Name: Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 12-ounce can Pillsbury big and flaky crescent rolls; 5 tbsp Nutella (2 tsp per croissant); ¼ cup chocolate chips (½ tbsp per croissant); 1 egg; 1 tbsp water or 2% milk; Melted chocolate chips; Honey; Powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 19 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of a flaky, warm pastry filled with luscious Nutella and melty chocolate chips but without the fuss of a traditional oven, this Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe is absolutely for you! I remember the first time I tried making these croissants in my air fryer — the convenience blew me away, but what really sealed the deal was that buttery, golden crisp paired with that ooey-gooey chocolate inside. If you’re looking for a quick yet indulgent breakfast or an irresistible snack, this recipe hits the spot every time.

Plus, what I love most about this Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe is how foolproof it is. The pillowy crescent rolls puff up perfectly with minimal prep, and using the air fryer means you’re saving time and energy while still getting bakery-worthy results. Trust me, once you master this, these croissants will be your go-to treat for unexpected guests or cozy weekend mornings.

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Why This Recipe Works

Air Fryer Magic: The air fryer crisps the croissants perfectly, creating a flaky exterior in a fraction of oven baking time.
Simple Ingredients: Using store-bought crescent dough and Nutella makes this recipe super accessible and quick.
Perfect Chocolate Balance: Combining Nutella and chocolate chips delivers melty chocolate goodness in every bite without overwhelming sweetness.
Minimal Cleanup: A quick egg wash and a ready-to-use air fryer keep your kitchen stress-free after baking.

The image shows a pile of golden brown croissants on a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. Each croissant has layers of flaky, crispy dough that curl at the edges, covered with a dusting of white powdered sugar. Dark brown chocolate drizzle streaks across the top in thin lines, adding contrast and texture. The croissants are stacked casually, some leaning on others, with extra croissants scattered around the board, showing their rounded edges and shiny crusts. In the left corner, a white cloth with black stripes is partly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe plays its part to achieve that balance of flaky, gooey, and rich. The crescent rolls are the star because they puff up beautifully in the air fryer, while the Nutella and chocolate chips bring that unmistakable creamy chocolate charm.

Crescent Roll Dough: Pillsbury Big & Flaky crescent rolls are easy to work with and create wonderfully layered, buttery pastries.
Nutella: A perfectly spread thin layer ensures chocolate-hazelnut flavor without overpowering the dough.
Chocolate Chips: Adds little pockets of melted chocolate for extra decadent bites.
Egg: Mixed with water or milk to create an egg wash that helps the croissants brown gorgeously.
Water or 2% Milk: Creates a smooth egg wash that won’t overpower flavor and provides the ideal golden finish.
Optional Garnishes: Melted chocolate, honey, and powdered sugar add that beautiful finish and extra sweetness if you’re feeling fancy.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I love to experiment depending on my mood or what I have on hand, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Add Nuts: Sprinkling crushed hazelnuts or almonds before rolling gives a nice crunch and extra nutty flavor.
Fruit Twist: Try adding thin slices of banana or strawberries along with the Nutella for a fresh fruity surprise.
Dietary Tweaks: For dairy-free, look for plant-based crescent dough and substitute milk in the egg wash with almond or oat milk.
Extra Chocolate: I sometimes use white or dark chocolate chips depending on the flavor combo I’m craving.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough and Fillings

Start by separating the crescent rolls gently and laying them flat on a clean surface or parchment paper. This is where patience pays off because tearing or stretching the dough too much can affect the puffiness later—handle it like you’re tucking in a delicate blanket. Next, spread about 2 teaspoons of Nutella evenly across the top of each crescent to ensure every bite has that chocolatey goodness. Placing the Nutella carefully helps avoid mess in the air fryer. Then sprinkle half a tablespoon of chocolate chips on the wider end of the dough — that’s where you’ll start rolling.

Step 2: Roll It Up with Care

From the large end, begin rolling your croissant snugly but not too tight—give the dough enough room to expand and puff during cooking. When you get to the pointy end, tuck it gently underneath to help keep that signature crescent shape. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference in how your croissants look and cook.

Step 3: Egg Wash for Golden Perfection

Whisk together one egg and a tablespoon of water or 2% milk until smooth, then brush this egg wash over your uncooked croissants with a pastry brush or the back of a spoon. This step is your ticket to that irresistible golden-brown crust, so don’t skip it. The egg wash also helps hold any toppings or garnishes you add later.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy, Melted Goodness

Give your air fryer basket a quick spray of cooking spray to prevent sticking, then place your croissants in a single layer leaving space between each for expansion. I usually fit about four to six comfortably depending on my basket size. Set the air fryer for 360°F (182°C) and cook for 8 minutes until the croissants have a perfect golden-brown hue and you can smell that lovely chocolate aroma. Peek in towards the end to make sure they don’t overbrown—air fryer models vary!

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Once out of the fryer, I like to brush them lightly with warm honey, finish with a drizzle of melted chocolate chips, or dust with powdered sugar. These simple garnishes transform these croissants into something special and extra inviting, perfect for a brunch spread or a sweet treat alongside coffee.

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Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe

Don’t Overfill: Too much Nutella or chocolate chips can cause leaking, so stick close to the recommended amounts for neat, tidy croissants.
Single Layer Cooking: Arrange croissants in a single layer with space around each—crowding causes uneven cooking and sogginess.
Watch Cooking Time: Air fryer models vary—start checking around 7 minutes to avoid burnt edges.
Prep Ahead: You can assemble croissants and refrigerate them for up to a day before air frying to save time on busy mornings.

How to Serve Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe

A close-up view of several croissants on a white marbled surface, with the front croissant broken in half showing multiple flaky, golden-brown layers filled and topped with creamy milk chocolate. The chocolate filling oozes between the light yellow-brown pastry layers and thick chocolate drizzles decorate the top, while a light dusting of white powdered sugar adds contrast. In the background, whole croissants are slightly blurred, showing their shiny, slightly crisp outer layers with a similar chocolate drizzle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For me, a light dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of melted chocolate chips are my go-to garnishes — they’re simple but add that lovely extra touch of elegance and sweetness. Sometimes, when I want something special, I add a tiny bit of sea salt sprinkle on the honey glaze to contrast the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pairing these croissants with fresh fruit, like berries or sliced oranges, balances the richness nicely. A cup of strong coffee or a frothy cappuccino completes the experience perfectly — it’s basically my mini café breakfast right at home.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or brunch, I’ve arranged these croissants on a pretty platter lined with parchment paper, topped with edible flowers for a pop of color. You could also serve them alongside small bowls of Nutella, fresh fruit preserves, and whipped cream so guests can customize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from getting soggy, I add a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture — it really helps maintain that crisp crust.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, these croissants freeze wonderfully before air frying. Just roll and assemble them, then place on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, air fry them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cook time.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 320°F for about 3-4 minutes — this revives the flakiness and keeps the filling soft without drying out the croissants. Microwaving makes them soft but can be a bit soggy, so the air fryer is my preferred method.

FAQs

Can I make this Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe without an air fryer?

Absolutely! You can bake the croissants in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Just be sure to keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary widely.
What if I don’t have Nutella?

No worries! You can substitute with any chocolate-hazelnut spread, chocolate ganache, or even peanut butter for a different but equally delicious twist.
How can I prevent the chocolate from leaking out during cooking?

Use the recommended amount of Nutella and chocolate chips and roll the croissants snugly but gently. Overstuffing or loose rolling can cause leakage. A good tip is to tuck the pointed end underneath to seal the filling inside.
Can I prepare these croissants in advance?

Yes! You can assemble them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying. Let them come closer to room temperature before cooking for even puffing.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To refresh, reheat briefly in the air fryer for a crisp finish.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Nutella Chocolate Croissants Recipe quickly became one of my favorite quick-bakes because it combines convenience, comfort, and that just-right chocolate indulgence. It feels like a little luxurious treat you can whip up anytime without needing special skills or tools. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that flaky, gooey goodness fresh from your air fryer—you might find yourself making these croissants on repeat, just like I do!

Delicious Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 19 reviews

Author: Madison
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Breakfast
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and flaky air fryer croissants filled with rich Nutella and chocolate chips, perfect for a quick and indulgent breakfast or snack. These croissants are easy to prepare and cook to golden perfection in just minutes using an air fryer.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Croissants

1 12–ounce can Pillsbury big and flaky crescent rolls

Filling

5 tbsp Nutella (2 tsp per croissant)
1/4 cup chocolate chips (1/2 tbsp per croissant)

Egg Wash

1 egg
1 tbsp water or 2% milk

Optional Garnishes

Melted chocolate chips
Honey
Powdered sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Croissants: Separate the crescent rolls and lay them flat on a clean surface.
Add Nutella: Spread about 2 teaspoons of Nutella evenly over the entire top surface of each croissant triangle.
Add Chocolate Chips: Place half a tablespoon of chocolate chips on the large end of each croissant.
Roll Croissants: Starting at the large end, carefully roll each croissant towards the small end to enclose the filling.
Make Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water or milk until fully combined.
Brush Egg Wash: Using a pastry brush, apply the egg wash evenly over the surface of each uncooked croissant to promote browning.
Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place croissants in a single layer, ensuring they have room to expand.
Air Fry Croissants: Cook the croissants in the air fryer at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and flaky.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally, drizzle with warm honey, melted chocolate chips, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

If Nutella is too thick, warm it slightly for easier spreading.
The croissants should not touch in the air fryer to allow even cooking and expansion.
Brush the egg wash carefully to avoid pooling, which can cause uneven browning.
For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with a plant-based milk and use a vegan chocolate spread instead of Nutella.
Honey and powdered sugar can be omitted or substituted with fresh berries for a lighter garnish.