Name: Savory Ham Cheese Croissants for Air Fryer Magic
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 package Pre-made Croissant Dough (Ensure it's at room temperature); 8 slices Ham (Can substitute with turkey); 2 cups Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack); 1 large Egg (Beaten for egg wash)

As I pulled the buttery croissants from the air fryer, the warm aroma of ham and melted cheese filled the kitchen, instantly awakening my favorite brunch memories. These Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants are not just a treat; they are a quick and indulgent delight that’s perfect for a cozy snack or a gathering with friends. With the simple magic of pre-made croissant dough, you can whip up these gourmet bites in no time, ensuring that impressive taste meets effortless preparation. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next brunch or satisfy a late-night craving, these croissants will leave you smiling with each crispy, cheesy bite. Ready to elevate your homemade treats? Let’s get started!

Why are these croissants so irresistible?

Simplicity at its Finest: With just a few ingredients, these croissants are shockingly easy to make, making them perfect for even the busiest of home chefs.

Flaky and Buttery Texture: The pre-made croissant dough bakes up wonderfully in the air fryer, delivering the flaky layers and buttery flavor that feels like a bakery treat.

Savory Goodness: The combination of ham and gooey melted cheese creates a satisfying, savory experience that pairs fantastically with a fresh salad or fruit on the side.

Versatile Options: Feel free to mix it up by adding pesto or experimenting with different cheese varieties. You can even substitute turkey for a lighter twist!

Quick Cooking Time: In just 8-10 minutes, you’ll have a gourmet snack ready to serve—perfect for unexpected guests or a cozy night in with your favorite movie.

For more delicious creations, be sure to check out my Million Dollar Cheese for a rich side dish or my Chicken Philly Cheese for an easy meal idea!

Ham Cheese Croissants Ingredients

• Dive into gourmet goodness with these delightful ham cheese croissants!

For the Croissants

Pre-made Croissant Dough – The key base for achieving that signature flaky and buttery texture; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy handling.
Ham – Brings savory flavor and protein to the croissants; swap it out for turkey if you prefer a lighter option.
Shredded Cheese – Adds that gooey, melty indulgence; cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack are all delicious choices.
Egg Wash (1 egg beaten) – Essential for giving the croissants their beautiful golden finish; it adds an appealing shine.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Irresistible Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants

Step 1: Prepare Dough
Start by unrolling your pre-made croissant dough on a clean, flat surface. Allow it to come to room temperature for easier handling—this will help you achieve those perfect flaky layers. Carefully separate the triangles and arrange them so each one is ready for filling, ensuring they are flat and easy to work with.

Step 2: Add Filling
Lay a slice of ham on each triangle of dough, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the ham. Feel free to get creative with cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor. Ensure the filling is evenly distributed, but avoid overloading to keep your croissants crispy!

Step 3: Roll Croissants
Starting from the wider end of each triangle, carefully begin to roll the dough towards the pointed tip. Make sure to tuck in the edges along the way to secure the filling inside. Press gently to seal each croissant, forming a nice crescent shape that will hold up during cooking.

Step 4: Apply Egg Wash
In a small bowl, beat one egg to create your egg wash. Using a pastry brush, gently apply the egg wash over each rolled croissant to achieve that beautiful golden color while baking. This step is crucial for enhancing the visual appeal of your Ham Cheese Croissants just before they go into the air fryer.

Step 5: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Once heated, arrange the croissants in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they have space to expand. Cook them for 8-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them as they bake to ensure they turn a delicious golden brown without overcooking.

Step 6: Check Doneness
After about 8 minutes, check the croissants for doneness; they should be crispy and golden. If they need more time, continue to air fry for another minute or so, but be careful not to burn them. Once done, let the croissants cool slightly before serving—they’ll be perfectly gooey on the inside!

Ham Cheese Croissants Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to customize your Ham Cheese Croissants with these delicious ideas and enjoy new flavors every time you make them!

Turkey Twist: Substitute turkey for ham for a lighter option that still packs a savory punch. This twist works perfectly for a refreshing change.
Pesto Delight: Spread a thin layer of pesto on the dough before adding ham and cheese. The herby flavor adds an aromatic twist that’s irresistibly good!
Cheese Variety: Experiment with different shredded cheeses like gouda, gruyere, or even a spicy pepper jack. Each cheese brings its unique flavor, enhancing the croissants significantly.
Veggie Boost: Add sliced bell peppers or spinach alongside the ham and cheese for a colorful, nutritious upgrade. The veggies bring freshness and additional crunch.
Sweet Heat: Add a few slices of jalapeño for a kick of heat that balances beautifully with the savory filling. This spicy option will awaken your taste buds!
Honey Drizzle: Before serving, drizzle some honey over the croissants for a delightful sweet-and-savory contrast that elevates the dish. It’s a whimsical touch everyone will love.
Bacon Addition: Crumbled bacon can be mixed in with the ham for extra smokiness and crunch. This adds a layer of excitement that will impress any crowd.
Cream Cheese Spread: Swap out the cheese for a soft cream cheese spread, mixing in herbs or spices for a creamy filling that melts perfectly. It’s a delightful twist on classic flavors.

Feel inspired? You can complement these croissants with dishes like my Million Dollar Cheese for a rich side or perhaps serve them alongside the tasty Chicken Philly Cheese. Whatever you choose, enjoy the culinary journey!

Expert Tips for Ham Cheese Croissants

Perfectly Thawed Dough: Ensure your pre-made croissant dough is completely thawed and at room temperature. This will help you avoid tearing and achieve that flaky texture.
Avoid Overfilling: It’s tempting to add lots of ham and cheese, but overfilling can lead to bursting during cooking. Stick to a reasonable amount for crispy results.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your croissants in the air fryer. Start checking around 8 minutes; you want golden brown, not burnt!
Egg Wash Importance: Don’t skip the egg wash. It not only gives a stunning golden finish but also adds to the rich flavor of your Ham Cheese Croissants.
Experiment with Variations: Feel free to customize! Swap in different cheeses or add fresh herbs for extra flavor while ensuring the fillings complement each other.

Storage Tips for Ham Cheese Croissants

Room Temperature: Enjoy your Ham Cheese Croissants fresh for up to 2 hours at room temperature. After that, store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Fridge: Store leftover croissants in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to preserve their deliciousness. Reheat them in the air fryer for about 5 minutes before serving.

Freezer: If you’d like to enjoy them later, freeze the unbaked croissants for up to 1 month. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating: For the best results, reheat baked croissants in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This will restore their crispiness and melt the cheese beautifully!

What to Serve with Irresistible Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants

Transform your croissant experience into a delightful meal with these perfect pairings that will elevate your homemade treats!

Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of vibrant seasonal fruits adds a refreshing sweetness, complementing the savory richness of the croissants beautifully. Juicy berries and tangy citrus create a wonderful contrast that brightens your plate.
Mixed Green Salad: Crisp greens tossed with a light vinaigrette provide a satisfying crunch and balance the buttery goodness of the air-fried croissants. Add sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes for extra freshness and color.
Creamy Tomato Soup: The warm, comforting flavors of tomato soup are the perfect dipping companion for crispy croissants. The soup’s acidity cuts through the richness and enhances each bite, making for a cozy meal on a rainy day.
Garlic Butter Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed with garlic and butter make a savory side dish that echoes the croissants’ rich flavors. The crisp-tender texture adds variety and a pop of color on your plate.
Zesty Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges bring a delightful crunch that pairs well with the gooey cheese and ham. They’re easy to make and add heartiness to your meal, perfect for a comforting brunch or snack.
Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing drink like sparkling lemonade balances the richness of the croissants with its zesty brightness. Serve it chilled to invigorate your taste buds alongside these delightful pastries.
Dark Chocolate Mousse: End your meal on a sweet note with a rich and velvety dark chocolate mousse. It provides a decadent dessert that complements the savory flavors of the croissants perfectly, leaving everyone satisfied.

Enjoy the warmth of your kitchen and the smiles around your table with these delightful pairings!

Make Ahead Options

These Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time! You can assemble the croissants up to 24 hours in advance; simply prepare them all the way up to the egg wash step. Once rolled, place them on a parchment-lined baking tray and cover tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. This way, you maintain their freshness and flaky texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, just brush them with the egg wash and air fry them directly from the fridge for 8-10 minutes. This efficient prep method ensures that your croissants are hot, crispy, and just as delicious as if you made them fresh!

Air Fryer Ham Cheese Croissants Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best ham for my croissants?
Absolutely! When choosing ham, look for fresh deli-style slices with no added preservatives. Thinly sliced ham, such as Black Forest or honey-baked, works wonderfully for flavor. If you want to spice things up, you can also consider using smoked ham for a deeper flavour profile.

What’s the best way to store leftover croissants?
Very! Store leftover Ham Cheese Croissants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you find them slightly dried out, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This will help restore their crispy texture while melting the gooey cheese inside.

Can I freeze the uncooked croissants?
Definitely! To freeze, wrap each unbaked croissant tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer by adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the air frying time at 350°F.

What should I do if my croissants are too doughy after cooking?
No worries! If your Ham Cheese Croissants turn out doughy, it’s likely they need a little more time in the air fryer. Check them around the 8-minute mark and, if necessary, add more time in 1-minute increments until they reach that perfect golden crispiness. Be careful not to rush it—patience pays off in flavor!

Can I make substitutes if I have dietary restrictions?
Of course! If you’re looking for alternatives, feel free to use turkey instead of ham for a lighter option or experiment with dairy-free cheese for a non-dairy version. For those with gluten sensitivities, gluten-free croissant dough can also be found in most grocery stores, allowing you to enjoy these delightful treats without worry.

Is it safe for pets if I drop some cheese on the floor?
Great question! Cheese in small amounts is generally safe for dogs, but it’s best to avoid giving them any harmful foods like ham or seasoned cheeses. Always keep a watchful eye on your furry friends around cooking areas to ensure their safety!