Imagine biting into a just-baked croissant that’s warm, flaky, and overflowing with creamy Nutella and melty chocolate. These Air Fryer Croissants (with Nutella and Chocolate Chip) are a total game-changer—utterly easy, gloriously gooey in the center, and dangerously delicious. If you’re craving pastry shop magic straight from your kitchen, this is the treat for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bakery-Style Results at Home: You’ll get golden, puffed croissants with that crave-worthy crispy edge and tender interior, no mess or fuss necessary.
- Speedy Sweet Satisfaction: The entire process—from unrolling the dough to your first heavenly bite—takes only about 13 minutes. Perfect for last-minute treats or breakfast surprises!
- Customizable Indulgence: Never get bored! Use your favorite spreads and toppings or switch up the chocolate according to what’s in your pantry.
- Kid- and Crowd-Friendly: Air Fryer Croissants (with Nutella and Chocolate Chip) are a hit with all ages—ideal for brunch parties, after-school snacks, and anyone who needs a mood boost.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t you just love recipes that use everyday supermarket staples to whip up something truly magical? The ingredient list for Air Fryer Croissants (with Nutella and Chocolate Chip) is delightfully short, but every component works hard to create that irresistible flavor and texture.
- Pillsbury Big & Flaky Crescent Rolls (12-ounce can): These dough sheets make croissant dreams possible without the hassle of homemade pastry. They bake up beautifully golden and crisp in the air fryer.
- Nutella: The creamy, chocolate-hazelnut spread brings luscious richness and an unmistakable flavor. If you adore that gooey Nutella center, don’t be shy with your spoonfuls.
- Chocolate Chips: Scattered inside for oozy melted chocolate in every bite, these can be semi-sweet, dark, or even milk chocolate depending on your mood.
- Egg: When whisked with water or milk, this forms an egg wash that gives the croissants their glossy, golden finish.
- Water or 2% Milk: Just a splash to combine with the egg for the wash—either works fine, so use what you’ve got.
- Optional Garnishes – Melted Chocolate Chips, Honey, Powdered Sugar: For next-level presentation and flavor, finish with a drizzle of chocolate, brush of honey, or a snowy dusting of powdered sugar.
Variations
Air Fryer Croissants (with Nutella and Chocolate Chip) make the perfect blank canvas—so why not let your creativity roam free? It’s super easy to tailor these croissants to favorite flavors, personal dietary needs, or those “use up what’s in the pantry” moments!
- Peanut Butter & Banana: Swap Nutella for creamy peanut butter, then tuck a few banana slices inside before rolling and baking.
- Jam & White Chocolate: Spread on raspberry or strawberry jam with white chocolate chips for a fruity, creamy twist.
- Hazelnut-Free Version: Use chocolate spread or Biscoff in place of Nutella for those with nut allergies!
- Savory Option: Skip the sweets and use a little ham and Swiss or pesto and mozzarella for an entirely different, but equally delicious, croissant experience.
How to Make Air Fryer Croissants (with Nutella and Chocolate Chip)
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Pop open the can of crescent rolls (arguably the most satisfying kitchen moment!) and gently separate the dough along the perforations. Lay each triangle flat on a clean, non-stick surface so you’re ready to fill, roll, and go.
Step 2: Fill with Nutella and Chocolate Chips
Spread about 2 teaspoons of Nutella across the top surface of each triangle—get right up to the edges for maximum gooey enjoyment. Then, sprinkle a generous half-tablespoon of chocolate chips at the wide end of each dough piece.
Step 3: Roll and Seal
Starting at the large end, gently roll each triangle toward the point to form a classic croissant shape. Be sure your filling stays tucked right inside, and give the ends a soft pinch underneath so the chocolate won’t run out as they puff and bake.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Arrange
Whisk together one egg and a tablespoon of water or milk until well combined. Brush this over each uncooked croissant—this step is key for that irresistible golden sheen. Spray your air fryer basket lightly with nonstick spray and carefully arrange the croissants in a single layer, leaving a bit of space for them to expand.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Air fry the croissants at 360°F for 8 minutes, or until they’re beautifully puffed and deep golden brown. Resist the urge to peek too soon—the hot air does all the work for that magic exterior and soft, chocolatey interior.
Step 6: Garnish & Enjoy
Once out of the air fryer, brush warm honey on each croissant if desired, then drizzle with melted chocolate chips and finish with a dusting of powdered sugar. Eat while they’re still warm and the centers are outrageously melty!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Croissants (with Nutella and Chocolate Chip)
- Dough Handling Magic: If the crescent dough gets sticky or soft, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes—chilling helps keep the croissants beautifully shaped when rolling and transferring.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Give your croissants their own space in the air fryer basket for the ultimate rise and even browning. Cook in batches if needed!
- Mess-Free Filling: Use a small offset spatula or butter knife to spread the Nutella all the way to the edges so every bite is filled, but don’t go overboard—too much filling will ooze out as they bake.
- Garnish Like a Pro: For a stunning bakery-style finish, drizzle the croissants with melted chocolate while still warm and shower them with powdered sugar right before serving.
How to Serve Air Fryer Croissants (with Nutella and Chocolate Chip)
Garnishes
The crowning glory for these croissants is all about those fun finishing touches! A lacy drizzle of melted chocolate, a sticky brush of honey, or a gentle snowstorm of powdered sugar makes them look café-fancy and adds even more deliciousness. Don’t skimp—garnishes make Air Fryer Croissants (with Nutella and Chocolate Chip) extra memorable.
Side Dishes
Pair your warm croissants with a fresh fruit salad, berries, or sliced citrus for a bright, refreshing counterpoint to all that chocolate. If you’re serving them for brunch, coffee, cappuccino, or even a simple glass of cold milk turns this treat into a luxurious meal or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these croissants on a wooden board piled high, with little dipping bowls of melted chocolate and caramel for dunking. Or, for parties, try slicing each croissant into “bites” and stacking on skewers with strawberries for a show-stopping sweet platter—because Air Fryer Croissants (with Nutella and Chocolate Chip) should be shared in style!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and that’s a big if!) you have leftover croissants, let them cool completely before placing in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and soft at room temperature for up to 2 days—perfect for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap cooled croissants individually in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, reheat straight from the freezer for instant homemade pastry heaven.
Reheating
Bring back the fresh-baked magic by reheating croissants in the air fryer at 320°F for about 3 minutes, or in a 300°F oven for 6–8 minutes until warmed through and the chocolate is melty again.
FAQs
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Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
You can substitute puff pastry for crescent dough in a pinch, but add an extra minute or two of cook time and be sure to cut the pastry down to triangle shapes. The texture will be flakier, but you’ll still get that classic croissant vibe with Nutella and chocolate chips inside.
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My air fryer basket is small—can I bake these in batches?
Absolutely! Arrange the croissants in a single layer with a bit of space and cook as many as your basket allows at a time. The rest can be prepped and kept in the fridge while they wait for their turn to bake.
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Can I make Air Fryer Croissants (with Nutella and Chocolate Chip) ahead of time for a party?
You sure can—assemble the croissants, cover, and refrigerate up to 12 hours in advance. Air fry just before serving for that irresistible fresh-baked aroma and gooey chocolate center.
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Is it possible to make these vegan or dairy-free?
Of course! Use vegan crescent dough (check labels), dairy-free chocolate chips, and a dairy-free chocolate spread. Swap the egg wash for a splash of plant milk to achieve a golden finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for something sweet, quick, and utterly joyful, you’ve got to try these Air Fryer Croissants (with Nutella and Chocolate Chip). They’re simple enough for any day, fancy enough for guests, and always guaranteed to impress. Pour a cup of coffee, gather your favorite people, and enjoy warm, chocolatey croissants made with extra love!
PrintAir Fryer Croissants (with Nutella and Chocolate Chip) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Air Fryer Croissants filled with Nutella and chocolate chips – a perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings!
Ingredients
Croissants:
- 1 12–ounce can Pillsbury big and flaky crescent rolls
Filling:
- 5 tbsp Nutella (2 tsp per croissant)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (1/2 tbsp per croissant)
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water or 2% milk
Optional Garnishes:
- melted chocolate chips
- honey
- powdered sugar
Instructions
- Separate the croissants and lay them flat: Take the crescent rolls and lay them flat on a clean surface.
- Spread Nutella: Spread about 2 teaspoons of Nutella on the entire top of each croissant.
- Add chocolate chips: Place ½ tablespoon of chocolate chips on the large end of each croissant.
- Roll the croissants: Starting at the large end, roll each croissant towards the tip.
- Prepare egg wash: Whisk together the egg and water or milk to create the egg wash.
- Brush with egg wash: Brush the egg wash onto the uncooked croissants.
- Air fry: Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the croissants in a single layer in the basket, allowing room for spreading. Air fry at 360 degrees for about 8 minutes or until golden brown.
- Final touches: After air frying, drizzle the croissants with warm honey, melted chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg