Save There was a Tuesday morning when my daughter rushed into the kitchen asking for something sweet before school, and I had exactly ten minutes to deliver. I pulled out a box of croissants from the freezer, a jar of Nutella that had been sitting in the pantry, and thought, why not? The air fryer had been my secret weapon all month, and this felt like the perfect moment to prove it could handle dessert too. What came out five minutes later changed how I think about weekday mornings.
I made these for my book club last month, and someone asked for the recipe before they'd even finished the first bite. That moment of surprise on her face when I admitted they were made with store-bought croissants and practically no skill was exactly the kind of small victory I live for in the kitchen. Now three of us make them regularly, and we've each found our own spin on them.
Ingredients
- Store-bought croissants (4): Quality matters here because they're the entire foundation—look for ones with visible, distinct butter layers, and don't feel bad about skipping the from-scratch version.
- Nutella (1/2 cup): Room temperature works best because it spreads without tearing the delicate croissant, and a little goes a long way when you're layering it inside.
- Chopped hazelnuts or powdered sugar (2 tablespoons, optional): This is less about necessity and more about that final moment when you want to make them feel special.
Instructions
- Set your air fryer stage:
- Preheat to 350°F while you work on the croissants—this takes about two minutes and ensures everything crisps evenly.
- Create the hinge:
- Slice each croissant horizontally but stop before you cut all the way through, leaving the back intact like a book. This keeps everything together and creates the perfect pocket for Nutella.
- Spread and press:
- Dollop about two tablespoons of Nutella inside each one and gently press the halves together, letting it ooze slightly at the edges—that's where the magic happens.
- Arrange and cook:
- Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and let them go for four to five minutes, watching for that golden-brown moment when you can see the Nutella starting to peek out.
- Finish and serve:
- Pull them out carefully because they're delicate and hot, then dust with powdered sugar or scatter hazelnuts on top if that feels right. Eat immediately while everything is still warm.
Save I think what I love most about this recipe is that moment when someone tastes it and their skepticism melts away faster than the Nutella inside. It's a small thing, but it's become my go-to when I want to give people a little joy without the exhaustion.
Variations to Try
Once you nail the basic version, the world opens up a little. I've started adding thin banana slices or fresh strawberries before the Nutella hits, and the contrast of cool fruit against warm chocolate is something special. Some mornings I dust them with cinnamon sugar instead of regular sugar, and other times I've pressed crushed pistachios into the Nutella layer before cooking, which adds this unexpected texture.
Pairing Suggestions
These croissants want company—they're sweet enough to stand alone, but they sing when paired with something that cuts through the richness. A strong cup of espresso or dark roast coffee is the obvious choice and honestly the best one, but I've also had success with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you're going full indulgent, or even a simple green tea if you want something lighter.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you want to prep these ahead of time, you can assemble them completely, cover them loosely with foil, and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. They won't be quite as flaky since they've been sitting, but they'll still taste delicious. For leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat gently in the air fryer at a lower temperature for a minute or two to bring back some of that crispness.
- Frozen croissants work just fine—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
- You can also prepare these the night before and let them sit in the fridge, though you should let them come closer to room temperature before cooking.
- Leftovers keep for about two days, but they're honestly best enjoyed fresh and warm within a few hours.
Save What started as a Monday morning scramble has become one of those recipes I reach for when I want to prove that good food doesn't require hours at the stove. These croissants have shown up in my kitchen more often than I expected, and each time they remind me that sometimes the simplest solutions are the most satisfying ones.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use homemade croissants instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade croissants can be used and will add a fresh, buttery flavor, though baking times may vary slightly.
- → Is it necessary to use an air fryer?
An air fryer crisps the croissants quickly and evenly, but they can also be baked in a conventional oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
- → What can I add to enhance flavor or texture?
Try adding sliced bananas or strawberries inside before air frying, or garnish with chopped hazelnuts or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Leftover croissants can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day, then warmed gently before serving.
- → Are there common allergens in this dish?
This contains wheat (gluten), milk, hazelnuts, and possibly soy depending on the chocolate-hazelnut spread used. Check labels carefully.