Save There's something almost magical about the moment a croissant hits hot air and starts to puff up, its layers crisping in real time. I discovered this recipe on a lazy Sunday morning when I had croissants left over from the bakery and a half-empty jar of Nutella staring at me from the pantry. Five minutes later, the kitchen smelled like a French patisserie collided with a chocolate factory, and I realized I'd stumbled onto something ridiculously simple yet completely craveable.
I made these for my roommate one Wednesday evening when she came home stressed about work, and watching her face light up when she bit into that warm, melty chocolate center reminded me that sometimes the smallest gestures hit harder than elaborate efforts. She asked for the recipe, and I almost laughed because there barely is one, just three ingredients and a hot pocket of air between us and happiness.
Ingredients
- Store-bought croissants: Four is the sweet spot for this recipe, though I've learned that day-old croissants actually work better than fresh because they're slightly drier and crispen up beautifully instead of getting soggy.
- Nutella (or chocolate-hazelnut spread): About two tablespoons per croissant is the magic ratio—enough to create that luscious center without it oozing everywhere when you bite in.
- Chopped hazelnuts or powdered sugar: Optional but worth keeping on hand because they add a textural contrast and make the whole thing feel a little fancier than it actually is.
Instructions
- Heat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it warm up while you prep, usually just a minute or two. You'll know it's ready when it stops beeping at you.
- Butterfly those croissants:
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each croissant horizontally about three-quarters of the way through, leaving a hinge of pastry intact on one side so it stays together. This is easier if you use a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing down hard.
- Spread the Nutella:
- Open each croissant gently like a little book and spread about two tablespoons of Nutella on the inside surface. I use the back of a spoon to smooth it out evenly so every bite gets chocolate.
- Air fry to golden perfection:
- Arrange your croissants in a single layer in the basket (don't stack them) and cook for four to five minutes until they're golden brown and you can see the Nutella starting to peek out. The timing depends on how thick your croissants are, so start checking at four minutes.
- Finish and serve:
- Let them cool for just a minute so you don't burn your mouth, then top with hazelnuts or powdered sugar if you're feeling fancy. Eat them warm while the chocolate is still melty.
Save My niece once asked me what my favorite thing to make was, and I said something about these croissants, and she said, 'But Nutella is already chocolate, so you're just making chocolate croissants.' She wasn't wrong, but somehow she was also missing the entire point. It's not about inventing something new; it's about taking what you love and making it a little better, a little crunchier, a little more intentional.
The Air Fryer Advantage
The beauty of using an air fryer for this is that you get that toasted, crisped exterior without needing to monitor an oven or worry about uneven heating. I've tried this in a regular oven at the same temperature, and it takes about eight to ten minutes with less dramatic results. The air circulation in a fryer does something special to puff and crisp that pastry in a way that feels almost unfair in how good it turns out.
Storage and Make-Ahead Ideas
These are absolutely best eaten fresh and warm, but if you have leftover croissants (rare), you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day and reheat them in the air fryer for a minute or two. I've also kept unbaked Nutella croissants in the fridge for a few hours and air fried them straight from cold, which actually works surprisingly well.
Variations and Flavor Swaps
Once you nail the basic version, you can get creative with what goes inside. The original notes suggest strawberries or bananas, which I absolutely recommend, but I've also tried a thin layer of almond butter under the Nutella, or a sprinkle of cinnamon inside for a subtle warmth. The framework stays the same; you're just playing with what makes you happy.
- Pair these with strong black coffee or cold milk to cut through the richness.
- A pinch of sea salt on top before serving adds an unexpected complexity that makes people ask what your secret is.
- If Nutella doesn't work for you, any chocolate spread or even peanut butter works beautifully in this same method.
Save At the end of the day, this recipe is less about following rules and more about knowing you can turn three simple things into something that tastes indulgent and feels special. That's the kind of cooking that sticks with you.
Recipe Help
- → Can I use a conventional oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, baking at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes works well to achieve similar crispness.
- → What can I add inside the croissants for extra flavor?
Sliced bananas or strawberries complement the Nutella beautifully before air frying.
- → Are there alternative toppings for garnish?
Chopped hazelnuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar add texture and a touch of sweetness.
- → How do I prevent croissants from becoming soggy?
Slicing without cutting through creates a hinge to hold fillings and helps maintain crisp edges during frying.
- → What should I serve alongside these croissants?
A cup of coffee or cold milk pairs perfectly to balance the rich, sweet flavors.