How To Make Air Fryer Ham And Cheese Croissants In 10 Minutes
A Story to Begin
The very first time I made Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants, it wasn’t planned. I was running late, the house was quiet, and my hunger was loud. I grabbed crescent dough from the fridge, layered slices of smoky ham and creamy cheese, and rolled them up. My air fryer hummed for just eight minutes, and suddenly the kitchen smelled like a French bakery.
The croissants came out golden and flaky, with cheese stretching from every bite. Since that morning, Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants have become my go-to recipe whenever I want something comforting yet effortless. If you enjoy baking with your air fryer, you’ll also love our guide to baked goods in the air fryer.
Table of Contents
Why Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants Are So Popular
Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants are a hit because they balance convenience with flavor. Unlike oven baking, the air fryer preheats in minutes and cooks evenly. This means your croissants come out golden brown on the outside and perfectly melted inside without waiting around. The combination of buttery dough, salty ham, and gooey cheese makes this recipes feel indulgent while still being easy to prepare. For a high-protein breakfast plate, pair them with creamy air fryer poached eggs.
Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Parchment Paper (optional, perforated)
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough 8-count
- 8 slices ham smoked, honey, or deli ham
- 8 slices cheese Swiss, cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella
- 1 egg beaten, for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles.
- Place one slice of ham and one slice of cheese onto each dough triangle.
- Roll each croissant starting from the wide end toward the tip. Tuck the point underneath to prevent unrolling.
- Brush with beaten egg for a glossy golden finish.
- Arrange croissants in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Air fry for 7–9 minutes until golden, flaky, and cheese is melted inside.
- Serve warm, paired with fruit, salad, or soup for a complete meal.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients You Need
The beauty of Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants is that they require just a few simple ingredients. Most are already in your kitchen.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Sliced ham (smoked, honey, or deli ham all work)
- Sliced cheese (Swiss, cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella)
- 1 beaten egg for brushing
These basics are all you need to create flaky, cheesy croissants that taste bakery-made. And if you’re looking for another protein-packed breakfast, try these breakfast protein biscuits in the air fryer.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the dough by unrolling the crescent dough and separating it into triangles.
- Add fillings by layering a slice of ham and cheese onto each triangle.
- Roll the croissants starting from the wide end toward the tip. Tuck the point underneath.
- Brush with egg wash for a glossy golden finish.
- Air fry for 7–9 minutes until the croissants are crisp, golden, and fully cooked.
That’s all it takes to enjoy fresh, flaky, and cheesy Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants. To balance the richness, serve them with a healthy side like crispy air fryer broccoli.
Tips for the Best Results
To make sure your Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; space them evenly for better air circulation.
- Chill the assembled croissants for 10 minutes before cooking for cleaner layers.
- Use parchment liners with holes for easy cleanup without soggy bottoms.
- Brush with honey butter after cooking for extra shine and sweetness.
For even more snack inspiration beyond croissants, explore our list of the best air fryer snacks.
Delicious Variations to Try
Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants are versatile, and you can customize them with countless variations.
- Breakfast style: Add scrambled eggs before rolling.
- Turkey and Swiss: Swap ham for turkey and add Swiss cheese.
- Spicy version: Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Veggie option: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers.
These variations keep Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants exciting for every occasion.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants in many ways:
- As a hearty breakfast with fruit and coffee.
- As a light lunch with salad or soup.
- As a party appetizer by slicing them into smaller pieces.
- As a kid-friendly lunchbox treat.
If you’re cooking for a crowd, you can also make a larger version like our ham and cheese croissant casserole, which uses the same flavors but in an easy-to-slice format.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips
Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants can be made ahead of time to fit your schedule. Assemble them the night before and refrigerate until ready to cook. If baked, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
For long-term storage, freeze unbaked croissants on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen at 320°F for 10–12 minutes, then increase to 350°F for a golden finish.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Cheese leaks out: Roll more tightly and keep filling away from the edges.
- Croissants look pale: Add more egg wash or extend cooking time.
- Soggy bottoms: Avoid overcrowding the basket and use perforated parchment.
- Overly chewy texture: Reduce cook time by 1–2 minutes.
These quick fixes will keep your Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants consistently delicious.
A Sweet Finish to Your Meal
After enjoying savory Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants, balance your meal with a light dessert. A perfect option is our homemade cheese danish in the air fryer. Together, these dishes create a bakery-worthy breakfast or brunch spread at home.
If you’re feeding a larger group or want an easy family-style dish, you’ll love our Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole recipe. It uses the same flavors of ham, cheese, and croissants but turns them into a comforting baked casserole that’s perfect for brunch or potlucks.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re preparing breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack, Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants are a winner. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and always crowd-pleasing. With buttery layers, melted cheese, and smoky ham, these croissants are proof that the best meals don’t have to be complicated. Try different variations, pair them with healthy sides, or bake them into a casserole you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants.
FAQ
Can I make Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants the night before and keep them in the fridge. When ready, just pop them into the air fryer for a fresh, flaky result.
What cheese works best for Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants?
Swiss, cheddar, and provolone are the best choices for Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants because they melt smoothly and add rich flavor.
How do I store leftover Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants?
Store baked Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to keep them crispy.
Can I freeze Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants?
Absolutely. You can freeze unbaked or baked Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants. To reheat, air fry frozen croissants at 320°F for 10–12 minutes until golden.
How long do Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants take to cook?
Most Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants cook in 7–9 minutes at 350°F. For frozen croissants, cooking may take 2–3 minutes longer.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough for Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants?
Yes, puff pastry makes Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Croissants even flakier. Adjust cooking time to about 10–12 minutes to ensure laye
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