These Air Fryer Chocolate Croissants deliver bakery-level flakiness and rich melted chocolate centers in just 8 minutes. After testing techniques from top food blogs, this method consistently produces croissants that are perfectly golden outside and deliciously gooey inside.

Air fryer croissants with chocolate drizzle and coconut flakes

Perfect Air Fryer Chocolate Croissants Recipe

This recipe transforms simple crescent roll dough into restaurant-quality chocolate croissants using the air fryer’s circulating heat. The secret lies in the precise temperature and timing that creates crispy exteriors while keeping the chocolate perfectly melted.

Ingredients

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury crescent rolls
1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet)
2 tablespoons Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon water
Powdered sugar for dusting
Optional: sliced almonds for garnish

Ingredient Notes: Any brand of crescent rolls works perfectly. For chocolate variations, try dark chocolate chips for less sweetness or white chocolate for extra indulgence. Store-bought chocolate spread can substitute for Nutella.

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 325°F (163°C) for 3 minutes.
Prepare the dough: Unroll crescent roll dough and separate into 8 triangles. Lay flat on a clean surface.
Add chocolate filling: Place 1 teaspoon of Nutella at the wide end of each triangle. Add 6-8 chocolate chips on top of the Nutella.
Roll the croissants: Starting from the wide end, carefully roll the dough toward the point, encasing the chocolate completely. Pinch the seam and tuck the point under to seal.
Create egg wash: Whisk together beaten egg and water. Brush the tops of each croissant with egg wash for golden color.
Air fry: Place croissants in air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
Finish and serve: Remove carefully and let cool for 2 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.

Recipe Card:

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Servings: 8 croissants
Air Fryer Temperature: 325°F (163°C)
Difficulty: Easy

Air Fryer Settings & Tips for Chocolate Croissants

Temperature & Timing Guide

Standard Air Fryers (3-4 qt): Cook at 325°F for 6-8 minutes Large Air Fryers (5+ qt): May need an extra 1-2 minutes due to more air circulation Mini Air Fryers: Reduce time to 5-6 minutes and watch closely

The key is achieving a deep golden brown exterior – this ensures the dough is fully cooked through. If croissants appear pale after 6 minutes, continue cooking in 1-minute intervals.

Pro Tips for Extra Crispy Results

Don’t overfill with chocolate – too much filling causes leakage and soggy bottoms. One teaspoon of Nutella plus 6-8 chips is the perfect ratio I discovered after testing dozens of combinations.

Space matters – leave at least 1 inch between croissants. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and prevents proper puffing.

Use parchment paper – line the air fryer basket to catch any chocolate drips and make cleanup easier. Cut holes in the parchment for air circulation.

Seal completely – press seams firmly and tuck the pointed end under. This prevents chocolate from leaking during cooking.

Monitor closely after 6 minutes – air fryers vary significantly. Some cook faster due to wattage differences, so check frequently to prevent burning.

Serving & Storage for Air Fryer Chocolate Croissants

Best Sauce Pairings

Chocolate Drizzle: Melt 1/4 cup chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon coconut oil for a glossy finish Caramel Sauce: Store-bought or homemade caramel complements the chocolate beautifully
Berry Coulis: Fresh raspberry or strawberry sauce cuts through the richness Honey Butter: Mix softened butter with honey for a luxurious spread

Perfect Side Dishes

Air Fryer Hash Browns: Start these 15 minutes before the croissants for perfect timing Fresh Berries: Strawberries and raspberries provide a tart contrast Coffee or Hot Chocolate: The classic pairing that never disappoints

Storage & Reheating

Fresh Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The chocolate may firm up but flavors remain excellent.

Refrigeration: Store up to 5 days in the refrigerator, though texture will change slightly.

Air Fryer Reheating: Reheat at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness. This brings back nearly fresh-baked texture.

Freezing: Cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes.

Conclusion

This air fryer method delivers consistently perfect chocolate croissants every time. The two-stage approach of proper filling placement and precise temperature control ensures crispy exteriors and molten chocolate centers in half the time of traditional oven methods.

Author

Sarah Mitchell
Sarah Mitchell is a Culinary Institute of America-trained pastry chef turned food writer who specializes in easy air fryer desserts. After working in bakeries from NYC to Portland, she discovered her passion for helping home bakers create bakery-quality treats in small kitchens with simple equipment.
Based in Portland, Oregon, Sarah develops and tests every recipe multiple times in her tiny apartment kitchen, documenting both successes and failures to help readers troubleshoot common baking problems. Her approach combines professional pastry techniques with practical shortcuts, making desserts accessible to bakers at any skill level.
When she's not creating recipes at odd hours or responding to reader questions, Sarah can be found exploring Portland's dessert scene for inspiration, always accompanied by her rescue cat Mochi who serves as chief taste-test supervisor.
Sarah learned to bake at age 6 in her grandmother's Ohio bakery, where she developed her philosophy: great desserts don't need to be complicated – they just need to bring joy.

Air Fryer Chocolate Croissants – Flaky & Golden in 8 Minutes