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Whenever I want something that seems fancy but takes basically no time, I love popping croissants in the air fryer with ham and cheese. In about 12 minutes, you end up with buttery croissants packed with gooey cheese and ham—kinda feels like a treat straight from Paris. I started making these whenever bakery croissants were lying around and I didn't want them to go stale. Now, they're a go-to for quick and yummy weekend breakfasts.
Honestly, my husband is usually out the door with just a mug of coffee, but when I make these, he actually sits and eats. He always says they’re better than what we had in Paris, and he doesn’t even have to get out of his pajamas. It’s become our little weekend thing for slow mornings.
Tasty Little Secret
- Deli ham, sliced thin: Makes it easy to layer and keeps every bite packed with flavor
- Air fryer magic: Crisps up the croissant and melts everything so nicely
- Rich, melty cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère all bring something special
- Fresh or leftover croissants: Both work; the fresher, the flakier
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How to Make Yours
- Finish and serve right away
- Pull them from the air fryer and eat while they're still warm and gooey—honestly, that's the best time.
- Air frying step
- Bake them at 350°F after preheating the air fryer (just a few minutes to warm up). Pop your croissants in, leaving space around each. Let them cook for 5-7 minutes till the cheese bubbles and croissants look golden.
- Add your fillings
- Stack two slices of ham in each croissant, giving every bit a taste. Layer cheese on top, fold if you need to, and keep it tucked inside.
- Prep your croissants
- Slice your croissant through the side, but keep the edge attached—like a little hinge. It acts like a pocket to hold everything in place.
Honestly, the kind of croissant you use totally matters. The first time, I used cheap store-bought ones, and they were okay…but when I bought really good bakery ones, wow, it was next-level. Now I always pick up the best ones I can, since they kinda steal the show here.
Fun Serving Ideas
I love these alone for a lazy brunch, but if you add some berries or an easy salad they feel extra nice. Good coffee or a tall glass of OJ just make the whole thing better. These even pair great with soup if you want something lighter for dinner.
Change It Up
Try mixing cheeses—brie is super creamy, or go with pepper jack for heat. Swiping on a bit of Dijon before piling on the ham gives a punch of flavor, and tomato slices brighten things up. Toss on fresh herbs like chives if you’re feeling fancy.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any left (unlikely!), you can stash them in the fridge for a day. Pop them back in the air fryer for a minute or two to warm up. They won’t be quite as crisp as fresh, but they’ll still hit the spot.
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I keep making these because there’s nothing like turning basic stuff into something that just feels special. You use what you have but end up with something way fancier than it should be. It’s a reminder that the best meals are sometimes just crazy easy…and memorable because of it.
Recipe FAQs
- → What if I want to use different toppings?
- Of course! Try tossing in olives, sausage crumbles, mushrooms, or diced veggies like bell peppers. Just chop things small enough to fit.
- → How can I stop them from sticking to the pan?
- Be generous with your butter or oil spray on the muffin tin. Garlic butter is a tasty option for greasing too!
- → Can they be prepped in advance?
- They're best hot out of the oven, but you can prep them hours ahead, keep them chilled, and bake when you're ready.
- → What do I do if I don’t have mini pepperoni?
- No worries! Regular pepperoni works fine—just chop it into smaller bits or quarters so it fits better.
- → How should I store leftovers?
- Fridge them for up to three days, then pop them back into the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F to crisp them up again.