Get ready to fall in love with Air Fryer Croissants—a game-changing way to enjoy flaky, golden pastries in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them traditionally! With just a sheet of puff pastry and a handful of everyday ingredients, you can whip up bakery-worthy croissants that are warm, buttery, and irresistibly crisp. Whether you keep them classic or add your favorite sweet or savory fillings, this recipe will have you reaching for your air fryer every weekend morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for sweet version)
Optional Fillings
- Chocolate chips
- Almond paste
- Jam
- Ham and cheese (for savory option)
- Pesto and mozzarella (for savory option)
How to Make Air Fryer Croissants
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F. While it heats, lightly dust your work surface with flour. Gently roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle about 10×12 inches—this helps the croissants bake up evenly and ensures each one is the perfect size for snacking or breakfast.
Step 2: Cut and Fill the Croissants
With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the sheet in half lengthwise, then cut diagonal slices to create 6 to 8 triangles. If you’re adding a filling (think chocolate chips, a dollop of jam, or a little almond paste), place it near the wide end of each triangle. This is where you can get creative and make each Air Fryer Croissant unique!
Step 3: Roll and Shape
Starting at the wide end, roll up each triangle gently, tucking the tip of the triangle underneath to help the croissant hold its shape during cooking. Arrange them seam-side down—this keeps the filling snug inside and gives that iconic croissant look.
Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash
Whisk together the egg and milk to create a rich egg wash. Brush each croissant lightly all over; this step is essential for that beautiful bakery shine. If you’re making a sweet version, sprinkle the tops with granulated sugar for a sparkling finish.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the croissants in your air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure there’s space between each one so air can circulate. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re puffed, deeply golden, and your kitchen smells like a Parisian bakery. Let them cool slightly before diving in—if you can wait that long!
How to Serve Air Fryer Croissants
Garnishes
Top your Air Fryer Croissants with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a scattering of sliced almonds for a truly elegant touch. A swipe of butter or a spoonful of fruit preserves also makes each bite extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair these croissants with fresh fruit, a creamy yogurt parfait, or a steaming mug of coffee for a breakfast spread that rivals any café. For a brunch platter, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a crisp, simple salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the croissants and filling them with whipped cream and berries for a quick dessert, or stack them on a tiered tray for a charming brunch centerpiece. For savory versions, serve with a small bowl of warm tomato soup or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, let your croissants cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay surprisingly crisp, and you can always refresh them later for that just-baked taste.
Freezing
Want to make Air Fryer Croissants in advance? Assemble and shape the croissants, then freeze them unbaked on a tray until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag, and when ready to bake, simply air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
To revive leftover croissants, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 300°F until warmed through and crisp. This trick brings them right back to life—no soggy pastries here!
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for Air Fryer Croissants?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will give you even more impressive layers and flavor. Just make sure it’s rolled thin and chilled before shaping the croissants.
What are the best savory filling ideas?
Try thin slices of ham and cheese, a spoonful of pesto with mozzarella, or even sautéed mushrooms for a deliciously savory twist on classic Air Fryer Croissants.
How do I keep croissants from sticking in the air fryer?
Either use a parchment liner designed for air fryers or lightly spritz the basket with nonstick spray to ensure easy release and perfect bottoms every time.
Can I double the recipe?
You can absolutely double the ingredients, but be sure to cook in batches so each croissant has room to puff up and brown evenly in the air fryer.
Why did my croissants deflate after cooking?
This can happen if they’re undercooked or removed from the air fryer too soon. Let them cook until deeply golden, and cool for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Air Fryer Croissants before, you’re in for a real treat! They’re everything you love about homemade pastries—flaky, golden, and endlessly customizable—with hardly any effort. Give them a try, experiment with fillings, and let your kitchen fill with the aroma of fresh-baked croissants. Your mornings just got a whole lot more delicious!
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Air Fryer Croissants Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 croissants
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This recipe shows you how to make delicious, flaky croissants using puff pastry and an air fryer for quick and easy baking. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these croissants can be customized with sweet or savory fillings and come out golden, puffed, and perfectly crisp without the need for an oven.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for sweet version)
Optional Fillings
- Chocolate chips
- Almond paste
- Jam
- Ham and cheese (for savory option)
- Pesto and mozzarella (for savory option)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking croissants evenly and achieving a golden crust.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry into a roughly 10 by 12 inch rectangle. Cut the sheet into 6 to 8 triangles by first slicing in half lengthwise and then making diagonal cuts.
- Add Fillings (Optional): If you want to add fillings, place a small amount near the wide end of each triangle. This step is optional but adds great flavor and variety to your croissants.
- Shape Croissants: Roll up each triangle starting from the wide end towards the point, tucking the point underneath to create the classic croissant shape.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk to make an egg wash. Brush this gently over each croissant to give a shiny, golden finish. If making sweet croissants, sprinkle granulated sugar on top.
- Air Fry Croissants: Place the croissants in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between them. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let the croissants cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set and to avoid burning your mouth.
Notes
- This recipe works well with both homemade and store-bought puff pastry.
- Try savory fillings like ham and cheese or pesto and mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Serve the croissants warm for the best texture and taste.
- You can adjust cooking time slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your pastry.
- For a sweeter version, increase the sprinkle of sugar or add cinnamon sugar on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
