Home → Recipes → Breakfast → Eggs → Air Fryer Bacon Egg and Cheese Croissant (with Candied Bacon & Fried Eggs)

Air Fryer Bacon Egg and Cheese Croissant (with Candied Bacon & Fried Eggs)

Name: Air Fryer Bacon Egg and Cheese Croissant (with Candied Bacon & Fried Eggs)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 croissants; 4 slices bacon; 4 teaspoons brown sugar (1 tsp per slice, for candied bacon); 2 large eggs; 2 slices cheese (cheddar, American, or Swiss); 1 teaspoon butter or cooking spray; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: November 9, 2019

Jump to recipe

My family asks for this Air Fryer Bacon Egg and Cheese Croissant almost every weekend, and once you try the candied-bacon version, you’ll understand why. A buttery, flaky croissant gets toasted in the air fryer, then layered with a perfectly fried egg, melty cheese, and sweet-and-smoky candied bacon. It tastes like the best breakfast sandwich your favorite café never made.

Air fryer bacon egg and cheese croissant cut in half showing candied bacon, a fried egg, and melted cheese

The candied bacon is the secret. A little brown sugar and a touch of black pepper caramelize on the bacon while it crisps in the air fryer, giving you that sweet-salty-crunchy bite that makes this sandwich worth getting out of bed for.

You can serve these for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner. (Is there anything better than breakfast for dinner?) Most people drive through a fast-food window for a great breakfast sandwich, but you can make a better one at home in about 15 minutes with your air fryer. Nothing beats a toasted croissant filled with candied bacon, a fried egg, and a layer of cheese.

If you love air fryer breakfast recipes, a few more of my favorites are Air Fryer Chocolate Croissants, Breakfast Potatoes in the Air Fryer, Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Granola, and Air Fryer Baked Apples.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Candied bacon makes it special. Sweet, smoky, and crisp — it turns an ordinary breakfast sandwich into something you’d happily pay $9 for.
It’s faster than the drive-thru. Start to finish in about 15 minutes, with almost no hands-on time while the air fryer works.
Everything cooks in one appliance. Bacon, eggs, and the croissant all go in the air fryer, so cleanup is minimal.
Easy to customize. Swap the cheese, change the protein, or add veggies to make it your own.
Great for make-ahead mornings. Assemble, wrap, and reheat for a hot breakfast on busy weekdays.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients for an air fryer bacon egg and cheese croissant: croissants, bacon, eggs, cheese, and brown sugar.

Bacon — Regular-cut bacon works best for candied bacon; thick-cut takes a little longer to crisp.
Brown sugar — Just a teaspoon per slice caramelizes into a sweet, crackly coating. Black pepper optional, but recommended.
Eggs — Large, fresh eggs fry up with crisp edges and a rich yolk.
Croissants — Buttery, bakery-style croissants give you that flaky, golden base.
Cheese — American, cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack all melt beautifully. (Don’t skip it — this is a bacon, egg, and cheese croissant!)
Butter or cooking spray — To keep the eggs from sticking and to help the croissant toast.

How to Make Candied Bacon in the Air Fryer

Candied bacon is what sets this sandwich apart, and it could not be easier.

Candied bacon crisped and caramelized in the air fryer basket for a breakfast croissant.

Lay the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket (don’t overlap them).
Sprinkle each slice with about a teaspoon of brown sugar and a little cracked black pepper, pressing gently so it sticks.
Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the sugar has caramelized. Thicker bacon may need a couple of extra minutes.
Transfer to a plate or rack to cool — the coating firms up as it cools, giving you that signature crunch.

Tip: Line the basket with a piece of parchment or foil to catch the sticky drippings and make cleanup easy. Leave room around the edges so the air can still circulate.

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Eggs

Raw eggs cracked into ramekins in the air fryer basket before cooking

You can fry the eggs right in the air fryer for crisp edges and a set-but-tender yolk.

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
Grease a small oven-safe pan, ramekin, or foil “boat” with butter or cooking spray and place it in the basket to heat for a minute.
Crack an egg into the hot, greased pan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Air fry at 375°F for 5–7 minutes, until the white is set and the yolk is cooked to your liking. For a firmer yolk, add 1–2 minutes.

Prefer the classic stovetop method? Fry the eggs in a buttered skillet over medium heat for about a minute per side while the bacon cooks.

Cooked air fryer eggs resting on a cutting board for breakfast croissant sandwiches

How to Assemble the Sandwiches

Slice each croissant in half horizontally. If you like a toasty croissant, place the halves cut-side up in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.
Lay a slice of cheese on the bottom half so it starts to melt against the warm croissant.
Add the fried egg, then top with the candied bacon (fold or cut to fit).
Add the top half of the croissant. For an extra-melty sandwich, return the assembled croissant to the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Breakfast Croissant

Use fresh croissants. The fresher and flakier the croissant, the better the sandwich.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Bacon and eggs both need airflow to cook evenly and crisp up.
Cheese goes on the warm croissant first. Putting cheese against the toasted bread helps it melt without microwaving.
Watch the candied bacon closely. Sugar can go from caramelized to burnt quickly, so check it near the end.
Add veggies for freshness. Spinach, tomato, or avocado slices add color and nutrition.
Finish with a sauce. A little hot sauce, maple syrup, or spicy mayo plays beautifully with the candied bacon.
Serve right away. These are best hot from the air fryer, while the croissant is crisp and the cheese is melty.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator: Store assembled sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap each sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–5 minutes (from the fridge) or 6–8 minutes (from frozen), until heated through and the croissant re-crisps. Avoid the microwave if you can — it makes the croissant soft.

Variations to Try

Sausage instead of bacon for a Croissan’wich-style sandwich.
Ham and Swiss for a salty-savory combo.
Pepper jack and avocado for a little heat and creaminess.
Egg whites or a folded omelet if you prefer no runny yolk.
Plant-based bacon and a vegan egg for a meatless version — the candied glaze works on plant-based bacon too.

Two air fryer breakfast croissant sandwiches with candied bacon, fried eggs, and melted cheese on a plate.

Air Fryer Bacon Egg and Cheese Croissant FAQs

What types of cheese work best? Cheddar, American, Swiss, provolone, and pepper jack all melt well. Pick your favorite for a gooey, melty layer.

How do I keep the croissant from getting soggy? Cook the bacon until crisp, use a just-set fried egg rather than a very runny one, and toast the croissant before assembling. Avoid piling on wet ingredients.

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes. Assemble, wrap tightly, and refrigerate or freeze. Reheat in the air fryer when you’re ready to eat for the best texture.

Do I have to candy the bacon? Not at all — plain crispy bacon works great. But the brown-sugar candied version is what makes this sandwich stand out, and it only takes a teaspoon of sugar per slice.

What’s the best way to cook the eggs? A fried egg in the air fryer or skillet is classic here. You can also scramble them or make a folded omelet if you’d rather skip the runny yolk.

Can I add vegetables? Absolutely. Sliced tomato, spinach, or avocado are all delicious additions.

What if my air fryer isn’t big enough for all the sandwiches? Cook in batches and keep finished sandwiches warm in a low (200°F) oven while you finish the rest.

Can I use a different protein? Yes — sausage, ham, or a plant-based option all work well in place of bacon.

How long do leftovers last? Stored airtight in the fridge, up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best results.

More Easy Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes