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Air Fryer Nutella and Chocolate Chip Croissants Recipe

I’m super excited to share this Air Fryer Nutella and Chocolate Chip Croissants Recipe with you—it’s honestly one of those quick yet indulgent treats that instantly brighten any morning or afternoon snack time. The magic lies in how simple it is to get flaky, golden croissants layered with melty Nutella and melty chocolate chips, all crisped perfectly in the air fryer. Whether you’re short on time or just craving a warm, chocolatey delight, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.

This recipe is a total game changer, especially for anyone who loves when classic croissants get a fun twist with Nutella and chocolate chips baked inside. I love making these when friends pop over unexpectedly or when I want to spoil myself without fussing over complicated baking. Plus, using the air fryer means you get that perfect flaky, buttery texture without heating up the whole kitchen or waiting forever.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Speed and Simplicity: Ready in just about 13 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect when you need a fast but impressive treat.
  • Perfect Air Fryer Magic: Crisp and flaky on the outside, with gooey Nutella and chocolate goodness inside—air frying locks in texture amazingly.
  • No Yeast or Rising Needed: Using Pillsbury big and flaky crescent rolls means no complicated dough prep, just easy rolling and baking.
  • Customizable Sweetness: The Nutella and chocolate chips balance just right, but adding toppings like honey or powdered sugar lets you tailor your sweetness level.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe thrives on a handful of simple ingredients that work incredibly well together. Each one plays a crucial role from the ease of pre-made crescent rolls to the irresistible pairing of Nutella and chocolate chips.

  • Big and flaky crescent rolls: These save you tons of time and create that perfect golden flakey exterior without needing yeast or extra prep.
  • Nutella: The star spread here—rich, creamy hazelnut chocolate flavor that melts just right inside the croissant.
  • Chocolate chips: Add gooey pockets of chocolate with just a bit of sweetness and texture.
  • Egg: Used for the egg wash which helps the croissants turn beautifully golden and shiny.
  • Water or 2% milk: Mixed with the egg for brushing, it makes the wash smooth and helps create that lovely crust.
  • Optional garnishes (melted chocolate chips, honey, powdered sugar): These optional touches amp up the flavor and presentation, making your croissants feel extra special.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Air Fryer Nutella and Chocolate Chip Croissants Recipe is—you can easily adjust or add your favorite extras to match your cravings or dietary needs. It’s fun to play with different fillings and toppings, so don’t be shy about making this your own.

  • Use peanut butter or almond butter: I swapped Nutella once for peanut butter and chocolate chips, and it was a lovely twist with a bit more nuttiness.
  • Add fruit: Try tucking in a few sliced strawberries or raspberries before rolling for a fresh, fruity surprise.
  • Make it vegan: Use dairy-free crescent rolls, vegan chocolate chips, and a plant-based milk egg wash substitute like aquafaba brushed on top.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Nutella and Chocolate Chip Croissants Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Crescent Rolls

Start by separating the crescent rolls from the can and laying each one flat on your clean workspace. This makes it easy to spread the Nutella evenly and place the chocolate chips without them slipping off. I always warm the Nutella slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to make spreading smoother—keeps the croissants mess-free!

Step 2: Spread Nutella and Add Chocolate Chips

Use about 2 teaspoons of Nutella and spread it across the entire top of each flattened croissant dough. Then scatter ½ tablespoon of chocolate chips near the larger edge. This way, as you roll from the big end to the tip, you get melty pockets of chocolate right inside.

Step 3: Roll and Seal Your Croissants

Roll the croissants carefully starting from the large end, keeping the filling tucked inside but not squeezing it too tight—otherwise, the chocolate might squish out. I find that a gentle but confident roll helps keep the shape intact and the fillings cozy inside during cooking.

Step 4: Apply Egg Wash for Golden Perfection

Whisk together one egg with one tablespoon of water or 2% milk until smooth. Then, brush this mixture lightly over the outside of each croissant. This wash helps give the pastry a jaw-dropping golden shine once air fried—don’t skip it!

Step 5: Air Fry to Flaky, Gooey Goodness

Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the croissants in a single layer with some space for spreading—crowding won’t let them cook evenly. Air fry at 360°F for about 8 minutes or until you see a beautiful golden brown color. Keep an eye the first time you try this, since air fryer models can vary.

Step 6: Optional Sweet Finish

When the croissants come out warm and irresistible, give them a quick drizzle of warm honey, a few extra melted chocolate chip ribbons, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. I love how this last step adds just the right touch of extra indulgence and makes them look bakery-worthy.

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Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Nutella and Chocolate Chip Croissants Recipe

  • Warm Nutella Slightly: Softening Nutella for a few seconds helps you spread it evenly without tearing the dough.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Giving croissants enough space in the air fryer ensures they crisp up perfectly on all sides.
  • Use an Egg Wash: This step is the secret behind the beautiful, glossy golden finish that makes these croissants so irresistible.
  • Check Air Fryer Temperature: Every air fryer cooks a little differently—if yours runs hot, lower the temperature slightly to avoid burning.

How to Serve Air Fryer Nutella and Chocolate Chip Croissants Recipe

A close-up view of several croissants on a white marbled surface, with the front croissant broken in half showing multiple flaky, golden-brown layers filled and topped with creamy milk chocolate. The chocolate filling oozes between the light yellow-brown pastry layers and thick chocolate drizzles decorate the top, while a light dusting of white powdered sugar adds contrast. In the background, whole croissants are slightly blurred, showing their shiny, slightly crisp outer layers with a similar chocolate drizzle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are a light dusting of powdered sugar and sometimes a drizzle of melted chocolate or honey—these simple touches take the croissants from delicious to fancy in moments. It’s a tiny extra step but one I never skip when serving guests or making them feel special.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these croissants with fresh fruit like strawberries or orange slices for a refreshing counterbalance, and a hot cup of coffee or latte makes the perfect cozy combo. Sometimes, I even serve them alongside a dollop of mascarpone or Greek yogurt with honey for an extra creamy side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special mornings or brunch gatherings, I arrange the croissants on a pretty platter, sprinkle edible flowers around them, and add small bowls of fresh berries and whipped cream. It’s such a lovely way to impress without extra hassle and makes your kitchen feel like a little café.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (and sometimes I do!), store them airtight at room temperature for up to 1 day to keep that flaky texture. Keeping them sealed well prevents them from drying out and losing that fresh-out-of-the-air-fryer magic.

Freezing

I’ve frozen unbaked nutella-filled crescent rolls before by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then popping them in the freezer. When I’m ready, I just air fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time—such a convenient option for busy days!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the croissants back into the air fryer at 320°F for 3-4 minutes. This refreshes the crispiness on the outside and warms the Nutella inside perfectly without drying them out like a microwave can.

FAQs

  1. Can I use homemade croissant dough for this recipe?

    Absolutely! While this recipe simplifies things with pre-made crescent rolls, homemade croissant dough can add an extra buttery, flaky dimension. Just be mindful that homemade dough usually requires proofing and longer bake times, so adjust the air fryer cooking accordingly.

  2. What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these in the oven?

    Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the croissants on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking—they’ll still taste amazing!

  3. How do I prevent the Nutella from oozing out?

    Spread the Nutella evenly but don’t overfill your croissants. Roll them gently but firmly enough to seal the edges. Using chilled croissant dough can also help keep everything contained during cooking.

  4. Can I add nuts or other fillings?

    Definitely! Chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon can boost texture and flavor. Just add a small amount to keep the croissants easy to roll and cook evenly.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely adore this Air Fryer Nutella and Chocolate Chip Croissants Recipe because it feels like such a little act of comfort and joy that’s ready in a flash. I hope you get as much satisfaction from making (and eating!) these as I do—whether it’s for breakfast, a cozy snack, or sharing with friends. Give it a try, and soon these croissants might just become your new go-to treat whenever you want something warm, flaky, and irresistibly chocolatey.

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Air Fryer Nutella and Chocolate Chip Croissants Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 71 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: French-inspired

Description

Deliciously flaky and chocolaty Air Fryer Croissants made with ready-to-use crescent roll dough, filled with Nutella and chocolate chips, and air fried to golden perfection for a quick and indulgent treat.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Croissant Dough

  • 1 12ounce 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

  1. Prepare the dough: Separate the crescent rolls and lay them flat on a clean surface to prepare for filling.
  2. Spread Nutella: Evenly spread about 2 teaspoons of Nutella on the entire top surface of each flat croissant dough.
  3. Add chocolate chips: Place half a tablespoon of chocolate chips on the large end of each croissant dough piece.
  4. Roll croissants: Starting at the large end, carefully roll each croissant into its classic crescent shape, ensuring the filling stays inside.
  5. Make egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water or 2% milk until well combined.
  6. Brush egg wash: Using a pastry brush, coat the surface of each uncooked croissant with the egg wash to promote browning during cooking.
  7. Prepare air fryer: Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the croissants in a single layer, ensuring there is enough space for them to expand while cooking.
  8. Air fry croissants: Cook the croissants in the air fryer at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes or until they turn golden brown and flaky.
  9. Add garnishes: After cooking, optionally drizzle warm honey, melted chocolate chips, and a dusting of powdered sugar over the croissants for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Ensure croissants have enough room in the air fryer basket to expand without touching each other to cook evenly.
  • You can substitute Nutella with any chocolate hazelnut spread or your favorite jam.
  • If you don’t have cooking spray, lightly brush the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
  • Brush the croissants gently with egg wash to avoid tearing the dough.
  • Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
  • Optional garnishes can be adjusted or omitted based on preference.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 croissant
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg

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