Ah, the comforting aroma of freshly baked croissants—it’s enough to turn anyone into a kitchen enthusiast, right? This recipe for Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants is a delightful fusion of buttery pastry, savory ham, and melty cheese that’s become a staple in my household. It’s classic yet effortlessly sophisticated, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack. Just earlier this week, I whipped some up for a lazy Sunday, and I’m still dreaming about the crispy edges and gooey centers. Let me share my secrets for creating this masterpiece in your own kitchen!
Why you’ll love this recipe
First off, let’s chat about why this recipe is an absolute must-try. Picture perfectly flaky croissants, warm from the air fryer, stuffed with savory slices of ham and oozy cheese. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor that’s simply irresistible. And let’s not forget how straightforward it is to whip up! With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can impress your family or guests. Trust me, they won’t believe how easy it was to make something that tastes this fantastic.
Moreover, cooking in an air fryer means you can enjoy that crispy texture with less oil—who doesn’t want a feel-good treat? The whole process takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, giving you more time to enjoy your culinary creation. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, and you’ll find yourself reaching for just one more (and maybe another) before you know it!
Gather these ingredients
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Pre-made Croissant Dough (8 oz): The star of the show! This flaky dough is your canvas. You could make it from scratch, but let’s be real—there’s nothing wrong with a little shortcut. Just unroll it and watch the magic unfold!
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Sliced Ham (4 oz): Use your favorite variety—whether it’s honey, smoked, or even turkey ham. The key here is to choose something that complements the richness of the cheese. Feel free to swap it out for turkey or even a vegetarian option if you’re in the mood.
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Shredded Cheese (1 cup, mix of Cheddar and Swiss): This cheesy combination provides the perfect melty factor. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some pepper jack for a spicy kick or switch it up with gruyere for a sophisticated twist.
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Egg (for egg wash): This is your secret to that gorgeous golden-brown finish. If you’re avoiding eggs, a splash of non-dairy milk works too—just brush it on for a shiny look.
How this recipe comes together
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Preheat your air fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) as this sets you up for that golden, crispy perfection.
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Prepare the dough: Unroll the croissant dough on a clean surface and carefully separate those lovely triangular pieces. This is where the fun starts!
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Layer on the filling: Take a slice of ham and lay it on each triangle. Then sprinkle that wonderfully shredded cheese on top—don’t skimp here; we want it oozy!
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Roll it up: Starting from the wider end of the triangle, roll it towards the tip. Tuck in the edges as you go to seal in that glorious filling. You’re basically crafting little bundles of joy!
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Brush with egg wash: This is where the magic happens. Beat the egg, then gently brush it over each croissant to achieve that irresistible golden finish.
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Air fry to perfection: Arrange your croissants in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them for 8-10 minutes, checking for that glorious golden color at around 8 minutes. Once they’re crispy and puffed up, they’re ready!
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Cool and serve: Let them cool slightly before you dive in—if you can resist!
How to serve it
These croissants are great on their own, but they truly shine with a side. Pair them with a simple arugula salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or serve them with a side of fresh fruit for a sweet balance. You could even drizzle a bit of honey over the top for a sweet-salty combo that’s out of this world. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of mustard or a fresh herb spread could complement the flavors beautifully.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Leftovers? Trust me, they’re not likely to last long, but if you do have some extra croissants, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked croissants in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, pop them in the air fryer straight from the freezer for a few extra minutes. Voila! They’ll retain that fresh-baked taste.
Helpful cooking tips
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For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or fresh herbs to the cheese before rolling. It’s a little trick that adds depth.
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Don’t skip the egg wash—it’s so worth it for that gorgeous shine! If you’re in a pinch, olive oil can work too, but the egg is unmatched for finish.
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Experiment with different cheeses or meats based on what you have on hand. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability!
Creative Twists
Why not mix it up? Try adding some sautéed spinach or peppers inside for a veggie kick. Craving something sweet? A touch of cranberry sauce paired with brie instead of cheddar can turn this into a festive treat. And don’t hesitate to swap the ham for thinly sliced turkey or even a dollop of pesto for a flavor bomb that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients list
1 package (8 oz) pre-made croissant dough
4 oz sliced ham
1 cup shredded cheese (mix of cheddar and Swiss)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Directions to follow
- 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.
Your questions answered
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How long does it take to make these croissants? From start to munching, you’re looking at about 15 minutes—quick and satisfying!
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Can I prepare them ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble them and store in the fridge for up to a day before air frying.
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What dips go well with these? A tangy mustard or a creamy aioli can elevate your croissant experience!
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Can I use whole wheat croissant dough? Totally! It’ll give the dish a nutty twist and a slightly denser texture—still delicious!
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What if I don’t have an air fryer? No problem! You can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until golden.
These Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants are everything you didn’t know you needed in your life: simple, satisfying, and utterly delightful! Now that you have all the tools needed to recreate this heavenly dish, I can’t wait for you to try it. Share your twists or any feedback in the comments; let’s keep this cooking community alive and thriving together!
Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants
Description
Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants are a perfect combination of flaky pastry, savory ham, and melting cheese. They are quick to prepare and offer a delightful crunch with less oil, making them an ideal breakfast or snack option.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
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Preheat Air Fryer
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). -
Prepare Croissant Dough
Unroll the croissant dough on a clean surface and carefully separate the triangular pieces. -
Layer Filling
Place a slice of ham on each triangle, and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.Be generous with the cheese for the best results. -
Roll Croissants
Starting from the wider end of the triangle, roll towards the tip, tucking in the edges to seal. -
Brush with Egg Wash
Beat the egg and gently brush it over each croissant for a golden finish.If avoiding eggs, use a splash of non-dairy milk. -
Air Fry Croissants
Arrange croissants in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, checking doneness at 8 minutes.Remove once golden brown and crispy. -
Cool and Serve
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 19g30%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0.5g
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 570mg24%
- Potassium 150mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 27g9%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 12g24%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 0 mg
- Calcium 200 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0.5 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.2 mg
- Niacin 1 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
- Folate 20 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 200 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 15 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
- Selenium 10 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.2 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
