Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe
If you love the idea of that warm, chocolatey, flaky croissant but want it fast and fuss-free, this Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Seriously, it’s the perfect little treat when you want something indulgent without turning on your oven for ages—you know those lazy weekend mornings or unexpected company moments. I’ve made these so many times, and I still get a little happy dance when I pull those golden beauties out of the air fryer.
What makes this Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe truly special is how effortlessly the air fryer crisps the croissants to perfection while keeping that gooey Nutella center irresistibly melty. Plus, it takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish, which for me means dessert (or breakfast) is ready before I’ve even finished my coffee. Trust me—you’ll want to keep this one in your recipe arsenal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, these croissants take less than 15 minutes using your air fryer.
- Perfect Flaky Texture: The air fryer crisps up the outside beautifully while keeping the inside soft and gooey.
- Customizable Filling: You can easily swap out the Nutella or add more chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Minimal Cleanup: Using the air fryer basket means less mess and no heating up the oven—huge win!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together for an amazing dessert or breakfast treat. I always keep Pillsbury crescent rolls on hand—they’re a reliable shortcut for flaky pastry! Nutella is obviously the star here, with chocolate chips adding an extra bit of fun chocolate crunch.
- Pillsbury Big and Flaky Crescent Rolls: This is your flaky croissant base—easy to work with and gets that golden crunch.
- Nutella: The creamy hazelnut chocolate spread that makes these croissants decadent and chocolaty.
- Chocolate Chips: Adds gooey melty chocolate pockets inside each roll for extra chocolaty goodness.
- Egg: Used to make the egg wash, giving croissants their beautiful shiny and golden finish.
- Water or 2% Milk: Mixed with egg for the wash to keep it from drying out or getting too thick.
- Optional Garnishes: Melted chocolate, honey, powdered sugar—totally optional but so worth it for that finishing touch!
Variations
I love mixing up this Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe depending on the mood or season. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle in chopped nuts or swap the Nutella for peanut butter to switch things up. Feel free to experiment—the air fryer makes this recipe incredibly forgiving!
- Add Nuts: Try adding crushed hazelnuts or almonds for a crunchy texture; I especially enjoy this in autumn months for a cozy twist.
- Fruit Fillings: Swap Nutella for raspberry jam or fresh berries for a fruity and sweet version I sometimes whip up for brunch guests.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free crescent roll and substitute the egg wash with almond milk for a vegan-friendly treat.
- Extra Chocolate: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before air frying for a more chocolatier crust, which I always do when I need an extra hug of chocolate.
How to Make Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Crescent Rolls Just Right
Start by carefully separating your crescent rolls and laying each one flat on a clean surface. I like to handle them gently so they don’t tear—think of it like giving the dough its own little open blanket. This step is key to giving you nice, even layers after rolling.
Step 2: Spread Nutella and Sprinkle Chocolate Chips
Use about 2 teaspoons of Nutella per croissant and spread it evenly over the entire top surface. I find it easiest to soften the Nutella slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds—makes spreading a dream without ripping the dough. Then, add around half a tablespoon of chocolate chips at the wider end of each roll; this is where the magic starts!
Step 3: Roll Them Up and Apply Egg Wash
Roll the crescent starting at the larger end, gently tucking in the filling so it stays snug inside. Whisk together your egg with water or milk to create your egg wash, then brush it generously over the uncooked croissants. This not only gives a gorgeous sheen but also helps achieve that perfect golden color.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then space out croissants in a single layer—don’t crowd them because they’ll puff and expand a bit. Set your air fryer to 360°F and cook for about 8 minutes, or until golden and beautifully flaky. I usually peek around 7 minutes to make sure they’re browning evenly without burning.
Step 5: Add Your Favorite Finishes
Once they’re out and warm, I like brushing a little warm honey over each croissant and drizzling melted chocolate chips on top for an extra sweet touch. Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar, which really turns these from everyday to fancy fast. It’s these little extras that make your kitchen smell like a bakery!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe
- Don’t Overfill: Too much Nutella can cause leaks during cooking—stick to about 2 tsp and you’ll have a perfectly gooey middle.
- Line Your Basket: If your air fryer tends to stick, use parchment paper vents or lightly spray every few uses to keep those croissants slipping out easily.
- Watch Your First Batch: Air fryer temps vary, so the first time around, check croissants a minute or two before the timer ends to avoid overbrowning.
- Let Cool Slightly: These croissants are heavenly warm but let them rest a couple of minutes to set the filling slightly—it’ll be easier to handle and even more delicious.
How to Serve Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish mine off with a drizzle of warmed chocolate or a light brush of honey to add gloss and sweetness. A dusting of powdered sugar is a simple classic that makes these look extra special, especially if you’re serving guests for brunch or a cozy coffee date.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a small bowl of yogurt topped with nuts if you want a more balanced plate. A hot cup of coffee or chai spiced tea makes the perfect beverage accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to arrange the croissants on a pretty platter, surrounded by edible flowers or fresh mint leaves. You can even fill a hollowed-out pumpkin or bread bowl with these croissants to amp up your fall brunch spread. They’re simple but look impressive every time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. They’re best enjoyed fresh but if that’s not possible, keeping them covered prevents drying out while maintaining that soft inside texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze uncooked, rolled croissants by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring to a zip-top bag. When ready, just air fry a few more minutes since they’ll be cooking from frozen—perfect for mornings when you want a fresh treat with zero prep.
Reheating
I reheat my croissants in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 320°F—they crisp back up nicely without drying out like a microwave can cause. If you don’t have an air fryer, a quick 5-minute warm-up in a toaster oven also does the trick.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade croissant dough instead of crescent rolls?
Absolutely! Homemade croissant dough will work beautifully; just make sure it’s rolled out and cut into triangles like the crescent rolls. Keep in mind that homemade dough might need slightly more air frying time to fully cook through.
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What if my croissants leak Nutella while air frying?
Leaking usually happens when you overfill or roll too loosely. Use about 2 teaspoons of Nutella and roll firmly but gently. Also, brushing an egg wash helps seal the edges.
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Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free crescent roll dough if available and substitute milk or egg wash with almond or soy milk. Nutella is not vegan but there are vegan chocolate hazelnut spreads you can try.
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How do I prevent sticking in the air fryer?
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil before placing the croissants and avoid overcrowding. Parchment paper liners with holes also work well to prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
Whenever I make this Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe, it feels like a little celebration of easy baking magic. It’s one of those recipes that always impresses without demanding much effort, perfect for sharing or treating yourself. Give it a try—you’ll love the way the air fryer brings out that flaky crunch and melts that Nutella just right. Seriously, once you try it, you might never go back to traditional baking for these croissants!
Print
Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 8 croissants
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
Delightfully flaky and rich, these Air Fryer Croissants filled with Nutella and chocolate chips make a quick and indulgent treat. Perfectly golden and bubbly from the air fryer, they’re easy to prepare and sure to satisfy any sweet craving with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Croissants and Filling
- 1 12–ounce can Pillsbury big and flaky crescent rolls
- 5 tbsp Nutella (approximately 2 tsp per croissant)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (about 1/2 tbsp per croissant)
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water or 2% milk
Optional Garnishes
- Melted chocolate chips
- Honey
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Croissants: Separate the crescent rolls and lay each piece flat on a clean surface for easy filling and rolling.
- Spread Nutella: Evenly spread about 2 teaspoons of Nutella over the entire top surface of each flattened crescent roll.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle ½ tablespoon of chocolate chips onto the large end of each croissant to enhance the chocolate filling.
- Roll Croissants: Starting from the large end, carefully roll up each croissant, encasing the Nutella and chocolate chips inside.
- Make Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with 1 tablespoon of water or 2% milk until well combined to create a glossy egg wash.
- Brush Croissants: Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each rolled croissant with the egg wash to promote golden browning during cooking.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then arrange croissants in a single layer, giving each space to expand slightly as they cook.
- Air Fry: Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 8 minutes or until the croissants are puffed and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, brush the warm croissants with a light coating of honey, drizzle with melted chocolate chips, and dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure croissants are spaced in the air fryer to allow even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Substitute milk for water in the egg wash for richer browning.
- For a dairy-free alternative, use a plant-based milk and skip the egg wash or use a vegan egg replacement.
- Leftover croissants can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the air fryer.
- Adjust Nutella and chocolate chip quantities according to preference for more or less chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
