You know those days when you crave something tasty but don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen? The ham and Edam cheese puff pastry in an air fryer is just the perfect solution: quick, crispy, and super delicious.
I took a roll of ready-made puff pastry, unrolled it on the counter, and placed slices of Edam cheese and cooked ham (I used toast ham, practical and thin) in the center. Then I folded the pastry over the filling, cutting the sides to create strips that I layered over each other: a simple braid that makes the pastry cuter and more compact.
The magic happens in the air fryer: just a few minutes of cooking and the stuffed puff pastry turns golden and crispy on the outside, with a heart of melty ham and Edam cheese inside.
It’s a very easy recipe, perfect as a quick appetizer, a light main dish, or even as an idea for a homemade aperitif.
The beauty is that you can make it your own: if you want, add some herbs, or replace the Edam cheese with what you have in the fridge. But I assure you this combination is irresistible.
The stuffed puff pastry in an air fryer is one of those recipes that saves dinner and wins everyone over with minimal effort.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Cooking methods: Air frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons, Christmas
Ingredients
- 3.53 oz cooked ham
- 5.29 oz Edam cheese
- 1 rectangular puff pastry roll
- 1 egg
- as needed milk
Tools
- 1 Fryer air fryer
- 1 Air Fryer Paper parchment paper
- 1 Brush brush
Steps
Unroll the puff pastry directly onto the parchment paper. Place the slices of cooked ham in the center and top them with slices of Edam cheese, creating an even layer.
Fold the top and bottom edges toward the center to cover the filling. With a sharp knife, cut the sides of the pastry into strips. Layer them alternately to create a simple and eye-catching braid.
Brush the surface with beaten egg yolk and milk.
Transfer the pastry to the air fryer basket. Cook at 356°F for 20 minutes, until the surface is golden and crispy.
✨Creative Variations
Vegetarian Puff: replace the ham with grilled vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, peppers).
Gourmet Puff: add a layer of sweet mustard or honey between the ham and cheese for a surprising contrast.
Rustic Puff: enrich the filling with some sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes.
Mini Single-Serving Puffs: cut the pastry into smaller squares to create perfect finger food for an aperitif.
Sweet and Savory Puff: try adding a slice of pear or apple with the Edam cheese for a refined touch.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use another cheese instead of Edam?
Sure! You can replace it with scamorza, fontina, provolone, or well-drained mozzarella. The important thing is that it melts well.
Should the puff pastry be pricked before baking?
No, in this case, it isn’t necessary: the filling stays compact, and the pastry puffs up just right in the air fryer.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, you can assemble it and keep it in the fridge for a few hours. Cook it only when ready to serve so it stays crispy.
Can it be frozen?
Better not: already cooked puff pastry loses its crispiness. I recommend freezing it raw and cooking it directly from frozen, extending the cooking time by a few minutes.
