Air Fryer Cooking Guides
Airfryfeast
Air Fryer Holiday Glazed Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Apr 14, 2026 · Updated Jun 16, 2026
American
27 mins
air-fryer-friendlyholidayeasyfamily-friendlygourmetsavorycrispfreezer-friendlyone-potmeal-prepv2
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.
Prep
15 min
Cook
12 min
Total
27 min
Servings
24
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
American
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
-
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
-
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).
-
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.
-
Place about 1 teaspoon of the ham and cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square.
-
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.
-
Brush the tops of each folded pastry bite with the beaten egg wash to ensure a golden, crisp finish.
-
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with non-stick cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
-
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.
-
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until puffed, golden brown, and crispy.
-
Carefully remove the pastry bites and transfer to a cooling rack.
-
Optional: Garnish with finely chopped fresh thyme leaves for a festive herbal note.
-
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.
Tips
Air Fryer Model Notes
Cook Air Fryer Holiday Glazed Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites in a single layer when possible. Basket models may need batches; oven-style models may need a tray rotation halfway through for even browning.
Crispiness Control
Pat the sheet frozen puff pastry dry, avoid crowding, and use only a light coat of oil or sauce before cooking. Add wet sauces near the end when you want the outside to stay crisp.
Doneness Cues
Look for browned edges, a hot center, and the texture described in the instructions.
Reheat In The Air Fryer
Reheat leftovers at 325 F to 350 F in a single layer until hot and crisp again. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or sauce after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make Air Fryer Holiday Glazed Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites ahead of time?
- You can prep the ingredients and seasoning ahead, but air fry close to serving for the best texture.
- How do I keep this recipe from turning soggy?
- Cook in a single layer, leave space for airflow, and avoid adding too much oil or sauce before the food has crisped.
- Can I adjust the seasoning?
- Yes. Keep the same cooking method and adjust salt, spice, herbs, citrus, or sauce to match your taste.
- How do I know the sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed is done?
- Use the visual cues in the instructions first: the outside should be browned or crisp and the center should be hot and tender. For meat or seafood, confirm doneness with a food thermometer.
Ingredient Replacements
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.
Storage
Store leftover Air Fryer Holiday Glazed Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the food before sealing so excess steam does not soften the texture.
Freeze only if the main ingredient and coating are freezer-friendly. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat in the air fryer at 325 F to 350 F in a single layer until hot and crisp again. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or sauce after reheating for the best flavor.
Related Articles
Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.
Air Fryer Cooking Guides
Air Fryer Desserts: Crisps, Cakes, and Cozy Treats
More Recipes
Explore more recipes you may like.
Reviews
Rate this recipe and share a photo of your result.
No reviews yet.
Save this recipe
Log in to keep this recipe in your favorites.
Reset password Register