Name: Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Pinwheels with Puff Pastry
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 14 min
Ingredients: 12 slices Deli Ham (thin sliced); 8 ounces Gouda Cheese (shredded); 1 Egg; 13 ounces Refrigerated Puff Pastry Dough

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Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Pinwheels with Puff Pastry are one of the easiest and most crowd pleasing recipes you can make when you want something warm, flaky, and packed with savory flavor. Buttery puff pastry is layered with slices of ham and melty cheese, rolled up tightly, sliced into spirals, and cooked in the air fryer until golden brown and crisp.

Overhead image of ham and cheese puff pastry pinwheels stacked on a decorative plate

Why You’ll Love These Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Quick and easy to make. These air fryer ham and cheese pinwheels come together in under 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients. You’ll love that they only have to cook in the air fryer in about 10 minutes.
Perfectly flaky texture. The air fryer makes the puff pastry crisp and golden on the outside while staying tender inside.
Great for entertaining. They look elegant and impressive but require very little prep work.
Family friendly. Kids and adults both love the classic ham and cheese combination.
Easy to customize. You can switch up the cheese, add a sauce, or mix in extra ingredients to fit your taste.

This recipe is ideal when you need a last minute appetizer or want something warm and savory without turning on the oven. If you love simple puff pastry recipes on ComfortCooks.com, this one is guaranteed to become a favorite.

What Do Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Taste Like?

Air fryer ham and cheese pinwheels taste buttery, savory, and perfectly cheesy. The puff pastry becomes light and flaky with crisp edges, while the ham adds a salty, smoky flavor. The melted cheese brings creaminess and ties everything together.

Each bite has layers of flaky pastry wrapped around warm ham and gooey cheese. They are comforting, satisfying, and hard to stop eating.

What Are Ham and Cheese Pinwheels?

Ham and cheese pinwheels are made by layering deli ham and shredded or sliced cheese onto a sheet of puff pastry. The pastry is rolled tightly into a log, sliced into rounds, and baked or air fried until golden and puffed.

The spiral shape creates beautiful layers that crisp up in the air fryer. They are similar to savory roll ups or appetizer spirals, but the puff pastry gives them a light and airy texture.

Ingredients To Grab

Puff pastry– Frozen puff pastry is the base of this recipe. Once thawed, it rolls out easily and bakes into flaky layers.
Deli ham– Thinly sliced ham adds savory flavor and pairs perfectly with the buttery pastry.
Shredded cheese– Cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Gouda, or mozzarella all work well. Choose a cheese that melts smoothly.
Egg– An egg wash brushed on top helps the pinwheels turn golden brown and shiny.

How To Make Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Refrigerated puff pastry rolled out on a large cutting board

Prepare the puff pastry. Remove the puff pastry from the freezer and allow it to thaw according to package instructions. You can also use refrigerated if it is available at your local grocery store. Once thawed, unfold it onto a clean surface sprayed with nonstick spray.

Sliced ham and shredded gouda cheese on uncooked puff pastry

Add the filling. Layer the deli ham evenly across the pastry. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the ham, making sure it is evenly distributed.

uncooked ham and cheese puff pastry pinwheel cut into eight pieces

Roll and slice. Starting from one long side, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log. Roll slowly and evenly to keep the layers compact. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into rounds about one inch thick.

uncooked ham and cheese puff pastry pinwheel being brushed with egg wash in an air fryer basket

Prepare for air frying. Preheat your air fryer to 375F. Lightly beat the egg and brush the tops of each pinwheel with egg wash. This step helps them become golden and glossy.

Air Fried ham and cheese pinwheels in an air fryer basket

Air fry until golden. Place the pinwheels in the air fryer basket (I love to use this silicone basket liner to make clean up easy!) in a single layer. Leave space between each one so they can puff up properly. Cook the pinwheels for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.

A stack of puff pastry pinwheels with ham and cheese stacked on top of eachother on a decorative plate

Serve and enjoy! Once finished, carefully remove them from the basket and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm while the cheese is still melty and the pastry is crisp.

Tips And Tricks

Making air fryer ham and cheese pinwheels is simple, but these tips will help you get perfect results.

Defrost the puff pastry. Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold. If it becomes too warm, it can be harder to handle.
Roll tight. Roll the pastry tightly to keep the filling from falling out.
Slice clean. Use a sharp knife for clean slices.
Leave some space. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
Rest before serving. Let the pinwheels cool slightly before serving so the cheese can set.

Variations

One of the best things about puff pastry pinwheels is how easy they are to customize.

Try a different protein. Swap ham for turkey or roast beef.
Add some spice. Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy version.
Spread some moisture. Add a thin layer of cream cheese for extra richness.
Try some veggies. Mix in chopped spinach for a pop of color.
Season them up. Add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top before air frying.
Add mustard spread. Layer honey mustard or Dijon on the puff pastry before air frying for a sweeter twist.

What To Eat With Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Ham and cheese pinwheels are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right sides makes them even better.

Fresh green salad– A crisp salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette cuts through the buttery puff pastry and balances the richness of the ham and cheese.
Tomato soup– Warm, slightly acidic tomato soup complements the savory flavors and makes the meal feel cozy and comforting, similar to a grilled cheese pairing.
Pasta salad– A chilled pasta salad adds texture and makes the plate more filling, especially if you are serving the pinwheels for lunch or at a gathering.
Potato chips– Crunchy chips add an extra layer of texture and keep the meal simple and fun, especially for casual lunches.

For a brunch spread, serve them alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. For a party, pair them with other finger foods and dipping sauces.

How Long Do They Last?

Air fryer ham and cheese pinwheels will last about 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Allow them to cool completely before storing.

To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350F for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Can You Make Them Ahead?

Yes. You can assemble the rolled log of puff pastry with ham and cheese, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and air frying.

You can also slice the pinwheels ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Can You Freeze Them?

Yes. You can freeze the unbaked sliced pinwheels on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer safe container. Cook directly from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

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Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Pin with text overlay

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