Save There's something almost magical about the moment when cold butter meets hot air, and what was a simple pastry transforms into something warm and indulgent. I discovered these Nutella croissants by accident on a Sunday morning when I had exactly three ingredients and a hungry household to feed. The air fryer did what ovens and skillets couldn't—it crisped the exterior while keeping the chocolate-hazelnut center molten and perfect. What started as a quick fix became my go-to when I need something that tastes far more impressive than the effort it demands.
I made these for my neighbor who showed up with fresh coffee one morning, and she ate two before even sitting down. Watching someone's face light up over something so simple felt like the real victory that day. It wasn't about fancy technique or rare ingredients—it was about the generosity of sharing something warm and comforting within minutes of thinking about it.
Ingredients
- 4 store-bought croissants: The real secret here is choosing quality ones from a good bakery if you can find them, but honestly, even standard supermarket croissants get wonderfully crispy and buttery in the heat.
- 1/2 cup Nutella or chocolate-hazelnut spread: This is where the indulgence lives; don't skimp on spreading it generously, or you'll regret it when you bite into a plain section.
- 2 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts or powdered sugar (optional): A finishing touch that catches light and makes these look deliberately made rather than hastily assembled, which they sort of are.
Instructions
- Heat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it warm up for a minute or two while you prepare the croissants; this ensures they'll crisp evenly from the first moment they hit the basket.
- Slice and hinge:
- Carefully cut each croissant horizontally about three-quarters of the way through, leaving the top connected like a little book that opens to reveal the filling.
- Spread the Nutella:
- About 2 tablespoons per croissant is the sweet spot; too little and you're eating mostly pastry, too much and it escapes everywhere. I use a small spoon and press it gently to distribute evenly.
- Arrange in the basket:
- Place them cut-side up in a single layer, giving them a little space to breathe and crisp; crowding them will trap steam and leave you with soft, sad pastries.
- Air fry until golden:
- Watch them for 4 to 5 minutes, and you'll see the magic happen—the pastry edges turn golden bronze while the Nutella inside begins to shimmer. The smell alone is worth the effort.
- Finish and serve:
- Top with hazelnuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar if you're feeling fancy, then eat them while they're still warm enough that the chocolate center clings to your fingers.
Save The best part about these is that moment when someone takes their first bite and doesn't even say thank you—they just close their eyes and eat another one. That's when you know you've made something right.
Why the Air Fryer Changes Everything
Traditional ovens can dry out croissants if you're not careful, and stovetop methods are messy and uneven. The air fryer circulates heat with precision, crisping the pastry in seconds without the Nutella having time to burn or the butter to seep out. It's honestly the most forgiving method I've found for this particular treat.
Variations Worth Trying
I've discovered that adding thin slices of banana or fresh strawberries inside transforms this into something almost elegant enough for brunch. Almond butter mixed with a bit of Nutella creates an earthier flavor, and I've even tried it with a drizzle of salted caramel on top, which was genuinely dangerous because I couldn't stop making more.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
These sing when paired with strong coffee or cold milk—the temperature contrast makes the warm chocolate even more noticeable. They're perfect for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or honestly, a small dessert after dinner when you want something indulgent but not time-consuming.
- Serve them immediately while the Nutella is still warm enough to stretch when you pull the croissant apart.
- If you're making these for guests, prep all the slicing and spreading ahead of time so you can air fry them fresh just before serving.
- Leftover croissants can be reheated in the air fryer for 2 minutes, and they'll taste nearly as good as freshly made.
Save These croissants remind me that the best recipes aren't always the complicated ones; sometimes they're the ones that turn three simple ingredients into a moment worth remembering. Make them today.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use homemade croissants instead of store-bought ones?
Yes, homemade croissants can be used and will enhance the flavor, though cooking times may vary slightly depending on dough thickness.
- → How do I prevent the Nutella from dripping during cooking?
By slicing the croissants partially and spreading the Nutella inside, the filling stays contained and melts evenly without dripping.
- → Can I add fruit to the croissants before cooking?
Absolutely. Adding sliced bananas or strawberries inside before air frying adds freshness and complements the Nutella beautifully.
- → What is the best way to crisp croissants without an air fryer?
Baking them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes also delivers a golden, crisp texture similar to air frying.
- → Are hazelnuts necessary for the garnish?
No, garnishing with chopped hazelnuts is optional, but it adds a nice crunch and enhances the nutty flavor.