Air Fryer Breakfast Crescent Rolls – Flaky & Ready in 12 Minutes

Air Fryer Breakfast Crescent Rolls quickly became my go-to after one too many oven batches browned on the outside but stayed doughy underneath. The first time I tried them in the air fryer, I overfilled them and they burst open. After testing this three ways, with different fillings, temperatures, and spacing, I discovered that 330°F gave the most even rise without overbrowning. Then I cracked the code by sealing the edges tightly and cooking in a single layer. Now they come out golden, flaky, and perfectly cooked in just minutes.

Why This Air Fryer Breakfast Crescent Rolls Recipe Works

Air Fryer Breakfast Crescent Rolls cook faster than oven versions thanks to the circulating hot air that crisps the outer layers evenly. Most top recipes cook between 325–350°F for 8–12 minutes, flipping or rotating halfway for even browning.

What makes this version reliable is the lower starting temperature, which allows the dough layers to puff fully before crisping. I also avoid overcrowding, which prevents undercooked bottoms. The result is flaky layers outside with warm, savory filling inside, perfect for busy mornings or meal prep breakfasts.

Overhead view of air fryer breakfast crescent rolls with flaky layers

Timing for Air Fryer Breakfast Crescent Rolls

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 16–18 minutes

Ingredients for Air Fryer Breakfast Crescent Rolls

Simple ingredients make these easy to customize.

Main:

  • 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 triangles)
  • 4 large eggs, scrambled and cooked
  • ½ cup cooked breakfast sausage or diced ham
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 2 tablespoons diced bell pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
  • Pinch of black pepper

How to Make Breakfast Crescent Rolls in the Air Fryer

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 330°F (165°C) for 3 minutes.
  2. Cook scrambled eggs in a skillet until just set. Let cool slightly.
  3. Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
  4. Spoon a small amount of scrambled eggs onto the wide end of each triangle.
  5. Add sausage (or ham) and a sprinkle of cheese on top of the eggs.
  6. Roll up each crescent tightly from the wide end, tucking filling inside and sealing edges gently.
  7. Place rolls seam-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
  8. Air fry at 330°F (165°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and flaky.
  9. Check doneness: crescent rolls should be evenly golden with crisp layers and an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
  10. Let cool 2–3 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Breakfast Crescent Rolls

  • Don’t overfill: Too much filling causes splitting.
  • Seal edges well: Press lightly to keep cheese from leaking.
  • Cook seam-side down: Helps maintain shape.
  • Check at 7 minutes: Smaller air fryers cook faster.
  • Rotate basket if needed: Ensures even browning.
  • If browning too fast: Lower to 320°F (160°C) and extend cook time slightly.

Storing and Reheating Breakfast Crescent Rolls

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Freeze cooked and cooled rolls for up to 2 months. Wrap individually.

Reheating: Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes until heated through and crisp again.

Variations:

  • Swap sausage for cooked bacon.
  • Use mozzarella and spinach for a lighter option.
  • Add a spoonful of cream cheese for extra richness.
  • Brush tops with melted butter before cooking for deeper color.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Breakfast Crescent Rolls are one of those easy wins that make mornings smoother. They’re flaky, warm, and packed with flavor without heating up the whole kitchen. Once you try them in the air fryer, it’s hard to go back to the oven.

Author

  • Mother and son portrait in daisy field during golden hour

    Carly Morrison is a Brooklyn-based food blogger behind "Carly Recipes" and mom to two picky eaters who've learned to love vegetables thanks to her air fryer magic. A former elementary school teacher turned recipe developer, she creates family-friendly meals from her Park Slope apartment using real ingredients and honest cooking advice. When she's not testing recipes in one of her three air fryers, you'll find her walking through Prospect Park or trying to convince her husband Jake that yes, they really do need another kitchen gadget.

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