Save to Pinterest There's something almost magical about the moment when a croissant hits the air fryer basket and you know you're ten minutes away from something genuinely indulgent. I discovered this trick on a lazy Sunday morning when I had exactly three things in my kitchen: store-bought croissants, a jar of Nutella that had been calling my name, and the sudden realization that my air fryer could do more than just reheat leftovers. The result was so ridiculously good that it's become my go-to move whenever someone stops by unexpectedly or when I need to feel fancy without actually trying.
I made these for my sister on a Tuesday afternoon when she texted that she was stressed and needed to vent, and by the time she arrived, the kitchen smelled so good she forgot what she was upset about. We sat at the counter dunking them in coffee and she kept saying things like "how is this so perfect" between bites, which is basically all you need to know about whether this recipe works.
Ingredients
- Store-bought croissants (4): The secret is that you don't need fancy, artisanal croissants here—the ordinary ones from the bakery section are actually ideal because they're sturdy enough to hold the Nutella without falling apart, but still delicate enough to crisp up beautifully.
- Nutella (1/2 cup): Use the real stuff if you can, because that hazelnut depth is what makes this feel indulgent rather than like you just made a chocolate sandwich.
- Chopped hazelnuts or powdered sugar (2 tablespoons, optional): The garnish takes this from a quick snack to something you'd actually serve on a plate, so don't skip it even though it feels optional.
Instructions
- Get your air fryer ready:
- Heat it to 350°F while you prep everything else so there's no waiting around when you're ready to cook.
- Open up those croissants:
- Slice each one horizontally with a sharp knife, but stop before you cut all the way through—you want them to open like a book, not fall into two separate pieces.
- Spread the Nutella generously:
- Use about 2 tablespoons per croissant and don't be shy; this is where the magic happens. Press the halves gently back together so the Nutella is tucked inside.
- Arrange them in the basket:
- Place them in a single layer, giving them a little breathing room so the heat can circulate and make them gloriously crispy.
- Air fry until golden:
- Four to five minutes is all you need—watch for that gorgeous golden-brown color, and the Nutella should be soft and slightly oozing at the edges. You'll know it's ready when you can't resist opening one up to check.
- Finish with style:
- Top with hazelnuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar while they're still warm, and serve immediately while everything is at its crispiest and gooiest.
Save to Pinterest What I love most is that this has become the recipe I make when I want to prove that good food doesn't require hours of work or a culinary degree. It's the kind of thing that reminds you why cooking matters—not because the technique is complicated, but because sharing something warm and delicious with someone you care about is always enough.
The Air Fryer Advantage
The air fryer is genuinely the best tool for this because it creates that perfect contrast between a crispy, flaky exterior and a melty center in a fraction of the time an oven would take. I've made these in a regular oven and they work, but they never quite get that same crackling texture on the outside—the circulating heat in an air fryer is just unbeatable for croissants. It's one of those recipes that made me understand why everyone keeps going on about air fryers.
Flavor Combinations That Work
Once you nail the basic version, it's hard to resist playing around with additions. I've tucked sliced strawberries inside before air frying and the tartness against the hazelnut chocolate is genuinely brilliant, and sliced bananas create this almost creamy layer that feels almost dessert-like. A whisper of sea salt sprinkled on top before serving adds a sophisticated edge that makes people ask what you did differently.
Serving and Storage
These are absolutely best eaten warm and immediately, ideally with strong coffee or cold milk—the contrast of temperatures is part of the appeal. If you somehow have leftovers, a quick 2-minute reheat in the air fryer will bring them back to life, though honestly the texture does deteriorate after a few hours. Make them fresh whenever possible because the whole point is that they take so little time that there's no excuse not to.
- Pair them with an espresso or cappuccino to feel like you're at a Parisian café.
- Serve on a small plate with a napkin because the Nutella will absolutely get on your hands, and that's just part of the charm.
- If you're entertaining, make them right before guests arrive so the warmth and that toasted smell greet them at the door.
Save to Pinterest This recipe taught me that sometimes the best meals aren't the ones that take hours—they're the ones where you can grab something good from the bakery, add one ingredient you already love, and five minutes later you're eating something that feels completely thoughtful and delicious. That's the real magic here.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute the store-bought croissants?
Yes, fresh or frozen croissants can be used; just ensure they are thawed if frozen before slicing and filling.
- → What are some good garnish options?
Chopped hazelnuts add crunch, while powdered sugar offers a delicate sweetness. Fresh fruit slices can also complement the flavors.
- → Can I make these in a conventional oven instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and the filling is melted.
- → How do I avoid soggy croissants after filling?
Slicing without cutting through creates a hinge, and quick air frying crisps the exterior, preventing sogginess.
- → Are there any allergen concerns with this dish?
This contains wheat gluten, milk, hazelnuts, and possibly soy in the spread; check ingredient labels carefully.