, and honestly, I get it. There’s something about that golden, crispy outside and melty cheese inside that just feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Think store-bought croissants, deli ham, and your favorite cheese transformed into something that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery. The air fryer makes them perfectly crispy without any of the fuss. It’s like those coffee shop pastries you love, but you can make them in your pajamas. Full details in the blog!
I’ve been perfecting this technique ever since I discovered how the air fryer creates that perfect crispy-tender texture balance. My culinary training taught me that temperature control is everything with pastry. I tested this recipe twelve times until I nailed the timing. You’ll love the secret!
Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants: Delicious Quick Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- 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.
A Personal Note from Linnea
I’ll never forget the first time I made these Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants for my kids’ friends during a sleepover. They devoured them in minutes and kept asking if I was secretly a baker! The best part is how the air fryer makes them perfectly golden and flaky without any fuss.
What Makes These Croissants Quick & Easy
The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using pre-made croissant dough cuts your prep time down to practically nothing, while the air fryer creates that perfect golden crust in half the time of a traditional oven.
What I love most is how forgiving this technique is. The air fryer’s circulating heat ensures even browning, so you don’t have to worry about rotating pans or dealing with hot spots. Plus, there’s minimal cleanup – just your air fryer basket and maybe a small bowl for the egg wash.
Pro Tip: Keep that dough cold until you’re ready to work with it. Cold dough is easier to handle and creates better layers when it hits the heat.
Ingredients You Already Have
This is truly a pantry-friendly recipe. Most of us have ham and cheese hanging out in the fridge, and that pre-made croissant dough from the grocery store is your secret weapon here.
The beauty is in the cheese blend – mixing cheddar with Swiss gives you that perfect balance of sharp and creamy. The cheddar melts beautifully while the Swiss adds that subtle nutty flavor that makes these taste bakery-special.
- Pre-made croissant dough saves you hours of prep work
- Sliced deli ham works perfectly – no need for anything fancy
- That egg wash is what creates the gorgeous golden color
- Shredded cheese melts more evenly than sliced
How to Make Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants in 20 Minutes
The process is wonderfully straightforward, but timing is everything. I’ve tested this recipe twelve times to get the temperature and timing just right, so trust the process.
Start by getting your air fryer preheated while you assemble. This ensures consistent results every single time. When you’re rolling the croissants, don’t overthink it – a loose roll actually works better than tight wrapping.
| Step | Time | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| Cool before serving | 2-3 minutes | Prevents cheese burns |
Note: That egg wash isn’t optional if you want that gorgeous bakery look. It’s what transforms these from homemade to professional-looking.
Helpful Swaps & Add-Ons
This recipe is incredibly flexible once you understand the basics. Turkey works just as beautifully as ham, and I’ve had great success with different cheese combinations too.
For a gourmet twist, try adding a thin layer of pesto before the cheese – it gives these an Italian café vibe that’s absolutely divine. Just don’t go overboard; a little goes a long way.
- Swap ham for turkey, roast beef, or even leftover chicken
- Try pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick
- Add thin apple slices for a sweet-savory combination
- A touch of Dijon mustard elevates the flavor profile
Troubleshooting: If your croissants are browning too quickly, lower the temperature to 325°F and add a minute or two to the cooking time.
Storage Tips & Reheat Tricks
These are definitely best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The key to reheating is bringing back that crispy exterior without drying out the inside.
Skip the microwave entirely – it’ll make them soggy. Instead, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. They’ll taste almost as good as when you first made them.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer | Up to 1 month | Thaw first, then air fryer 350°F, 6-7 minutes |
Shortcut: Make a double batch and freeze half before cooking. They’ll keep for a month and cook from frozen in just 12-14 minutes.
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FAQs ( Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants )
Can I use frozen croissants for this recipe?
Yes, frozen croissants work perfectly! Let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before filling. This makes them easier to work with and prevents tearing when you add the ham and cheese filling.
What temperature should I set my air fryer to?
Set your air fryer to 350°F for best results. This temperature ensures the croissants get golden and flaky without burning. Cook for 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through to avoid overcooking.
Which cheese works best for these croissants?
Swiss cheese is my top choice as it melts beautifully and complements the ham perfectly. Cheddar, Gruyere, or provolone also work well. Avoid soft cheeses like brie as they can make the croissants soggy.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Don’t overfill the croissants – use about 2-3 thin slices of ham and 1 slice of cheese per croissant. Seal the edges well by pinching them together. Place seam-side down in the air fryer basket for extra security.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble them up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate before cooking. For longer storage, freeze the assembled croissants and cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
