Beef Ham Cheese Croissants Air Fryer

Last Sunday morning, I stood in my kitchen staring at a tube of refrigerated croissant dough and some leftover deli meat. My teenage son stumbled in, asking what was for breakfast, and I decided to experiment with something I'd seen floating around social media. The air fryer hummed as I worked, and within minutes, the smell of melting cheese and buttery pastry filled the house. Now he asks for these every weekend.

I first made these on a rainy morning when my best friend came over for coffee. She took one bite and demanded the recipe, texting me later that her kids had already requested them for the next day. There's something magical about pulling warm, golden croissants from the air fryer basket.

Ingredients

• Ready to bake croissant dough: The refrigerated tube works beautifully here, but if you're feeling ambitious, homemade dough delivers incredible results
• Roast beef and ham: Thinly sliced deli meat folds perfectly into the pastry layers
• Swiss or cheddar cheese: These melt beautifully and provide that irresistible pull when you bite into the warm croissant
• Dijon mustard: Just a thin layer adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the rich meat and cheese
• Softened butter: Brushing the tops gives them that gorgeous golden finish and extra buttery flavor

Instructions

Preheat with purpose:

Fire up your air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes while you prep the ingredients

Prep your canvas:

Unroll the dough and separate those triangles, then spread a whisper of Dijon mustard if you're using it

Layer the love:

Pile roast beef, ham, and cheese onto the wide end of each triangle, leaving a small border

Roll and tuck:

Start from the wide end and roll toward the point, gently tucking the sides to keep all that filling inside

Arrange carefully:

Place croissants seam-side down in the air fryer basket, giving them room to breathe and expand

Finish with butter:

Brush the tops lightly with softened butter for that bakery-style golden glow

Air fry to perfection:

Cook for 7 to 8 minutes until deeply golden and crisp, then let them rest for a few minutes before serving

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My mom now keeps a stash of croissant dough in her fridge specifically for when the grandkids visit. She says watching them pull apart the flaky layers and discover the cheesy center inside is the best part of her week.

Make Ahead Magic

You can assemble these croissants the night before and keep them covered in the refrigerator. The cold dough actually handles easier, and the flavors meld together beautifully. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time since they'll be cold going into the air fryer.

Filling Swaps

While roast beef and ham are classic, don't be afraid to experiment with what you have. Turkey and provolone work wonderfully, or go vegetarian with spinach and feta. I've even made a dessert version with Nutella and sliced bananas.

Serving Suggestions

These croissants shine alongside a simple fruit salad or scrambled eggs. For brunch, serve them with a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. They're substantial enough to stand alone as a quick weeknight dinner too.

• Warm leftover croissants at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to refresh the crispness
• Try serving with a side of honey mustard for dipping
• These freeze beautifully after cooking—just reheat in the air fryer

Save

There's something so satisfying about turning simple ingredients into something that feels special and indulgent. These croissants have become my go-to for feeding hungry people with minimal fuss and maximum joy.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of cheese works best in these croissants?

Swiss or cheddar cheese melts beautifully and provides great flavor. You can also use Gouda or mozzarella for different taste profiles.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the croissants and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Roll the croissants tightly from the wide end and tuck in the sides carefully. Placing them seam-side down in the air fryer basket also helps contain the filling.

→ What's the best temperature for air frying?

350°F (175°C) works perfectly, crisping the croissants while melting the cheese and heating the fillings through in about 7-8 minutes.

→ Can I use different meats?

Absolutely! Turkey, chicken, or even roast beef alternatives work well. Just ensure they're thinly sliced for easy rolling.