If you have a sweet tooth and love easy yet indulgent treats, you are going to adore this Air Fryer Croissants with Nutella and Chocolate Chips Recipe. Flaky, buttery croissants come alive with a rich spread of creamy Nutella and a sprinkle of melty chocolate chips, all perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a crisp, golden finish. This recipe brings bakery-quality magic right into your kitchen, making it a fantastic choice for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack that feels extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these irresistible croissants, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, each playing an essential role in delivering the perfect balance of texture and flavor. These pantry staples are easy to find and come together quickly for a fuss-free recipe that impresses every time.
- 12-ounce can Pillsbury flaky crescent rolls: The flaky dough provides that signature buttery, layered texture croissants are known for.
- 5 tbsp Nutella: Adds a rich, creamy, hazelnut-chocolate filling that satisfies sweet cravings beautifully.
- ¼ cup chocolate chips: Offers pockets of gooey melted chocolate inside each bite, elevating the decadence.
- 1 egg: Used to create a shiny, golden egg wash for the perfect baked finish.
- 1 tbsp water or milk: Mixed with the egg to make an egg wash that helps the croissants brown evenly.
- Optional garnishes (melted chocolate chips, honey, powdered sugar): These allow you to add your personal touch with extra sweetness and flair.
How to Make Air Fryer Croissants with Nutella and Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
Start by gently separating the crescent roll triangles and laying them flat on your work surface. Spread a generous layer of Nutella evenly over each piece, making sure to cover as much surface as possible for maximum flavor. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the larger end where you will begin rolling to ensure chocolate melts inside the croissants as they cook.
Step 2: Roll and Brush
Carefully roll each crescent from the larger end toward the pointed tip, encasing the Nutella and chocolate chips inside. Next, prepare your egg wash by whisking the egg with water or milk, and lightly brush it over each rolled croissant. This step is key for achieving that beautiful golden-brown shine after air frying.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to ensure even cooking right from the start. Arrange the croissants in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they have enough space to puff up without sticking together. Cook them for about 8 minutes until they become puffed up and beautifully golden brown.
Step 4: Optional Finishing Touches
Once cooked, you can drizzle melted chocolate chips over the warm croissants for even more chocolate goodness. A light touch of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely sweetness and makes these treats look irresistible at first glance.
How to Serve Air Fryer Croissants with Nutella and Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
To make your croissants look as delightful as they taste, consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top. A small drizzle of honey adds a glossy finish and balances the rich flavors with a hint of floral sweetness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a cup of whipped cream to lighten each bite. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside creamy yogurt or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice to brighten the taste experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these croissants on a rustic wooden board or arrange them in a circle on a decorative plate for sharing. Adding edible flowers or colorful sprigs of mint can instantly elevate the presentation, making these treats perfect for brunch with guests or a cozy weekend indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Air Fryer Croissants with Nutella and Chocolate Chips Recipe can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them fresh and flaky, avoid refrigerating as this can dry out the delicate layers.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked croissants wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before following the recipe steps for air frying.
Reheating
To refresh the croissants, pop them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 320°F. This quick reheat will bring back the crispy, flaky texture without making them soggy like a microwave would.
FAQs
Can I use regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake these croissants in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown, but the air fryer tends to make them crisper and faster to cook.
What if I don’t have Nutella?
Feel free to substitute Nutella with any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even peanut butter for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that flavor and sweetness might vary slightly.
Is it possible to add nuts or other fillings?
Definitely! Chopped hazelnuts, sliced almonds, or even fresh strawberries can be added inside before rolling to create a unique version suited to your taste.
How do I prevent the chocolate chips from burning in the air fryer?
Make sure to distribute chocolate chips primarily inside the croissant where they are protected by the dough. The outer layer cooks quickly, so placing chips inside prevents direct exposure to hot air and burning.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by choosing vegan crescent rolls and substituting the egg wash with a plant-based milk or oil brush, you can enjoy a vegan-friendly version of this delightful recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Croissants with Nutella and Chocolate Chips Recipe is such a simple yet fantastic way to satisfy your sweet cravings without much fuss. The blend of flaky dough, luscious Nutella, and melty chocolate chips is pure comfort in every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite treat that brightens any day with minimal effort and maximum joy!
Print
Air Fryer Croissants with Nutella and Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Croissants are a deliciously easy and quick treat made with flaky crescent rolls filled with creamy Nutella and chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, they bake to golden perfection in just 8 minutes using an air fryer, offering a crisp exterior and gooey chocolate center. Optional toppings like melted chocolate, honey, or powdered sugar add an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
Crescent Rolls and Filling
- 12-ounce can Pillsbury flaky crescent rolls
- 5 tbsp Nutella
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water or milk
Optional Garnishes
- Melted chocolate chips
- Honey
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Separate the crescent rolls from the can and lay each piece flat on a clean surface. Spread approximately one tablespoon of Nutella over each roll, focusing on an even layer. Sprinkle chocolate chips on the larger end of each roll, ensuring a good distribution for a melted filling.
- Roll and Brush with Egg Wash: Starting from the larger end where the chocolate is, carefully roll each crescent into a crescent shape. In a small bowl, beat the egg with water or milk to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to gently coat each rolled croissant with the egg wash. This will give them a shiny, golden exterior when cooked.
- Preheat and Cook in Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the croissants in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping to allow even cooking. Cook them for 8 minutes or until they turn golden brown and have a flaky texture.
- Optional Garnishing: Once cooked, remove croissants carefully and let them cool slightly. For an extra sweet touch, drizzle melted chocolate chips over the top, add a light honey drizzle, or dust with powdered sugar based on your preference. Serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Ensure the croissants are spaced apart in the air fryer basket to allow hot air circulation for even cooking.
- You can substitute Nutella with any chocolate hazelnut spread or even peanut butter for variation.
- Egg wash helps achieve a golden crust but can be omitted for a dairy-free alternative.
- Serving warm enhances the gooey, melty chocolate experience.
- These croissants are best eaten fresh but can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
