Air Fryer Nutella and Chocolate Croissants Recipe
If you’re anything like me and have a sweet tooth that just can’t resist, then you’re going to love this Air Fryer Nutella and Chocolate Croissants Recipe. It’s the perfect quick treat for those mornings when you want a little indulgence but don’t want to wake up hours early to bake. The flaky, buttery croissants filled with melty Nutella and gooey chocolate chips give you that dreamy, bakery-fresh feel in less than 15 minutes!
Honestly, once I discovered making these little gems in the air fryer, it became a game changer for my weekend breakfasts and last-minute dessert cravings. Whether you’re impressing friends or just treating yourself, this Air Fryer Nutella and Chocolate Croissants Recipe is a delightful way to bring some magic into your kitchen without any fuss.
Why This Recipe Works
- Speedy and Simple: The air fryer cuts down baking time while delivering perfectly golden croissants every time.
- Decadent Filling: Combining Nutella and chocolate chips creates a rich, melty center that’s simply irresistible.
- Minimal Ingredients: Using store-bought crescent rolls makes this recipe accessible and fuss-free.
- Flexible Serving: Great for breakfast, a sweet snack, or even a quick dessert—you’ll find yourself reaching for these any time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe is all about simplicity with a special twist. Each ingredient is carefully chosen for that rich, flaky croissant experience paired with just the right sweet filling. Plus, these basics are easy to find, and the combination guarantees success in your air fryer.
- Crescent Rolls: Pillsbury’s big and flaky crescent rolls give you that buttery, flaky texture effortlessly.
- Nutella: The star of the filling, Nutella adds creamy hazelnut-chocolate flavor that melts perfectly inside.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips give a burst of chocolatey goodness and a slight texture contrast.
- Egg: Used to make an egg wash that adds that gorgeous shiny, golden finish.
- Water or 2% Milk: Lightens the egg wash, making it easier to brush and promoting even color.
- Optional Garnishes: Melted chocolate, honey, or powdered sugar elevate the final look and add extra sweetness.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of my favorite things about this Air Fryer Nutella and Chocolate Croissants Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with fillings or toppings to make it your own—it’s your kitchen, after all!
- Nuts for Crunch: I sometimes sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or almonds inside for an extra nutty bite that complements the Nutella brilliantly.
- Fruit Fix: Adding a few fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries inside before rolling gives a nice tangy contrast to the sweetness.
- Dairy-Free Variation: Swap the egg wash with a plant-based milk brush if you prefer a vegan-friendly option.
- Extra Chocolate: For hardcore chocoholics, try drizzling more melted chocolate over the top after cooking—it’s a total game changer!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Nutella and Chocolate Croissants Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your croissant base
Start by separating the crescent rolls and laying each piece flat on a clean surface. This gives you enough room to spread the filling evenly without messing up the layering. I like using a small butter knife to gently flatten the dough a bit if it feels too thick.
Step 2: Add the Nutella and chocolate chips
Spread about 2 teaspoons of Nutella over the entire top of each croissant dough piece. Be generous but avoid too much that the filling might leak out while cooking. Then, sprinkle roughly half a tablespoon of chocolate chips near the large end. This spot helps the filling stay put as you roll.
Step 3: Roll and seal
Starting from the large end, gently roll the dough toward the narrow tip. Make sure to tuck the filling inside without squeezing out too much. Once rolled, lightly pinch the ends if you want to seal them better, but don’t worry—it’s fine if they’re a bit open to let the chocolate escape and get gooey.
Step 4: Brush with egg wash
Whisk together one egg with a tablespoon of water or milk until smooth. This egg wash bath not only gives the croissants a glossy, golden exterior but helps them brown evenly. Use a pastry brush to coat each croissant lightly, making sure not to saturate them.
Step 5: Air fry to perfection
Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the croissants in a single layer, giving them enough space to expand slightly. Cook at 360°F (182°C) for around 8 minutes, checking around 6 minutes to avoid burning. You want them beautifully puffed and golden brown.
Step 6: Add your finishing touches
Right after cooking, I like to lightly brush warm honey over each croissant for a delicate shine and extra sweetness. Then, a little drizzle of melted chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar really take these croissants over the top. Trust me, these little details make a big difference in presentation and taste.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Nutella and Chocolate Croissants Recipe
- Don’t Overfill: Too much Nutella can cause the croissants to leak during air frying, so stick to the recommended spoonfuls.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: I always let mine preheat for 3 minutes first to get that crisp exterior right away.
- Use Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup: Lining the basket with a perforated parchment sheet prevents sticking without blocking air flow.
- Check Early: Because air fryer temperatures can vary, peek in at around 6 minutes on your first try to avoid overcooking.
How to Serve Air Fryer Nutella and Chocolate Croissants Recipe
Garnishes
I usually go for a simple dusting of powdered sugar combined with some drizzled melted chocolate—easy and elegant. Sometimes, a light brush of honey right after cooking gives a beautiful glossy finish and a hint of flowered sweetness I adore.
Side Dishes
These croissants pair incredibly well with fresh berries or a fruit salad for a balanced breakfast. For a cozy café vibe, serve alongside a rich cappuccino or a creamy vanilla latte. If it’s dessert time, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream transforms these into a decadent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged these croissants in a circular pattern on a pretty platter and topped the center with a small bowl of Nutella for dipping—instant wow factor! Adding fresh mint leaves or edible flowers brings a touch of elegance to the table. You can even serve individual croissants wrapped with a ribbon for cute gift-ready treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Croissants are best eaten fresh, but keeping them sealed prevents the pastry from drying out or getting tough.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze uncooked croissants after assembling them. Place them on a baking tray until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before air frying as usual. This method has saved me on busy mornings more than once!
Reheating
To reheat, pop leftover croissants in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 320°F, just until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you can, because it tends to make the pastry chewy instead of flaky.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade croissant dough for this Air Fryer Nutella and Chocolate Croissants Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough can add an extra buttery, flaky layer to your croissants, but keep in mind it might need longer cooking time depending on thickness. Just watch carefully to avoid overbaking and reduce the air fryer time accordingly.
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Can I make these croissants dairy-free or vegan?
You can swap the crescent rolls with a vegan-friendly dough and replace the egg wash with plant-based milk or a mixture of maple syrup and almond milk for that shiny finish. Nutella isn’t vegan, but you can use a hazelnut spread alternative that fits your dietary needs.
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Why are my croissants not crispy after air frying?
Make sure you preheat your air fryer and don’t overcrowd the basket. Overlapping croissants trap moisture and prevent crispness. Also, avoid too much egg wash, which can cause sogginess; a light brush works best.
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Can I add other fillings besides Nutella and chocolate chips?
Definitely! Cream cheese, jam, or even small pieces of fruit work well. Just be careful not to overfill so the dough seals properly and cooks evenly in the air fryer.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Nutella and Chocolate Croissants Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for its ease, speed, and sheer deliciousness. It’s that cozy little treat that feels fancy but is totally doable even on your busiest days. I hope you’ll give it a try—because nothing beats the smell of warm, chocolatey croissants fresh from the air fryer. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be making them again and again!
PrintAir Fryer Nutella and Chocolate Croissants Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and flaky air fryer croissants filled with creamy Nutella and chocolate chips, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. This recipe uses Pillsbury crescent rolls for ease and speed, air frying them to golden perfection in just 8 minutes.
Ingredients
Croissants
- 1 12–ounce can Pillsbury big and flaky crescent rolls
- 5 tbsp Nutella (2 tsp per croissant)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (1/2 tbsp per croissant)
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water or 2% milk
Optional Garnishes
- Melted chocolate chips
- Honey
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Croissants: Separate the crescent rolls and lay them flat on a clean surface.
- Spread Nutella: Spread about 2 teaspoons of Nutella evenly over the entire top surface of each flat crescent.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Place ½ tablespoon of chocolate chips on the large end of each crescent roll to ensure a rich filling.
- Roll Croissants: Start rolling from the large end towards the small end, enclosing the filling securely inside.
- Make Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water or 2% milk until fully combined.
- Brush Egg Wash: Using a pastry brush, apply the egg wash evenly over the surface of each uncooked croissant for a glossy finish.
- Prepare Air Fryer: Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the croissants in a single layer, leaving space for spreading.
- Air Fry: Cook the croissants in the air fryer at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes or until they turn golden brown and flaky.
- Add Garnishes: Once cooked, optionally brush with warm honey, drizzle with melted chocolate chips, and sprinkle powdered sugar for extra sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Use cooking spray to prevent sticking in the air fryer basket.
- Adjust the amount of Nutella and chocolate chips to suit your preference for sweetness and chocolate intensity.
- The egg wash helps achieve a shiny and golden crust but can be skipped for a vegan alternative by using plant-based milk and syrup glaze.
- Serve croissants warm for the best texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the croissants at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg