This Bacon Cheese Croissant started as a quick weekend solution and became a household favorite in my kitchen. I first discovered this combination when I had a package of pre-made croissant dough in the fridge and wanted something faster than baking from scratch. The result was a flaky, buttery pastry filled with savory ham and gooey cheese, a contrast of textures that my family declared irresistible. The air fryer version crisps the exterior beautifully while keeping the interior soft and molten. The method is forgiving and perfect for busy mornings, surprise guests, or when you want a nostalgic bakery-style bite without the fuss.

What makes this version special is the balance between a light, flaky dough and a rich, salty filling. I often make a double batch for weekend brunch because they disappear so quickly. The first time I made them, my youngest announced it was the best thing ever for breakfast, and my partner declared them ideal for an evening snack with a cup of tea. The egg wash gives them that classic golden sheen and a slightly glossy finish that makes them feel bakery-made. Though the title says bacon, the base recipe below uses sliced ham for speed; I include easy swaps so you can use crisped bacon if you prefer a smokier flavor.

Ingredients

• Pre-made croissant dough (1 package, 8 ounces): Look for refrigerated crescent roll or croissant dough from trusted brands in the dairy aisle. The buttery layers are the foundation for a flaky crust; chill the dough until just pliable to keep the layers defined.
• Sliced ham (4 ounces): Thinly sliced deli ham works well because it lays flat and warms through quickly. Choose a lower-sodium option if you want to control saltiness, or use smoked ham for extra depth.
• Shredded cheese (1 cup, about 4 ounces): I recommend a 50 50 mix of sharp cheddar and Swiss for tang and melting quality. Pre-shredded cheese works fine, but freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly.
• Egg (1, for egg wash): A single beaten egg brushed on top yields a glossy, deep golden finish. For a lighter sheen use egg white only, or add a teaspoon of water to the egg for easier brushing.

Instructions

Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. A warm air fryer gives an immediate hot surface that crisps the dough quickly. If your model runs hot, aim for 340°F and watch the first batch closely. Prepare the dough: Unroll the croissant dough on a clean, lightly floured surface and separate the triangles along the perforations. Work quickly so the dough remains cool. If the dough becomes too warm and sticky, chill it for 10 minutes to firm up the layers. Assemble each roll: On each triangle lay one or two slices of ham to cover the wider base, then sprinkle about 1 tablespoon to 1 1/2 tablespoons of the shredded cheese on top. Leave a small margin at the tip so you can roll without overflow. The cheese quantity can be adjusted but avoid overfilling to prevent seam openings. Roll and seal: Start at the wider end and roll toward the tip, folding in the edges as you go to fully enclose the filling. Tuck the tip underneath the roll to help it keep shape. For a tidy finish, pinch the seam lightly to seal and give the roll a gentle crescent curve. Egg wash: Whisk the egg until smooth and brush each rolled croissant evenly. This promotes even browning and a silky exterior. Use a pastry brush and apply a thin layer to prevent pooling. Air fry: Arrange the croissants in a single layer in the air fryer basket with a little space between them for airflow. Cook at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Start checking at 8 minutes; you want a deep golden brown color and a flaky crust. Larger or more filled rolls may need the full 10 minutes. Cool and serve: Remove the croissants and let them cool for 2 to 4 minutes so the cheese settles. Serve warm. If you prefer crispier bottoms, transfer to a cooling rack briefly to maintain flakiness.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. To preserve flakiness, place a paper towel under the croissants to absorb excess moisture. For longer storage, freeze on a tray until solid then transfer to a freezer bag; they will keep up to one month. Reheat refrigerated croissants in the air fryer at 320°F for 3 to 4 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 6 to 8 minutes. From frozen, air fry at 360°F for 6 to 8 minutes, checking halfway through. Avoid microwaving for storage reheating because it softens the crust and makes the pastry chewy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer bacon instead of ham, cook 6 to 8 slices until crisp, drain on paper towels, and place one slice per croissant before adding cheese. For a lighter protein, use thinly sliced turkey breast. To make a vegetarian version, swap ham for sautéed mushrooms and spinach or use a plant-based deli slice. If dairy is a concern, try a dairy-free shredded blend and an egg wash replacement such as milk alternative or a light oil brush for browning, recognizing the color and texture will differ slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm alongside a simple green salad, fresh fruit, or tomato soup for a more substantial meal. They make excellent finger food for brunch with coffee and mimosas, and are delightful on a party platter with small bowls of mustard and chutney for dipping. Garnish with a sprig of parsley or cracked black pepper on top for visual appeal and a hint of brightness.

Cultural Background

The croissant traces back to Austrian and French pastry traditions, celebrated for its laminated, buttery layers. This filled variation adapts that heritage into a handheld, savory format popular in American breakfasts and brunch culture. Combining cured meats and melting cheeses in pastry has roots in many European snacks, where portability and satisfying flavors made them staples for both street food and casual meals.

Seasonal Adaptations

In autumn try adding a thin layer of apple chutney or caramelized onions for sweetness and depth. In winter, swap in smoked ham and a heavier cheese like Gruyere. For spring and summer, keep it light with lemony arugula, thinly sliced heirloom tomatoes, and a mild cheese. Seasonal produce can brighten the filling without complicating the quick assembly.

Meal Prep Tips

Assemble croissants ahead and refrigerate on a parchment lined tray covered lightly with plastic wrap for up to one day. This is perfect for entertaining; simply brush with egg and air fry when guests arrive for a fresh, hot batch. For freezing, assemble then freeze solid on a tray before bagging to prevent sticking. Label and date bags and cook from frozen for best convenience.

This recipe is a small triumph of convenience and flavor, delivering bakery-style results with minimal effort. Whether you stick with ham or swap in bacon for extra smoke, these golden pastries are an easy way to elevate simple ingredients into something shareable and delicious.