If you’re craving a quick, irresistible snack or a savory appetizer, this Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe is going to become your new go-to! Imagine warm, flaky crescent rolls hugging melty cheese and savory ham, all perfectly crisped in the air fryer for that golden finish. It’s simplicity and comfort combined in one bite.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Super quick and easy: These crescent rolls come together in just minutes—perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
Irresistibly melty and savory: The classic combo of ham and cheese wrapped in buttery dough is a timeless crowd-pleaser.
Healthier crisping with air frying: Get that golden, flaky texture without deep frying, so it’s lighter and less greasy.
Versatile and customizable: You can swap cheeses or add spices to suit your tastes, making it a recipe with endless potential.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic behind this Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe lies in its simple, tasty ingredients. Each one adds the perfect balance — the buttery crescent dough creates a flaky shell, the ham brings a salty bite, and the cubed cheese melts to creamy, gooey perfection. A touch of melted butter and poppyseeds on top add a subtle crunch and buttery finish.
- Crescent Rolls: Pillsbury’s 8-count package is ideal for easy portioning and perfect dough texture.
- Ham: Use small thin slices for even folding and great flavor in every bite.
- Cubed Cheese: Mild cheddar or Swiss works wonderfully—feel free to try your favorite cheese cubes.
- Melted Butter: Brushed on top, it helps the rolls achieve that enticing golden color.
- Poppyseeds: Add a lovely nutty crunch and a hint of visual appeal when sprinkled on top.
- Grapeseed Oil Spray: Keeps the air fryer basket non-stick and ensures the rolls cook evenly.
How to Make Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Crescent Rolls
Start by carefully unrolling your crescent roll dough onto a flat surface. You want to handle them gently so they don’t tear. This provides the perfect blank canvas to layer your ham and cheese.
Step 2: Layer Ham and Cheese
On the longer side of each triangular crescent, place 1 small slice of ham and about two small cubes of cheese. This ensures every bite is packed with that delicious combo—don’t be shy but keep it balanced for easy rolling!
Step 3: Roll Them Up
Roll the crescent from the long side toward the tip to encase the filling snugly. This creates those iconic crescent shapes ready for air frying, locking in all the melty goodness.
Step 4: Prepare the Basket and Brush Topping
Spray the air fryer basket with grapeseed oil or line with a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Arrange 4 rolls evenly, then mix melted butter with poppyseeds and brush generously over the tops for that golden, flavorful crust.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Set your air fryer to 360°F and cook for 8 minutes, flipping the rolls halfway through at around 4 minutes for even browning. If you’re using a Ninja Foodi, the Air Crisp function is perfect here. The smell alone will have you excited!
How to Serve Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of fresh herbs like parsley or chives over the crescent rolls after cooking. A light drizzle of honey mustard or a dash of hot sauce can also enhance the flavor profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these crescent rolls alongside crisp green salads, tangy coleslaw, or crunchy veggie sticks for a balanced meal. They also pair wonderfully with a warm bowl of tomato soup for cozy comfort food vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the rolls on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for a rustic look, perfect for parties or get-togethers. You could also serve them in mini muffin tins for neat individual portions that are easy to grab and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover ham and cheese crescent rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, keeping their flavor and texture fresh for easy snacking later.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead for busy weeks, freeze the unbaked filled crescents on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air frying time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover rolls in the air fryer at 320°F for 3-5 minutes for that fresh-baked crispiness, or warm gently in the oven. Avoid microwaving to keep that flaky texture intact.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of cheese in the Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! While cubed cheddar or Swiss work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for a twist on the flavor. Just make sure your cheese melts well for the best results.
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Do I need to flip the crescent rolls during air frying?
Yes, flipping the rolls halfway through the cooking process helps them brown evenly on all sides, ensuring a perfectly golden and flaky finish without any soggy spots.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try gluten-free crescent dough if you find a brand you trust, but results may vary in texture. Since crescent dough relies on gluten for its flakiness, the rolls might be a bit denser than traditional versions.
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What if I don’t have poppyseeds?
No worries! The poppyseeds add a nice crunch and visual appeal, but you can leave them out or substitute with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for a different flavor dimension.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe is such a delightful, effortless way to enjoy a warm, satisfying treat any day of the week. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, these rolls deliver that cozy, homemade feel without hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try them, these little golden pockets of goodness will be a regular in your recipe lineup. Happy cooking!
Print
Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls featuring buttery, flaky crescent dough filled with savory ham and melted cheese. Perfect as a quick snack or appetizer, these rolls are air-fried to golden perfection and topped with a flavorful poppy seed butter glaze.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 Package Crescent Rolls (Pillsbury work the best, 8-Count)
- 8 Slices Ham (small slices preferred)
- 1 Package Cubed Cheese
- 1/4 Cup Melted Butter
- 1 Tsp Poppyseeds
- Grapeseed Oil Spray
Instructions
- Prepare Crescent Rolls: Carefully open the crescent rolls package and unroll each dough sheet completely to prepare for filling.
- Add Ham and Cheese: On the longer side of each crescent roll, place one small slice of ham and two cubes of cheese to ensure each roll has a perfect filling balance.
- Roll Crescents: Roll each crescent roll from the long side towards the smaller side, enclosing the ham and cheese securely inside the dough.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Coat the air fryer basket evenly with grapeseed oil spray or line it with a silicone liner to prevent sticking. Place the crescent rolls evenly inside the basket; it’s best to cook in batches of four to avoid overcrowding.
- Apply Butter Poppy Seed Glaze: Mix the melted butter and poppyseeds together. Using a pastry brush, coat the tops of each crescent roll with this buttery, flavorful mixture before cooking.
- Air Fry: Cook the rolls in the air fryer at 360°F for 8 minutes. Flip the rolls carefully after 4 minutes for even browning. For Ninja Foodi users, select the Air Crisp function for optimal results.
- Serve: Once golden and cooked through, remove the crescent rolls and serve warm with mustard or your favorite sandwich condiments.
Notes
- This recipe can also be made in a Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker or Ninja Air Fryer using the Air Crisp function.
- Using small ham slices and cubed cheese helps maintain the best roll shape and even cooking.
- Brush the dough tops with the butter-poppy seed mixture for extra flavor and a golden finish.
- Air fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
- Serve freshly air fried for the best texture and flavor.
