Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick yet indulgent treat, this Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I love how these croissants come out perfectly flaky and golden in just minutes, thanks to the air fryer’s magic. It’s a simple twist on a classic that pairs Nutella and chocolate chips inside a buttery crescent roll, making breakfast, snacks, or even dessert feel special without tons of fuss.

What makes this Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe really stand out is how easy it is to whip up whenever you want that warm, chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re surprising your family on a lazy weekend morning or need a quick after-school snack, these croissants deliver that perfect balance between rich chocolate and a light, crunchy pastry. Trust me—once you try them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

I like how this simple ingredient list makes flavor and texture come together perfectly. The Pillsbury crescent rolls act as a flaky, buttery canvas that’s super easy to work with, while the Nutella plus chocolate chips deliver that rich chocolate hit we all crave. Here’s a quick peek at why each one is essential!

• Pillsbury big and flaky crescent rolls: These make the whole recipe foolproof—no need to make dough from scratch, and they puff up beautifully in the air fryer.
• Nutella: Adds that irresistibly smooth and creamy hazelnut chocolate flavor that’s the star of the show.
• Chocolate chips: Using small chips helps create melty pockets inside each croissant without overwhelming the texture.
• Egg: Combining egg with milk or water creates an egg wash that gives croissants their glossy, golden finish.
• Water or 2% milk: Mixes with the egg for the wash, and milk will give a slightly richer color if you like.
• Optional garnishes (melted chocolate, honey, powdered sugar): These add that extra touch of sweetness and charm once the croissants come out of the air fryer.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or what you love. I often experiment with adding a sprinkle of sea salt inside before rolling to balance the sweetness, or even swap chocolate chips for chopped nuts if I want some crunch.

• Variation: I once tried adding a few fresh raspberries inside with the Nutella and it created a lovely fruity surprise that really elevated the flavor.
• Dairy-free option: You can use a plant-based milk for the egg wash or even just water, and substitute dairy-free crescent rolls if you like.
• Seasonal twist: Swap Nutella for a pumpkin spice spread or cinnamon sugar mixture for a cozy autumn version that pairs wonderfully with warm coffee.

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

Step 1: Prep the Crescents and Spread Nutella

Open your can of Pillsbury big and flaky crescent rolls and carefully separate each triangle—try not to stretch them out too much to keep that texture light and flaky. Lay each piece flat on your work surface, then spread about 2 teaspoons of Nutella evenly over the entire surface of the croissant. This ensures there’s a rich hazelnut layer in every bite.

Step 2: Add Chocolate Chips and Roll Up

Next, sprinkle about half a tablespoon of chocolate chips near the large end of each crescent. This way, the melty chocolate pools inside as it bakes. Then, starting from that wide end, roll the croissant tightly toward the pointy edge, making sure you tuck in the chocolate chips so none escape while cooking.

Step 3: Make and Apply the Egg Wash

Whisk together one egg with a tablespoon of water or milk for your egg wash. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat each uncooked croissant with this mixture, which helps give the croissants a gorgeous golden and glossy finish during air frying. Don’t be shy—this is what makes them look as good as they taste.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the croissants in a single layer, allowing a bit of space for them to puff up (they do spread a little). Set your air fryer to 360°F and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the croissants turn golden brown and the chocolate feels melted inside. Keep an eye on them at the end so they don’t over-bake!

Step 5: Finish with Optional Garnishes

As soon as they’re out of the air fryer, I like to brush them with a light drizzle of warm honey or melted chocolate chips, then finish with a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a little extra step, but trust me, it makes them feel that much more special—perfect if you’re serving guests or celebrating a cozy morning.

How to Serve Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of warm honey right after they come out of the air fryer. Sometimes a quick squiggle of melted chocolate chips over the top adds a nice visual and extra indulgence. These garnishes don’t just look pretty—they enhance the flavors and textures beautifully.

Side Dishes

These croissants pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte for an effortless breakfast. For a fun brunch, add fresh fruit like strawberries or a small bowl of Greek yogurt on the side to balance the richness. Sometimes, I like to serve them alongside a light smoothie or even a simple green salad for a sweet-and-savory combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Whenever friends come over, I arrange a platter with these Nutella croissants around small bowls of fresh berries, dollops of whipped cream, and some homemade hot chocolate for dipping. It turns a simple snack into a cozy little celebration. For a kid’s party, I’ve even set up a croissant “decorating station” with toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or coconut flakes—super fun and customizable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe croissants have cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I find keeping them in a paper towel-lined container helps absorb any extra moisture and keeps the croissants from getting soggy.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these croissants freeze wonderfully. Just wrap each croissant individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature and then pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to refresh.

Reheating

Reheat leftover croissants in the air fryer at 320°F for 3-4 minutes. This wakes them up perfectly crisp outside while warming that gooey Nutella inside. Avoid the microwave for reheating if you want to keep that flaky texture intact—it tends to make them chewy or soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite easy treats to whip up. Not only does it satisfy those chocolate cravings, but it’s an effortless way to impress family or guests with something that feels homemade, flaky, and decadent. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple it is to bring a little patisserie magic into your kitchen with your air fryer. Trust me, once you taste that melty Nutella inside a perfectly crisp croissant, you’ll be hooked!

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