If you are a big fan of savoury snacks and buttery pastries, then you absolutely must try these Air Fryer Croissants. They are stuffed full with crispy bacon and layers of melty cheese. So they deliver next-level flavour in every single bite. Think golden, flaky croissants sliced Hasselback-style and then generously packed with smoky strips of bacon and oozy cheese – utterly irresistible.
The air fryer works its magic here, crisping up the outside of the croissants to perfection while melting the cheese into a gooey, savoury filling that hugs the bacon in all the right ways. The result? A delicious contrast of textures – crunchy, creamy, cheesy, and salty, all encased in a warm, buttery shell.
Making these couldn’t be simpler. Just take your croissants, slice them halfway down at intervals (like you would for Hasselback potatoes), then stuff the gaps with bits of cooked bacon and slices of your favourite cheese. I find that cheddar and mozzarella work beautifully. Then pop them into your air fryer at 180°C for about 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the croissants are beautifully golden.
These croissants are just perfect for a brunch spread, a quick dinner, or even served up as an appetizer at your next get-together. Pair them with a fresh salad, or offer dipping sauces like honey mustard or sriracha mayo for an extra boost of flavour.
So whether you are treating yourself on a Sunday morning or impressing friends with a clever twist on a café classic, these Air Fryer Croissants are guaranteed to deliver. Simple, indulgent, and completely addictive – they’re proof that the croissant can go savoury and steal the show.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 15 minutes
SERVES 1 person
KIT you will need an air fryer and a mixing bowl
Ingredients for air fryer croissants
2 stale croissants, sliced
4 rashes of smoky bacon
1 egg, beaten
A handful of grated cheddar cheese (other hard cheeses like Red Leicester, Gouda, Parmesan or Edam work just as well)
Method
I started by air frying the bacon at 180°C for about 8 to 10 minutes. The timing will depend on how crispy you like your bacon, so feel free to adjust accordingly. Make sure to check halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness. One of the great things about using the air fryer is that it cooks with much less fat compared to frying in a pan. Which makes it a much healthier alternative while still giving you that perfect crispy bacon.
Once the bacon was cooked to my liking, I removed it from the air fryer basket and set it aside. The aroma of the bacon was irresistible, and I was ready to assemble my croissants!
Next, I took the croissants and sliced them lengthways, being careful not to cut all the way through so they would stay connected at the bottom. I then stuffed each croissant with the crispy bacon and sprinkled some grated cheese on top. The cheese melted perfectly into the croissant, adding a rich, creamy texture that paired wonderfully with the bacon.
To finish, I cracked an egg into a bowl and beat it well, creating an egg wash. I brushed the egg wash over the tops of the stuffed croissants. This step not only gives the croissants a beautiful golden-brown colour but also adds a delicious sheen.
So I placed the croissants into the air-fryer and set the temperature to 180°C. Then cooked for 6 minutes. As air fryers vary in cooking speed, I made sure to check halfway through to ensure the croissants were cooking evenly and not browning too quickly. After the 6 minutes, I had perfectly crispy, golden croissants with gooey cheese and savoury bacon inside. These air fryer bacon and cheese croissants make a fantastic breakfast or snack!
Tips for Air Fryer Croissants
1. Use ready-made or pre-rolled dough for ease
Not a seasoned baker? No problem. Use store-bought croissant dough for quick, flaky results with minimal effort. Just shape, brush, and air fry! Or use ready baked leftover croissants like me.
2. Preheat your air fryer
It is always a good idea to preheat you air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for at least 2 or 3 minutes first. Starting with a hot basket will help give croissants that extra golden, crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
3. Don’t overcrowd the basket
Place croissants in a single layer with plenty of space between them. They expand during cooking, and proper airflow ensures even browning. Also best to leave the crisper plates in to help the hot air circulate better for an even cook.
4. Brush with egg wash for shine
Lightly brush each croissant with a beaten egg wash or a mix of egg and milk before cooking. This will give them that bakery style golden shine and beautiful finish.
5. Cook low and slow
Bake at a lower temperature, around 160°C (320°F) for 8 to 10 minutes, to avoid burning the outside before the inside is cooked through.
6. Check halfway through
Air fryers can vary, so check at the halfway point to make sure they’re browning evenly. You can rotate them if one side is cooking faster.
7. Add fillings for variety
Try rolling in a little chocolate, almond paste, or cheese before air frying for a delicious twist on the classic croissant.
8. Let them cool slightly
Give your croissants a few minutes to cool after cooking. This helps the layers firm up and prevents steam from making them soggy.
Similar recipes
So if you like these savoury air fryer croissants, you might also like my delicious air fried breakfast muffins.
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