Crispy, golden, flaky, and filled with melty cheese and savory ham, these gluten-free ham and cheese puff pastries are super easy to make in the air fryer. They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, snacks, or a quick party appetizer.
Recipe details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–25 minutes
Servings: 6 pastries
Cooking Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American-inspired
Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
For the pastry:
- 1 sheet gluten-free puff pastry, thawed
- 4–6 slices gluten-free ham
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, optional
- 1 egg, beaten, for brushing
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds or everything seasoning, optional
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the pastry
Thaw the gluten-free puff pastry according to the package directions. Keep it cool and handle it gently because gluten-free pastry can be more delicate.
2. Cut the pastry
Place the pastry sheet on a lightly floured gluten-free surface. Cut it into 6 equal rectangles or squares.
3. Add the filling
Spread a small amount of Dijon mustard over each piece, if using. Add a slice or two of ham, followed by mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Leave a small border around the edges.
4. Seal the pastries
Fold each pastry over the filling to create a pocket. Press the edges together firmly with a fork. If needed, lightly wet the edges with water to help them seal.
5. Brush with egg
Place the pastries in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything seasoning.
6. Air fry
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
Air fry the pastries for 8–12 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the pastry, they may need an extra 1–2 minutes.
7. Cool and serve
Let them rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. The cheese will be very hot immediately after cooking.
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Puff Pastry
- Keep the pastry cold until you’re ready to assemble it.
- Don’t overfill, as the cheese can escape while cooking.
- Make sure the ham and cheese are certified gluten-free if you’re preparing these for someone with celiac disease.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- If the pastry starts becoming too soft while assembling, refrigerate it for 10 minutes before air frying.
Filling Variations
Try adding:
- Ham + Swiss cheese
- Turkey + cheddar
- Chicken + mozzarella
- Spinach + feta
- Ham + cream cheese + cheddar
- Pepperoni + mozzarella for a pizza-style version
Approximate Nutrition — Per Pastry
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Nutrition will vary depending on the gluten-free puff pastry, ham, and cheese brands used.
These Air Fryer Gluten-Free Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries are best served warm, when the pastry is crisp and the cheese is perfectly melted. They make an easy grab-and-go breakfast or a delicious afternoon snack.
