Save My sister texted me at 9 p.m. asking if I had anything sweet in the house. I didn't, but I had croissants from the bakery and half a jar of Nutella shoved in the back of the pantry. Five minutes later, we were pulling these out of the air fryer, chocolate still bubbling at the edges. She looked at me like I'd just performed magic. Sometimes the best recipes aren't recipes at all, just smart assembly and good timing.
I made these on a rainy Saturday morning when my nephew stayed over, and he insisted on spreading the Nutella himself. He used way too much, chocolate oozing everywhere, but when we bit into them warm, he declared it the best breakfast ever. I didn't correct him. Sometimes messier is better, and watching his face light up was worth the sticky countertop.
Ingredients
- Store-bought croissants: Use the best quality you can find because the croissant is the star here. Day-old croissants actually work beautifully since they crisp up even more in the air fryer.
- Nutella: Any chocolate-hazelnut spread works, but I love the creamy richness of Nutella. Warm it slightly in the microwave for easier spreading if it's been sitting in a cold pantry.
- Chopped hazelnuts or powdered sugar: Optional but adds a little textural contrast or sweetness. I lean toward hazelnuts for crunch, but powdered sugar makes it look bakery-perfect.
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it warm up for a couple of minutes. This ensures the croissants crisp evenly without drying out.
- Slice the croissants:
- Cut each croissant horizontally like a sandwich, but leave one edge attached so it opens like a book. This keeps the Nutella from spilling out too much.
- Spread the Nutella:
- Use about 2 tablespoons per croissant, spreading it generously on the bottom half. Press the top back down gently so it stays together but the chocolate has room to melt.
- Arrange in the basket:
- Place them in a single layer with a little space between each one. Crowding them will steam instead of crisp.
- Air fry:
- Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, watching closely toward the end. You want golden edges and that moment when the Nutella starts to bubble at the seams.
- Garnish and serve:
- Pull them out carefully because they'll be hot. Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts or dust with powdered sugar if you're feeling fancy, then serve immediately while the chocolate is still warm.
Save I brought a batch to book club once, still warm in a towel-lined basket. No one talked about the book for the first ten minutes. We just sat there eating them, quiet except for the occasional hum of approval. That's when I knew this wasn't just a snack, it was a moment maker.
Flavor Variations
I've tucked thin banana slices inside before adding the Nutella, and it turns into something close to a deconstructed crepe. Strawberries work too, especially in summer when they're sweet and juicy. Once I even swapped Nutella for almond butter and a drizzle of honey, which was lighter but still satisfying. The croissant is your canvas, so don't be afraid to play around.
Serving Suggestions
These are perfect with a strong cup of coffee or a frothy cappuccino if you want to lean into the European cafe vibe. My kids love them with cold milk, and I've served them as a quick dessert after a simple dinner with vanilla ice cream on the side. They're also great for brunch when you want something sweet that doesn't require turning on the oven or standing over a stove.
Storage and Reheating
Honestly, these are best enjoyed fresh and warm, right out of the air fryer. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 2 minutes to bring back some of that crispness. The microwave will make them chewy, so avoid it if you can.
- Don't refrigerate them or the croissant will get tough and lose its flaky texture.
- You can prep them in advance by slicing and filling, then air fry right before serving.
- If the Nutella hardens after cooling, a quick 30-second zap in the air fryer will soften it again.
Save There's something quietly joyful about pulling off something this delicious with so little effort. Keep a few croissants in your freezer and a jar of Nutella in the pantry, and you'll always be ready for an impromptu treat that feels like a hug.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh croissants for this?
Yes, fresh croissants work well and may yield an even flakier texture when air fried.
- → What temperature should the air fryer be set to?
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for optimal crisping and melting.
- → Are there alternative garnishes recommended?
Chopped hazelnuts or powdered sugar add nice textures and subtle sweetness to complement the filling.
- → Can I add fruit inside the croissants?
Yes, sliced bananas or strawberries pair beautifully inside before air frying for added flavor.
- → What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Bake the filled croissants in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until golden and melty.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients used are all vegetarian friendly.