Air-Fried Ham And Cheese Croissants: Quick And Easy!

Ham and cheese croissants are a delicious and easy meal to make in an air fryer. This recipe is perfect for breakfast or brunch and can be customised according to your preferences. The flaky and savoury pastries can be prepared in just a few minutes and are a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. The air fryer uses hot air to cook the croissant, resulting in a lower-calorie treat. To make this tasty meal, simply preheat your air fryer, assemble the croissants with ham and cheese, and then air fry for a few minutes until golden brown.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F (175-200°C)

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. By preheating your air fryer to the correct temperature, you ensure that your food cooks evenly and efficiently. For ham and cheese croissants, you should preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (175-200°C). This temperature range is ideal for melting cheese and crisping croissants without burning them.

When preheating your air fryer, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model. Most air fryers will have a preheat setting that you can select, which will bring the appliance to the desired temperature. You can also use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature of your air fryer if you are unsure.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed with assembling and cooking your ham and cheese croissants. This typically involves layering ham and cheese on a croissant, closing it, and placing it in the air fryer basket. The cooking time for ham and cheese croissants is generally around 2-8 minutes, depending on the size and number of croissants and the desired level of browning.

Keep in mind that different air fryers may have slight variations in temperature settings and cooking times, so it is always a good idea to monitor your food while it is cooking to ensure optimal results. Adjust the temperature or cooking time as needed to achieve the desired level of doneness.

By preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature range, you can be confident that your ham and cheese croissants will turn out delicious and cooked to perfection.

Cut croissants in half and layer with ham and cheese

To make ham and cheese croissants in an air fryer, you'll first need to cut your croissants in half and layer with ham and cheese. To do this, place a pre-made croissant on a cutting board and use a knife to slice it in half lengthwise. You can use a pre-made croissant from the bakery or make your own from scratch.

Once your croissant is sliced, it's time to layer on the fillings. Start by placing a few slices of ham on one half of the croissant. You can use any type of ham you prefer, such as sliced deli ham or leftover ham from a previous meal. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try using low-fat ham for a healthier option.

Next, it's time for the cheese. Shredded cheese works well for this recipe, but you can also use slices. Layer the cheese on top of the ham, adding as much or as little as you like. If you want a gooey, melted cheese croissant, go generous on the cheese. You can use Swiss cheese, cheddar, gouda, Havarti, or any other variety that suits your taste.

After layering the ham and cheese, it's time to place the other half of the croissant on top. Gently press down to secure the fillings inside. Repeat this process for the remaining croissants. If you want to secure the top of the croissant, you can use a toothpick, but remember to remove it before serving.

Assemble the croissants

To assemble the croissants, start by placing a pre-made croissant on a cutting board. Slice the croissant in half lengthwise. You can use a knife and a chopping board to do this.

Next, layer your chosen ingredients on one half of the croissant. A classic combination is sliced ham topped with shredded cheese. You can also add other ingredients, such as sliced tomatoes or herbs, to customize your croissant.

Once you have added your desired fillings, cover the bottom half of the croissant with the other half. Repeat this process for any additional croissants you wish to make.

If you are making crescent rolls, the process is slightly different. First, unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place a slice of ham and your desired cheese on each triangle. You can add other ingredients, such as honey mustard, at this stage. Fold in the edges of the ham to match the shape of the dough triangle, then roll up each crescent, starting with the widest side, tucking and pinching the ends as you go.

Air fry for 2-8 minutes

Once you've prepped your croissants, it's time to air fry! Place your assembled ham and cheese croissants into the air fryer basket. Depending on the number of croissants you're cooking, you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket, which could lead to uneven cooking.

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature—suggestions range from 170°C/340°F to 350°F, and even up to 400°F. The lower temperatures are recommended if you're using a softer cheese that you want to melt without burning the pastry. If you're cooking from frozen, a higher temperature might be better to ensure the croissant cooks through.

Air fry your croissants for 2-8 minutes. The exact time will depend on the number of croissants, the temperature of your air fryer, and your personal preference for how well-done you like them. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from golden to burnt very quickly! Aim for a light golden brown colour and a crispy exterior. If you're cooking in batches, you may find that subsequent batches cook faster, so adjust your timing accordingly.

Once the cheese is melted and the croissants are golden, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Serve immediately or refrigerate

Ham and cheese croissants are best served immediately. However, if you have any leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator and eaten later in the day. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for 2-5 minutes until warmed through.

If you want to prepare these croissants ahead of time, you can assemble the sandwiches and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook and serve them. This is a great option if you're preparing a large batch or want to get ahead.

For longer storage, you can also freeze fresh croissants. It's best to keep them whole and in their original packaging. When you're ready to enjoy them, remove them from the freezer and reheat in the air fryer for 2-5 minutes until they're cooked through.

Remember, the key to keeping your ham and cheese croissants delicious is not to let them sit at room temperature for too long. Enjoy them warm and flaky, straight out of the air fryer!

Frequently asked questions