Ingredients
- Costco Ham and Cheese Pastries
- Optional: Cooking spray for extra crispiness
Suggestions for ingredient substitutions:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ham with your choice of veggies.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination.
Instructions
- Preparation of the Pastries: Start by gently removing the Costco Ham and Cheese Pastries from their packaging. There’s no need to wash or slice these pastries, as they come pre-assembled and ready to cook.
- Selecting the Right Pastries: Choosing high-quality, pre-made pastries from Costco ensures a delicious base for your air fryer recipe. Look for pastries with a firm, yet flaky, outer crust and a generous filling of ham and cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Seasoning Steps: Although these pastries are flavorful on their own, you can add a light seasoning for extra taste. A simple sprinkle of garlic powder or Italian herbs over the pastries before cooking can enhance their natural flavors. For a spicier kick, a dash of red pepper flakes works well.
- Seasoning Varieties: From simple to elaborate, you have options.
- Simple: A light dusting of sea salt and cracked black pepper.
- Elaborate: Brushing with a garlic butter mixture or a light mustard glaze before air frying adds depth to the flavor.
- Setting the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for ensuring the pastries puff up nicely and become golden without burning.
- Arranging the Pastries: Place the pastries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there’s space between them for optimal air circulation. This is crucial for achieving an evenly cooked and crispy texture.
- Cooking Time and Temperature: Cook the pastries at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbly. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it’s a good idea to start checking them at the 10-minute mark.
- Importance of Cooking Conditions: The chosen temperature and cooking time are key for transforming the pastries into a perfectly crispy treat while keeping the inside gooey and warm. Adjustments might be needed based on your specific air fryer model.
- Ensuring Even Cooking: The arrangement of the pastries in the basket affects the cooking outcome. Avoid overcrowding and layering to ensure each pastry cooks evenly and gets that desirable crispness.
- Serving Ideas: Serve these ham and cheese pastries hot from the air fryer for the best taste. They’re great on their own or with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as mustard, ranch, or a homemade honey glaze.
Notes
- Checking for Doneness: Since air fryer models can vary, use the color and texture of the pastries as your guide. Look for a golden brown crust as the indicator of readiness.
- Air Fryer Capacity: Be mindful of the size and capacity of your air fryer. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Post-Cooking: Allow the pastries to cool for a minute or two before serving, as the filling will be hot.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer for the best texture upon serving again.
- Prep Time: 0 minutes (for reheating)
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Snack/Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: Approximately 250-350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Costco Ham and Cheese Pastry