Save to Pinterest There's something about the smell of butter hitting a hot air fryer that stops me mid-morning every time. I'd grabbed a box of croissants from the bakery section one lazy Sunday, thinking I'd save them for breakfast, but then I spotted the Nutella jar in my pantry and couldn't resist the impulse. Five minutes later, I had golden, crispy pastries with melted chocolate-hazelnut filling that tasted like I'd spent an hour at a French patisserie. It became my go-to move whenever I needed something that felt fancy but required almost no actual effort.
My partner walked into the kitchen right as the air fryer beeped, and the aroma hit them so suddenly they actually paused mid-sentence. That's when I knew this recipe was dangerous in the best way—the kind of simple indulgence that makes people feel like you've been fussing over breakfast for hours when really you've just been standing there scrolling your phone.
Ingredients
- Store-bought croissants (4): The secret is using the good ones—look for ones with visible lamination and a slight sheen, because they'll puff up more dramatically when heated.
- Nutella or chocolate-hazelnut spread (1/2 cup): Cold straight from the jar spreads unevenly, so I let mine sit out for a minute or two to become just barely spoonable without losing its integrity.
- Chopped hazelnuts or powdered sugar (2 tablespoons, optional): The hazelnuts add texture and feel fancy, while powdered sugar dissolves slightly from the residual heat and creates an almost caramel-like sweetness.
Instructions
- Get your air fryer ready:
- Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prep—this takes about three minutes and makes all the difference in how evenly golden everything becomes.
- Create the hinge:
- Slice each croissant horizontally about three-quarters of the way through, leaving the back intact so it folds like a book. Go slowly here, letting the knife do the work rather than forcing it.
- Spread with intention:
- About two tablespoons of Nutella per croissant is the magic amount—enough to ooze slightly when warm but not so much it squirts out when you press down gently.
- Arrange and air fry:
- Place croissants flat in a single layer, giving them a little space so heat circulates. Four to five minutes is usually perfect, but peek at the three-minute mark because every air fryer runs a touch differently.
- Finish with flair:
- While they're still warm, dust with powdered sugar or scatter hazelnuts on top if you're feeling it. Serve immediately while the Nutella is still melting slightly.
Save to Pinterest I made these for my neighbor's kid who claimed to hate Nutella, which felt like a personal challenge. One bite and they went quiet in that way that means something just became their new favorite thing. I've made at least four batches since then, and I've stopped trying to act like it was any more complicated than it actually was.
Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for This
A regular oven works fine, but there's something about the air fryer that creates a specific kind of magic with croissants—the heat circulation gets the exterior impossibly crispy while keeping the inside tender and the Nutella just barely liquid. The smaller chamber means the croissants crisp up faster and more evenly than they would sprawled out on a big baking sheet. Plus, you're only heating a fraction of the space, so your kitchen stays cooler and breakfast is ready before you've finished your coffee.
Flavor Variations That Work
The base is simple enough that it begs for experimentation. Nutella is the obvious choice, but I've had equal success with almond butter mixed with dark chocolate chips, or even a spoonful of salted caramel with a sprinkle of sea salt. The fruit option mentioned in my notes—sliced bananas or strawberries tucked inside before air frying—creates a contrast between the warm Nutella and cool fruit that shouldn't work but absolutely does.
Serving and Storage Tips
These are best eaten within an hour of making them, when the pastry is still crackling and the chocolate is still soft. If you somehow have leftovers, they reheat decently in the air fryer for about two minutes, though they'll never quite recapture that initial crispness. For a shortcut version, you can assemble them the night before and keep them in the fridge—they'll need an extra minute or two in the air fryer but everything else stays the same.
- Cold milk or hot coffee is non-negotiable here, and the contrast between the temperature and the warm Nutella is genuinely part of the appeal.
- If you're making these for guests, don't tell them it's only three ingredients—let them guess while they're eating.
- The optional garnish matters more than you'd think, so don't skip it if you have hazelnuts or powdered sugar on hand.
Save to Pinterest This is the kind of recipe that changes how you think about weekday mornings and what counts as treating yourself. It proves that the best food moments don't require hours of planning or complicated techniques.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use fresh croissants instead of store-bought?
Yes, fresh croissants can be used but may require slightly less air frying time to avoid over-crisping.
- → What is the best temperature to air fry these croissants?
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for optimal crispness and melted filling.
- → Can I substitute Nutella with other spreads?
Chocolate-hazelnut spreads or similar creamy chocolate spreads work well as alternatives.
- → How do I prevent croissants from drying out in the air fryer?
Do not overcook; air fry just 4-5 minutes until golden and melty to maintain flakiness.
- → What are some garnish options for added texture?
Chopped hazelnuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar add delightful crunch and sweetness.