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Air Fryer Holiday Glazed Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites

By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Apr 14, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
American 27 mins air-fryer-friendlyholidayeasyfamily-friendlygourmetsavorycrispfreezer-friendlyone-potmeal-prep

Crispy, flaky puff pastry bites filled with holiday-glazed ham and melted cheese, air-fried to golden perfection. These festive appetizers are easy, family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and perfect for holiday entertaining, quick snacks, or meal prep.

Air Fryer Holiday Glazed Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
Prep 15 min
Cook 12 min
Total 27 min
Servings 24
Difficulty easy
Cuisine American

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook12 min
Total27 min
Servings24
Difficultyeasy
CuisineAmerican
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Ingredients

Servings 24
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed, about 8 x 8 inches)
  • 6 oz holiday-glazed ham, finely diced
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp honey-mustard glaze (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme leaves (optional for garnish)
  • Non-stick cooking spray or a little oil for air fryer basket

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 24 equal squares (about 1.5 x 1.5 inches each).
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the diced holiday-glazed ham, shredded cheese, honey-mustard glaze, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined.
  4. Place about 1 teaspoon of the ham and cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square.
  5. Lightly brush the edges of each pastry square with beaten egg. Fold each square diagonally into a triangle, gently pressing the edges to seal tightly. Use a fork to crimp the edges for extra sealing and a decorative touch.
  6. Brush the tops of each folded pastry bite with the beaten egg wash to ensure a golden, crisp finish.
  7. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with non-stick cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
  8. Arrange the pastry bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving small gaps between them for even airflow. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
  9. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until puffed, golden brown, and crispy.
  10. Carefully remove the pastry bites and transfer to a cooling rack.
  11. Optional: Garnish with finely chopped fresh thyme leaves for a festive herbal note.
  12. Serve warm as a delicious holiday appetizer. To freeze, cool completely, freeze in a single layer until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes from frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

Adapt this recipe to suit different dietary preferences and ingredient availability with these substitutions:

  • Holiday-Glazed Ham: Replace with smoked turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ham alternative to make it vegetarian or vegan.
  • Gruyère or Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Use dairy-free cheese shreds for dairy-free or vegan options. Mozzarella or Monterey Jack provide milder flavors.
  • Honey-Mustard Glaze: Swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan sweetener.
  • Egg Wash: Use aquafaba (chickpea water) or non-dairy milk to keep it egg-free.
  • Cooking Spray/Oil: Opt for neutral oils like avocado or olive oil to prevent sticking without altering flavor.

These substitutions maintain the festive, gourmet taste while making the recipe versatile for various diets.

Air Fryer Model Notes

This recipe for Air Fryer Holiday Glazed Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites performs best with air fryer models that offer consistent temperature control and efficient hot air circulation. Basket-style air fryers require spacing the bites apart to ensure even browning and puffing. Due to space limits, cooking in batches is recommended to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to soggy or undercooked pastry.

Larger drawer- or oven-style air fryers allow cooking more bites simultaneously with consistent results. Optimal models have accurate temperature settings and timers to prevent burning or uneven cooking of the delicate puff pastry.

Air fryers with non-stick or well-seasoned baskets minimize sticking and ease cleanup, preserving each bite's flaky texture. Adjust cooking times slightly based on your model and batch size, and look for golden brown, puffed pastry as the doneness indicator.

Crispiness Control

To achieve perfectly crispy Air Fryer Holiday Glazed Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites, follow these expert tips tailored for their flaky, savory texture:

  • Cooking Temperature: Maintain 375°F (190°C) for optimal crispness without burning the glaze or cheese.
  • Cooking Time: Air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp. Reduce time by 1-2 minutes for a softer bite, checking frequently.
  • Spacing: Arrange bites in a single layer with small gaps to promote hot air circulation and crisping.
  • Oil or Spray: Lightly spray the air fryer basket, avoiding oil on the pastry to keep flakes crisp and non-greasy.
  • Egg Wash: Apply beaten egg on pastry tops before cooking to create a shiny, crisp golden finish.
  • Batch Cooking: Cook in batches if needed to prevent crowding and ensure even texture.
  • Freezing & Reheating: Reheat frozen bites at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness without drying out.

These tips maximize crispness and flaky texture for this appetizer that is air-fryer-friendly, family-friendly, holiday-themed, and gourmet yet easy to make.

Reheat In The Air Fryer

Reheat your Air Fryer Holiday Glazed Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites in the air fryer to restore their flaky crisp exterior and melty interior without sogginess:

  1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Arrange bites in a single layer, spaced to allow hot air circulation. Avoid stacking.
  3. Reheat for 5-7 minutes if frozen, 3-5 minutes if thawed. Check at 3 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  4. Optional: Lightly mist bites with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
  5. Remove carefully once crisp and hot. Let cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from melted cheese.

This method preserves the gourmet texture and flavor, perfect for family-friendly holiday snacking or quick meal prep.

What To Serve With This In The Air Fryer

Complete your holiday appetizer spread with complementary air fryer favorites that pair beautifully with these savory puff pastry bites. Try air-fried Brussels sprouts or green beans tossed with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan for a nutritious, crispy vegetable side. Air fryer sweet potato fries or herb-seasoned baby potatoes add a flavorful, crunchy contrast.

For a lighter, vegetarian option, serve with vegetable spring rolls or zucchini fritters air fried until golden. Sweet options like air fryer cinnamon apple chips or roasted nuts provide a delightful contrast to the savory ham and cheese bites.

Include dipping sauces such as mustard aioli, honey mustard, or herb cream cheese for extra flavor. These air fryer-friendly sides keep prep simple and maintain a warm, crisp presentation that guests will love.

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