Air fryer Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry

Here’s a detailed, easy Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry recipe with clear directions. This comes out flaky, golden, and melty inside—great for breakfast, snacks, or lunch.

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Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry

Servings

4 pastries

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

8–12 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

• 4 slices deli ham (thin or medium cut)

• 4 slices cheese (Swiss, cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella)

• 1 egg

• 1 tablespoon milk or water

• 1 teaspoon Dijon or honey mustard (optional)

• Pinch of black pepper (optional)

Optional Toppings

• Sesame seeds

• Everything bagel seasoning

• Grated Parmesan

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Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Remove the puff pastry from the freezer and let it thaw according to package instructions (usually 30–40 minutes).

2. Once thawed, unfold it gently on a lightly floured surface.

3. Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares using a knife or pizza cutter.

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Step 2: Add the Filling

1. Place one square of puff pastry in front of you.

2. If using mustard, spread a thin layer in the center.

3. Add:

   • 1 slice of ham (fold if needed)

   • 1 slice of cheese

4. Sprinkle lightly with black pepper if desired.

5. Leave about ½ inch of space around the edges.

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Step 3: Seal the Pastries

You can seal them two ways:

Option A: Turnovers

1. Fold the pastry square diagonally into a triangle.

2. Press edges together with your fingers.

3. Use a fork to crimp the edges firmly.

Option B: Squares

1. Place another pastry square on top.

2. Press and crimp edges with a fork to seal.

Repeat for all pastries.

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Step 4: Egg Wash

1. In a small bowl, whisk together:

   • 1 egg

   • 1 tablespoon milk or water

2. Brush the top of each pastry lightly with egg wash.

3. Sprinkle toppings on top if using.

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Step 5: Air Fry

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.

2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.

3. Place pastries in the basket in a single layer (do not overcrowd).

4. Air fry for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway if your air fryer cooks unevenly.

5. Pastries are done when:

   • Puff pastry is golden brown

   • Cheese is melted

   • Pastry is fully cooked and flaky

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Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Carefully remove pastries from the air fryer.

2. Let them cool for 3–5 minutes (the cheese will be very hot).

3. Serve warm.

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Tips for Best Results

• Keep puff pastry cold—if it gets too soft, refrigerate for 10 minutes before cooking.

• Don’t overfill, or the cheese may leak out.

• If browning too fast, lower temperature to 325°F and cook a bit longer.

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Variations

• Breakfast version: Add scrambled eggs

• Turkey & cheese: Swap ham for turkey

• Pizza-style: Add marinara and mozzarella

• Veggie: Spinach and cheese (squeeze spinach dry)