Easy Air Fryer Beef Ham Cheese Croissants

My air fryer sat unused on the counter for months until that Tuesday morning when I needed breakfast fast and had nothing but leftover deli meat and a tube of croissant dough. The result was so golden and flaky that my husband actually asked if I'd secretly ordered room service from a bakery.

Last weekend my sister was visiting and I threw these together while we caught up over coffee. She took one bite and immediately asked for the recipe, saying it was exactly the kind of thing she needed for her busy weekday mornings with three kids.

Ingredients

• Croissant dough: I keep a tube in the refrigerator for emergency baking moments, but homemade works beautifully if you have the time
• Roast beef: Thinly sliced deli meat works best here since it heats through quickly without drying out
• Ham: Any variety adds that savory depth you want in a breakfast pastry
• Swiss or cheddar cheese: Swiss melts beautifully but sharp cheddar brings this incredible tangy punch
• Dijon mustard: Just a thin layer adds this subtle brightness that cuts through all the rich meat and cheese
• Softened butter: Brushing the tops gives them that gorgeous bakery shine and extra crispiness

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer:

Set it to 350°F and let it warm up for about 3 minutes while you prep everything else

Prep the dough:

Unroll those croissant triangles and lay them flat on your counter

Add the flavor layer:

Spread a little Dijon mustard on each triangle if you're using it, but keep it thin

Layer your fillings:

Place beef, ham, and cheese on the wide end of each triangle, keeping everything tidy so it doesn't spill out

Roll them up:

Start from the wide end and roll toward the point, tucking in the sides as you go to lock everything inside

Arrange and brush:

Place them seam side down in your air fryer basket with space between each one, then brush with butter if you want that extra golden finish

Air fry until golden:

Cook for 7 to 8 minutes until they're beautifully browned and crisp

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These became my go-to when friends come over for casual brunch because everyone assumes I spent way more time on them than I actually did.

Making Them Your Way

Sometimes I swap turkey or chicken for the beef depending on what's on sale, and gouda or mozzarella work wonderfully if you want a milder cheese. The beauty is in how adaptable they are while still tasting special.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving these with a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of fruit also balances everything perfectly and makes the plate look complete.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble these the night before and keep them covered in the refrigerator, then pop them in the air fryer fresh in the morning. Just add maybe 1 extra minute to the cooking time since they'll be cold going in.

• Let the dough come to room temperature for 10 minutes if it's been refrigerated, making it much easier to roll
• Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper for the easiest cleanup ever
• These reheat surprisingly well at 325°F for 3 to 4 minutes if you have leftovers

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There's something about pulling these out of the air fryer all golden and smelling amazing that makes even an ordinary Tuesday morning feel like a celebration.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of croissant dough works best?

Ready-to-bake croissant dough triangles from a refrigerated tube work perfectly. You can also use homemade croissant dough if preferred.

→ Can I substitute different meats?

Yes, you can substitute turkey or chicken for the beef and ham if you prefer different proteins.

→ What cheeses melt well in this dish?

Swiss, cheddar, Gouda, and mozzarella all work well. Choose your favorite melting cheese for the best results.

→ How do I prevent the croissants from sticking?

Place them seam-side down in the air fryer basket and ensure they don't touch each other. Lightly brushing with butter also helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare them ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook. For best results, cook them fresh, but they can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes if needed.