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This whole air fryer ham and cheese croissant happened because my kids were nearly melting down on a wild Sunday morning and I needed a lightning-fast fix. I found a can of that croissant dough (yeah, the kind that scares you when it bursts open), some slices of leftover ham, and a sad little baggie of cheese. Next thing I knew, breakfast was a total hit.
My teenage boy, who usually just gives me a grunt at meals, actually said, "these slap"—apparently that's a major compliment. My husband, who claims he's low-carb lately, somehow polished off two without a word.
Must-Have Ingredients
- Croissant dough from the fridge: Grab the tubed kind, nothing special
- Ham slices: Leftovers, deli, whatever you like
- Cheese: Cheddar’s great, but swiss or gruyere would rule too
- Butter: Just enough to brush on top
- Garlic powder: Optional but adds a tasty kick
- Everything bagel seasoning: Makes them look super impressive
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Legendary Build
- Final Touches
- Swipe the tops with melted butter, shake on garlic powder and a bit of bagel seasoning. Makes store-bought dough feel homemade.
- Rolling Method
- Roll up each triangle from the wide end, tucking that filling inside as you roll. Bent ends? Perfect for that classic croissant look. Cheese falling out? Just shove it back in.
- Fill Stuffing
- Lay a piece of ham plus some cheese on the fat part of the croissant triangle. Don’t go overboard—overflowing cheese turns your fryer into a mess pronto. A dot of mustard or sprinkle of herbs? Go wild.
- Dough Basics
- Rip open that tube of dough (the pop might make you jump) and break it into triangles. Lay 'em out flat. If they’re not pretty, who cares?
Frying Time
Toss the croissants into the air fryer basket, spaced a bit apart. Set it to 350°F—start peeking after 6 minutes since every air fryer’s different, but plan for around 8. They should look all golden and the cheese should be just starting to bubble out the sides.
I made a bunch for my kids’ sleepover last weekend. One of the moms texted later asking how to make them because her kid wouldn’t stop raving about those "croissant things." Honestly, I felt a tiny bit bad sharing my easy trick… but hey, that’s the joy of air frying!
Change It Up
Want a twist? Try turkey and swiss, then toss in some dried cranberries for a nod to Thanksgiving. Pizza vibes? Pepperoni with mozzarella and dip in marinara. If you’re craving sweet, load up with cream cheese and a swish of jam for a Danishy treat. Swap out croissant dough for pre-made puff pastry to go super flaky.
How to Serve
Sure, they’re awesome by themselves. But a bowl of fruit makes them breakfast, a green salad turns them into lunch. Brunch move? Pair with scrambled eggs and you’re done. Kids will absolutely think they’re a fancy after-school treat too, and it barely takes you any time.
Speedy Tricks
I always hit the fryer basket with a blast of nonstick spray—saves headaches later. Second batch? It’ll likely cook even quicker, so drop the time a minute or so. Need to prep? They hold up fine in the fridge for several hours pre-cooked if you want a head start.
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I’ve whipped up these cheesy ham croissants at least twenty-four times by now, and they never let me down. They taste way fancier than they are. It’s perfect when you want something cozy for breakfast but you’re not in the mood to fuss. Honestly, lazy food wins for me every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can frozen croissants be used?
- Thawing them first works best. Fresh or slightly older croissants give the best outcome.
- → What other stuffings are good?
- Switch it up with turkey, crispy bacon, veggies like spinach, or cheeses. Spread on mustard or pesto for extra flavor.
- → How can I tell if they're done?
- They're finished once they're golden, cheese is bubbling, and ham is warm throughout.
- → Can I bake these without an air fryer?
- You can! Use your oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes until the cheese melts and the croissants look golden.
- → What's the best way to store leftovers?
- Pop them in a sealed container in your fridge for 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for around 2-3 minutes.