Save It There's something about the smell of butter and chocolate warming in the air fryer that instantly transports me back to a Sunday morning when my nephew asked if we could make something sweet but quick. I had store-bought croissants sitting in the pantry and a jar of Nutella that had been calling my name all week. Ten minutes later, we were pulling out these golden, oozing pastries, and suddenly I understood why some of the best kitchen moments don't require hours of planning.
I made these for my book club last month, and they disappeared so fast I barely got to take a photo. One friend asked if I'd learned to bake croissants from scratch, and I had to laugh and confess the truth—but somehow that made the moment even better. There's no shame in shortcuts when the result makes people genuinely happy.
Ingredients
- Store-bought croissants: Use the best quality you can find because they become the entire foundation here, and good butter makes all the difference in how they crisp up.
- Nutella: Room temperature spreads more easily, and honestly, this is where you taste the entire recipe, so don't skimp on a quality hazelnut spread.
- Chopped hazelnuts or powdered sugar: Both are optional but that final garnish transforms these from simple to special without any real effort.
Instructions
- Heat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and give it a few minutes to fully preheat so the croissants start crisping immediately when they hit the basket.
- Create the hinge:
- Slice each croissant horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through—you want them to open like a book but stay connected at the spine.
- Spread the Nutella:
- Use about two tablespoons per croissant and press gently so it settles into all the flaky layers without squishing them completely flat.
- Arrange and fry:
- Place them cut-side up in a single layer, give them four to five minutes until they're golden and you can see the chocolate beginning to peek out at the edges.
- Finish and serve:
- Top with hazelnuts or powdered sugar while they're still warm, and eat them immediately while the inside is still molten.
Save It My mom tasted one of these and got quiet for a moment, the way she does when she's genuinely surprised. Then she said, 'This is what a fancy pastry should taste like'—simple, no pretense, just good ingredients doing what they do best.
Why the Air Fryer Changes Everything
The air fryer gives these croissants a crispness that toasting them never achieves and a speed that the oven can't compete with. The circulating heat hits every ridge and fold, creating that audible crackle when you bite into them while keeping the interior tender and warm. I've tried this in a conventional oven and it works, but you lose that contrast that makes these feel almost restaurant-quality.
Flavor Combinations Worth Exploring
Once you've made these the basic way, you'll start seeing possibilities everywhere. I've layered in sliced strawberries for brightness, added a thin smear of salted butter before the Nutella for depth, and even tried a dusting of sea salt on top. My favorite discovery was adding a thin slice of banana—it adds a subtle sweetness and keeps the croissant from feeling too heavy.
Making It Your Own
This recipe is intentionally minimal because it's designed to be a springboard for whatever you have on hand or whatever you're in the mood for. The beauty is that you can dress it up or keep it simple, make it for yourself on a Tuesday morning or serve it to guests who are impressed by how little effort it required. These are the kinds of recipes that stick around because they adapt to your life instead of demanding it bend to them.
- If you don't have an air fryer, a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes works perfectly, though you might lose a tiny bit of that exterior crispness.
- Make them the night before and reheat for 2-3 minutes in the air fryer to revive that just-made texture.
- Cold Nutella is stiffer, so leaving it out for fifteen minutes before you start actually saves you time and effort in the spreading stage.
Save It These are the kind of treats that remind you that the best moments in the kitchen don't always require complexity. Enjoy them warm, enjoy them often, and don't overthink it.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use homemade croissants instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade croissants work wonderfully and add a fresh, buttery flavor, though cooking times may vary slightly due to dough texture.
- → What are some alternative spreads I can use?
Try chocolate-hazelnut spreads or fruit preserves for varying flavors; each pairs well with the flaky pastry.
- → How do I prevent the croissants from becoming soggy?
Air frying at the recommended temperature crisps the exterior quickly, keeping the croissant flaky and avoiding sogginess from the spread.
- → Can I add additional fillings inside the croissants?
Absolutely! Sliced bananas or strawberries complement the Nutella nicely and add freshness.
- → Is it possible to bake these in a conventional oven?
Yes, baking at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes yields similar results if an air fryer isn’t available.