Pin it I started making these on Saturday mornings when I was too tired to bake from scratch but still wanted something that felt special. The air fryer was sitting on the counter, the croissants were in a paper bag from the bakery down the street, and the Nutella jar was already half-empty from late-night snacking. Five minutes later, I had something that tasted like I'd tried much harder. My sister called them "cheating in the best way," and I've never argued with that.
The first time I made these for friends, I didn't tell them how easy it was. They ate them warm on the couch while we watched a movie, and someone asked if I'd been up early baking. I just smiled and said I'd had some help. The air fryer hummed quietly in the kitchen, and the Nutella jar went back in the cupboard with no one the wiser. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that feel like a secret.
Ingredients
- Store-bought croissants: Get them from a bakery if you can, the buttery layers make all the difference, and day-old ones actually work better because they crisp up faster.
- Nutella: Any chocolate-hazelnut spread works, but I like the real stuff because it melts smoothly and doesn't get grainy when it heats up.
- Chopped hazelnuts or powdered sugar: Completely optional, but a little crunch or sweetness on top makes it feel more finished, like you put in extra effort even though you didn't.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it warm up while you prep the croissants. This only takes a minute or two, but it helps them cook evenly.
- Slice the croissants:
- Cut each one in half horizontally like you're making a sandwich, but leave a little hinge so it stays connected. If you cut all the way through, it's fine, just press it back together after you add the Nutella.
- Spread the Nutella:
- Use about two tablespoons per croissant and spread it on the inside, then gently close them up. Don't worry if a little oozes out, that part gets crispy and caramelized.
- Arrange in the basket:
- Place them in a single layer with a little space between each one so the air circulates. If they're too crowded, they steam instead of crisping.
- Air fry until golden:
- Cook for four to five minutes, checking at the four-minute mark. You want the outside to be toasted and the Nutella to be soft and warm, not bubbling out everywhere.
- Garnish and serve:
- Pull them out carefully because they'll be hot, then add hazelnuts or powdered sugar if you're using them. Serve right away while they're still warm and the Nutella is melty.
Pin it There was a morning when my nephew visited and I made these for breakfast. He sat at the counter, swinging his legs, watching the air fryer like it was a magic trick. When I handed him one, still warm, he took a bite and got Nutella on his nose. He didn't care. He asked if we could make them again tomorrow, and I said yes before I even thought about it. That's the thing about recipes like this, they don't take much, but they give you moments you remember.
Variations You Can Try
I've tucked sliced bananas inside with the Nutella, and it turns into something that tastes like a dessert crepe. Strawberries work too, especially in the summer when they're sweet and juicy. Once I added a tiny pinch of sea salt on top before air frying, and it balanced out the sweetness in a way that made me want to eat three of them in a row. You can also swap Nutella for any spread you like, peanut butter, almond butter, even jam if you're in the mood for something fruity.
Serving Suggestions
These are perfect with coffee in the morning or as an afternoon snack when you need something sweet but don't want to commit to a whole baking project. I've also served them as a quick dessert after dinner, dusted with powdered sugar and paired with vanilla ice cream. A glass of cold milk works too, especially if you're eating them warm and the Nutella is still gooey. Sometimes I just eat one standing at the counter, straight from the air fryer, before anyone else gets home.
Storage and Reheating
Honestly, these are best eaten right away while they're warm and crispy. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, but they won't be as flaky. You can reheat them in the air fryer for a minute or two at 300°F to bring back some of the crispness. I wouldn't make them too far in advance, they're so quick that it's easier to just make them fresh when you want them.
- Store in an airtight container for up to one day at room temperature.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for one to two minutes to restore crispness.
- Don't refrigerate them, the croissants get dense and lose their flaky texture.
Pin it This recipe has gotten me through lazy weekends, surprise guests, and moments when I just needed something sweet without the fuss. I hope it does the same for you.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent croissants from getting soggy?
Make sure to air fry at the recommended temperature and time to keep the croissants crisp. Avoid overfilling with spread to prevent excess moisture.
- → Can I use a conventional oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, bake croissants at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and melty.
- → What can I add for extra flavor inside the croissants?
Try sliced bananas or strawberries for additional sweetness and texture before heating.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients including croissants and Nutella are vegetarian-friendly.
- → How should I store leftover croissants?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day and rewarm gently before serving.