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I stumbled across this air fryer ham and cheese croissant idea during a desperate Sunday morning when my kids were starving and I needed something fast. We had those tubes of refrigerated croissant dough that had been sitting in my fridge for weeks (you know, the ones that make that satisfying "pop" when you open them), some leftover ham from dinner, and half a bag of shredded cheese about to expire. What happened next was nothing short of morning magic.
My teenage son, who typically grunts at whatever food I put in front of him, actually said "these are fire" - which I'm told is high praise in teen-speak. Even my husband, who claims to be watching carbs, mysteriously made two of them disappear.
What You'll Need
- Refrigerated croissant dough: The stuff in the tubes, nothing fancy
- Sliced ham: Deli ham, leftover ham, whatever you've got
- Cheese: I used cheddar, but swiss or gruyere would be even better
- Butter: Just a little to brush on top
- Garlic powder: Optional, but adds great flavor
- Everything bagel seasoning: My secret weapon for making them look fancy
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Croissant Construction
- Dough Prep
- Pop open that tube of refrigerated croissant dough (while trying not to jump when it makes that startling "pop" sound). Separate the triangles and lay them flat on your counter. Don't worry if they're not perfect - these are rustic croissants, not a baking competition.
- Filling Strategy
- Place a slice of ham and a sprinkle of cheese on the wide end of each triangle. Don't overstuff or you'll have a cheesy explosion in your air fryer. I learned this the hard way so you don't have to. If you want to get fancy, add a tiny smear of dijon mustard or a sprinkle of herbs.
- Rolling Technique
- Roll up each triangle starting from the wide end, tucking the filling in as you go. Give the ends a little bend to create that classic croissant shape. If some cheese falls out, just shove it back in - nobody's watching.
- Final Touches
- Brush the tops with a little melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and everything bagel seasoning. This step elevates them from "I used canned dough" to "I might be a culinary genius."
Air Fryer Magic
Place the croissants in your air fryer basket, giving them a little room to expand. Cook at 350°F for about 8 minutes, but start checking around 6 minutes because air fryers can vary wildly. You're looking for golden brown tops and cheese that's just starting to ooze out the sides.
Last weekend I made these for my kids' sleepover, and one mom texted me afterward asking for the recipe because her daughter wouldn't stop talking about "those amazing croissant things." I almost felt guilty telling her how easy they were - but then I remembered that's the whole point of air fryer cooking.
Mix It Up
Try turkey and swiss with a sprinkle of dried cranberries for a Thanksgiving vibe. For a pizza version, use pepperoni and mozzarella with a bit of marinara for dipping. Going sweet? Fill with cream cheese and jam for a Danish-inspired treat. You can also use pre-made puff pastry instead of croissant dough for an even flakier result.
Serving Ideas
These are perfect on their own, but even better with a side of fruit for breakfast or a simple green salad for lunch. For brunch, I serve them alongside scrambled eggs and call it a complete meal. They also make a great after-school snack that feels special but takes almost no effort.
Quick Tips
I've found that spritzing the air fryer basket with a little cooking spray helps prevent sticking. If you're making multiple batches, the second batch often cooks faster than the first, so reduce the time by a minute. And if you want to prep ahead, you can assemble them and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking.
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I've made these ham and cheese croissants probably two dozen times now, and they never disappoint. There's something deeply satisfying about creating something that looks and tastes this good with so little effort. It's the perfect recipe for those mornings when you want something warm and delicious but don't want to put in any actual work. In my book, that's the best kind of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen croissants?
- It's best to thaw frozen croissants first. The recipe works best with fresh or day-old croissants for optimal texture.
- → What other fillings can I use?
- Try turkey, bacon, different cheeses, or add vegetables like spinach or tomato. You can also add spreads like mustard or pesto.
- → How do I know when they're done?
- They're ready when the croissants are golden brown, the cheese is fully melted, and the ham is heated through.
- → Can I make these in a regular oven?
- Yes, bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese melts and the croissants are golden.
- → How should I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 320°F.