Nothing says Christmas like the smell of something cheesy and delicious baking in the kitchen while everyone gathers around. I still remember the first time I whipped up these air fryer cheesy chicken crescent rolls during the holidays – they disappeared faster than Santa’s cookies! The kids couldn’t get enough, and honestly, neither could the adults.
What makes these crescent rolls perfect for Christmas? They’re quick (ready in 20 minutes!), require minimal prep (hello, rotisserie chicken shortcut), and that melty cheese-chicken combo is guaranteed to make everyone happy. Plus, using the air fryer means you’re not stuck babysitting the oven while trying to enjoy your own party. These little rolls have become my go-to when I need something festive, filling, and fuss-free during the busy holiday season.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Air Fryer Cheesy Chicken Crescent Roll
Trust me, these little bundles of joy will become your holiday MVP. I’ve lost count of how many parties I’ve saved with this recipe when unexpected guests arrive or when I just need something delicious in a pinch. Here’s why they’re absolutely magical:
Quick Holiday Appetizer
• From fridge to table in just 20 minutes – perfect for those “oh no, I forgot to make an appetizer” moments
• Minimal prep means more time enjoying the party (I use rotisserie chicken to cheat shamelessly)
• Air fryer convenience – no oven required, and they cook evenly every time
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
• That ooey-gooey cheese pull will have everyone reaching for seconds
• Familiar crescent roll exterior makes even picky eaters happy
• Just the right size for little hands at holiday gatherings (though adults always sneak extras too!)
The best part? You probably have most ingredients on hand already. I love recipes that taste fancy but are actually simple – and these deliver every single time.
Ingredients for Christmas Air Fryer Cheesy Chicken Crescent Roll
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these holiday crowd-pleasers – and I promise, it’s all simple stuff! The magic happens when these basic ingredients come together in the air fryer. A quick tip before we start: have your cream cheese at room temperature (I usually take it out when I preheat the air fryer) so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients. Here’s the lineup:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls – I like the seamless dough sheets when I can find them
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon here)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better in my book)
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened (this is what makes them extra creamy inside)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (trust me, it makes all the difference)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder (for that extra savory kick)
- 1/4 tsp dried parsley (mostly for color, but it makes them look fancy!)
See? Nothing fancy, just good ingredients that come together beautifully. Now let’s make some magic!
How to Make Christmas Air Fryer Cheesy Chicken Crescent Roll
Okay, let’s get rolling! (Pun totally intended.) These cheesy chicken crescent rolls come together so easily, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all year round. I’ll walk you through each step – just follow along and you’ll have golden, melty perfection in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
First things first – preheat that air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, let’s make the filling. Grab a medium bowl and toss in your shredded chicken (I like to give mine an extra rough chop for easier rolling), both cheeses, and all those lovely seasonings. Now get in there with your hands or a fork and mix until everything’s beautifully combined. You’ll know it’s ready when you can’t see any white streaks of cream cheese left. Pro tip: if your mixture feels too stiff, a splash of milk helps loosen it up!
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
Unroll your crescent dough on a clean surface – if you got the kind with perforations, gently separate the triangles. Now here’s where the magic happens: spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of filling onto the wider end of each triangle. Don’t go overboard or they’ll burst open while cooking (learned that the messy way!). Starting at the wide end, roll them up nice and tight, tucking in the sides as you go. Make sure that final point is tucked underneath – this keeps them from unraveling in the air fryer. See? Easy peasy!
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Place your rolls seam-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one – they need room to puff up beautifully. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook in batches. Cook for 8-10 minutes until they’re gloriously golden brown. I always check at 8 minutes – if they need more time, I’ll add 1-2 minutes. That first whiff of cheesy, garlicky goodness? Absolute holiday magic. Let them cool just a minute before serving (the filling gets HOT), then watch them disappear!
See? Three simple steps to holiday appetizer stardom. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool enough to eat without burning your tongue – not that I’ve ever been patient enough to wait!
Tips for the Best Christmas Air Fryer Cheesy Chicken Crescent Roll
After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds – they’re that good!), I’ve picked up some tricks to make them perfect every single time. First, rotisserie chicken is your best friend here – it’s already perfectly seasoned and saves you so much time. Just shred it up while still slightly warm and it’ll blend beautifully with the cheeses.
Now, about that filling – I know it’s tempting to pile it on, but resist! Overfilling leads to burst rolls (trust me, I’ve made that mistake while rushing). About 1-2 tablespoons per triangle is the sweet spot. And here’s my golden rule: let them rest for 2-3 minutes after air frying. That molten cheese filling needs a minute to settle, unless you enjoy the “lava chicken” experience (ouch!).
One more pro tip: if your air fryer tends to run hot, check at 7 minutes. Every machine is different, and golden brown is what we’re after, not dark brown. Happy rolling!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Here’s the beauty of this recipe – it’s crazy adaptable! Swap out cheddar for mozzarella if you’re craving that classic pizza roll vibe (my kids love this version). Feeling adventurous? Toss in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick that’ll warm you right up on chilly Christmas nights.
Out of crescent rolls? No sweat! Puff pastry works wonderfully for a flakier texture – just cut it into squares instead of triangles. For a lighter option, try reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat cheddar (though I’ll admit, I’m team full-fat all the way). The possibilities are endless, just like Christmas cheer!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Air Fryer Cheesy Chicken Crescent Roll
Oh, the dipping possibilities! These little rolls are delicious on their own, but I love setting out bowls of different sauces for everyone to choose their own adventure. My go-to is classic marinara – the tangy tomato cuts through the richness perfectly. Ranch dressing is always a crowd-pleaser (especially with the kids), but for something extra festive, try a cranberry dipping sauce. Just mix whole berry cranberry sauce with a splash of orange juice and tiny bit of Dijon – the sweet-tart combo is holiday magic with that melty cheese!
Storage and Reheating
If by some miracle you have leftovers (it’s rare in my house!), just pop them in an airtight container – they’ll keep for about 2 days in the fridge. When you’re ready for round two, reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. They’ll taste just as good as when they were fresh – maybe even better now that the flavors have mingled!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk numbers – but remember, I’m not a nutritionist, just a home cook who loves sharing good food! Here’s the scoop on what’s in these delicious Christmas air fryer cheesy chicken crescent rolls. Each golden-brown, melty roll comes out to about:
- Calories: 180 (perfect little indulgence!)
- Protein: 9g (thanks to that chicken and cheese combo)
- Carbs: 12g (mostly from that flaky crescent dough we all love)
- Fat: 10g (because let’s be real – that’s where the flavor lives)
- Sodium: 380mg (go easy if you’re using store-bought rotisserie chicken)
Now, full disclosure – these numbers are estimates based on the exact ingredients I use. Your numbers might dance around a bit depending on your chicken or cheese choices (I won’t judge if you go extra cheesy!). The beauty of homemade is you control what goes in, so feel free to tweak to fit your family’s needs. Most importantly – enjoy every delicious, festive bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get so many questions about these Christmas air fryer cheesy chicken crescent rolls – let’s tackle the big ones! First up: Can I bake these instead? Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, just pop them in a 375°F oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. They won’t get quite as crispy all over, but they’ll still taste amazing.
Can I prep these ahead? Oh, this is my favorite party trick! You can totally assemble them the night before, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just cook within 24 hours (add a minute or two to the cooking time since they’ll be cold). Perfect for stress-free holiday entertaining!
Can I freeze them? You bet! Freeze the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet first (so they don’t stick together), then transfer to a freezer bag. When those unexpected holiday guests arrive, straight from freezer to air fryer – just add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. The cheese might not get quite as gooey, but they’ll still disappear fast!
Share Your Holiday Creations
I’d love to see your Christmas air fryer cheesy chicken crescent roll masterpieces! Did you add your own twist? Maybe some crispy bacon or a dash of hot sauce? Tag me on social media with your cheesy, golden-brown creations – there’s nothing I love more than seeing how you make these recipes your own. Happy holidays and happy air frying!
Print
20-Minute Christmas Air Fryer Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Make cheesy chicken crescent rolls in your air fryer for a quick and delicious holiday snack.
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley.
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
- Spoon chicken mixture onto each triangle and roll up tightly.
- Place rolls in the air fryer basket, seam side down.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Let rolls cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American