Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe

Nothing beats the smell of warm, flaky croissants fresh out of the air fryer, especially when they’re filled with gooey Nutella and melty chocolate chips. This Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe is my go-to quick treat when I want something decadent but easy—plus, your kitchen doesn’t get all sticky or messy like with traditional baking. It’s perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast or whenever you need that little indulgence without spending hours in the kitchen.

What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together with just a few store-bought ingredients, yet the result feels totally special and bakery-worthy. Air frying croissants gives them such a beautifully crisp outside and tender layers inside that melts the Nutella perfectly. Trust me, once you try this Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe plays its part to create that irresistible balance of flaky, sweet, and melty goodness. Using pre-made crescent rolls keeps things simple, while Nutella and chocolate chips add rich chocolate layers that bake perfectly in the air fryer.

• Pillsbury Big and Flaky Crescent Rolls: These give you that classic flaky texture without the fuss of making croissant dough from scratch.
• Nutella: The creamy hazelnut chocolate spread delivers a luscious filling that melts down wonderfully in the heat.
• Chocolate Chips: Adds pockets of gooey chocolate that complement the Nutella’s smoothness.
• Egg: Used for egg wash to give the croissants a beautiful golden, shiny finish once cooked.
• Water or 2% Milk: Mixed with egg to create a perfect egg wash that’s easy to brush on without clumping.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with fillings and toppings for this Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe — sometimes swapping Nutella for peanut butter or mixing different kinds of chocolate chips for extra texture. You can easily customize sweetness levels or make it more kid-friendly with fun sprinkles or crushed nuts, so feel free to get creative!

• Variation: I once added mini marshmallows inside before rolling for a s’mores twist — total winner on a chilly night around the fire.
• Dietary Swap: Use dairy-free crescent rolls and vegan chocolate spread if you want to make these vegan-friendly.
• Seasonal Twists: Try adding fresh berries or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before air frying to mix things up with the seasons.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Croissant Base

Start by carefully separating the Pillsbury crescent rolls and laying each triangle flat on a clean surface. This gives you a smooth canvas to spread the Nutella evenly. I like to work quickly so the dough doesn’t dry out, but if you need a moment, just cover with a damp towel.

Step 2: Add the Nutella and Chocolate Chips

Spread roughly two teaspoons of Nutella across the entire top surface of each croissant triangle. Don’t be shy — that creamy layer is the heart of this recipe! Then, place half a tablespoon of chocolate chips near the wide end of the triangle. This combo means delicious pools of melted chocolate in every bite.

Step 3: Roll Them Up

Starting at the large end where you placed the chocolate chips, gently roll the dough toward the point until you form a tight crescent shape. If the dough starts to resist, try warming it a bit in your hands to make it more pliable. Just avoid pressing too hard or you’ll squeeze out the filling.

Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash

Whisk together one egg and a tablespoon of water or milk to create an egg wash. Using a brush, lightly coat the outside of each croissant. This step gives you that golden, glossy finish once cooked — it’s a simple trick that makes such a difference.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with cooking spray, then arrange croissants in a single layer with some space between them to allow for spreading. Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for about 8 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and golden brown. I recommend checking at 7 minutes to avoid overcooking, since all air fryers heat a bit differently.

Step 6: Add Your Favorite Finishing Touches

Once out of the air fryer, give your croissants a quick brush of warm honey for a beautiful shine and just a hint of sweetness. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some melted chocolate chips over the top and dust with powdered sugar. It’s these little extras that elevate the Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe from simple to spectacular.

How to Serve Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick to a drizzle of warm honey and a light dusting of powdered sugar because it adds just the right amount of sweetness and looks super inviting. On special days, I love melting some extra chocolate chips and drizzling that over the croissants for that extra wow factor—so simple but so good!

Side Dishes

These croissants pair beautifully with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries, which add a bright contrast. I sometimes whip up a dollop of whipped cream or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert vibes even at breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, I arranged these croissants on a platter lined with fresh mint and berry sprigs, which instantly made the table feel festive. Cutting them diagonally and stacking them in a pyramid looks impressive and invites people to grab one easily. Adding edible flowers on the side also gives a delicate touch if you want to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store extra croissants in an airtight container at room temperature if it’s just for a day or two. Keeping them out of the fridge actually helps maintain their flaky texture longer without getting soggy.

Freezing

To freeze, I wrap individual croissants tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When I’m ready to enjoy them again, I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up.

Reheating

I find reheating in the air fryer at 320°F for 3-4 minutes brings them back to life much better than a microwave. This way, you get that flaky outer crust and melty inside without turning them soggy or chewy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe has become a little slice of happiness in my kitchen—a quick, no-fuss way to treat myself or surprise others with a decadent yet simple pastry. You’ll find yourself coming back to it because it’s as comforting as it is delicious, with that perfect balance of flaky, chocolaty, and slightly crisp. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and bring a bit of bakery magic to your own table. You’ll be glad you did!

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