Quick and easy Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Twists make a delicious snack or appetizer! Flaky pastry filled with savory ham and melted cheese, ready in minutes.
This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s made with only four ingredients and takes less than 15 minutes to prepare. With the holidays around the corner, this also makes for a fantastic appetizer!
I love cooking, and I am always looking for new ways to expand my kitchen arsenal. One of the items that I recently purchased was an air fryer. This is a small appliance that can cook food using little or no oil, usually in under 30 minutes!
It’s great because it reduces the amount of fat you eat compared to deep-frying but still gives your food a crispy texture. Today, we will make Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Twists, perfect for lunch or dinner!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy: These ham and cheese twists come together in minutes, perfect for a fast snack or meal.
- Crispy and Flaky: The air fryer creates a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and cheesy.
- Savory Flavor: Filled with ham and melted cheese, each twist delivers a delicious burst of savory goodness.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, lunch, or as an appetizer at parties, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
- Minimal Prep: No complicated steps—just roll, twist, and air fry for a simple, fuss-free treat.
- Kid-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with kids, combining their favorite ingredients in a fun, easy-to-eat form.
- Customizable: Feel free to add extra fillings like mustard, herbs, or veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients Needed
- Puff Pastry: This buttery, flaky pastry forms the perfect crisp outer layer for your ham and cheese twists.
- Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese adds a creamy, slightly nutty flavor that melts beautifully inside the twists.
- Deli Ham: Thin slices of savory deli ham provide a rich, salty contrast to the cheese and pastry.
- Salt & Black Pepper: A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance the flavors and balance the richness of the ingredients.
How To Make Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Twists
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into strips, depending on the size of your twists. Place a slice of Swiss cheese and a slice of deli ham on each pastry strip. You can fold the ham and cheese in half for a neater fit if necessary. Lightly sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper on top of the cheese and ham for added flavor.
Twist the Pastry: Carefully twist each pastry strip around itself, securing the filling inside. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Air Fry: Place the twisted pastries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Set air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F (175°C) and set cook time for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these savory, flaky ham and cheese twists as a snack or appetizer!
Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Twists Recipe Tips
- Use Cold Puff Pastry: Keep the puff pastry chilled before using for better results. Cold pastry will puff up more when air fried, giving you a crispier texture.
- Customize the Fillings: Feel free to add extra ingredients like mustard, herbs, or even some grated Parmesan for a flavor boost.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Make sure there’s space between the twists in the air fryer basket to allow air circulation and even cooking.
- Brush with Butter: For an extra golden finish, brush the twisted pastry with melted butter or an egg wash before air frying.
- Adjust the Cooking Time: Depending on the size of your twists and air fryer model, you may need to adjust the cook time slightly. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Serve Immediately: These twists are best enjoyed right out of the air fryer while they’re warm and crispy.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispness.
- Use Quality Cheese: Swiss cheese is great for melting, but you can swap it with cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese for a different flavor.
Storing
- Storing: Store any leftover Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled twists in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the twists in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to bring back their crispiness. Alternatively, you can heat them in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Twists Recipe Faqs
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes! You can substitute Swiss cheese with other meltable cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for a different flavor.
Can I make these twists in advance? Yes, you can prepare the twists ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to air fry. Just make sure they’re tightly wrapped to prevent drying out.
Can I use homemade puff pastry? Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own puff pastry, it will work just as well as store-bought for this recipe.
How do I prevent the twists from unrolling while cooking? Make sure to twist the pastry tightly and seal the edges well. You can also brush the edges with a little water to help them stick together during cooking.
Can I use a different filling? Of course! You can customize the filling by adding things like sautéed spinach, bacon, or even a little mustard for added flavor.
How do I know when the twists are done? The twists are done when they’re golden brown and crispy. You can also check by gently pressing them to ensure the pastry is cooked through.
Can I freeze these twists before cooking? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked twists. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store them in a freezer-safe container. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Can I reheat leftover twists? Yes, you can reheat the twists in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness. Alternatively, use a conventional oven.
Are these twists suitable for a party? Absolutely! These savory, bite-sized twists are perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or as a snack.
Can I add other seasonings or spices? Feel free to experiment with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary to customize the flavor.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken
- Air Fryer Chinese Buff Crab Casserole
- How To Reheat Apple Pie In Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Sushi Bowl
- Air Fryer Chines Spare Ribs
Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Twists
Description
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 6-8 pieces Swiss Cheese, or 1 cup shredded cheese
- 6-8 pieces Deli Ham
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into strips, depending on the size of your twists.
- Place a slice of Swiss cheese and a slice of deli ham on each pastry strip. You can fold the ham and cheese in half for a neater fit if necessary.
- Lightly sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper on top of the cheese and ham for added flavor.
- Carefully twist each pastry strip around itself, securing the filling inside.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
- Place the twisted pastries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these savory, flaky ham and cheese twists as a snack or appetizer!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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