There’s something special about biting into a warm, flaky croissant filled with gooey Nutella and melted chocolate chips. It’s the perfect combination of crispy and soft, rich and airy, indulgent yet effortless. I remember the first time I made these—it was one of those days when I needed something sweet but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I had some croissants sitting on the counter, a jar of Nutella in the pantry, and my air fryer within reach. Within minutes, I had a golden-brown, chocolatey pastry that tasted like it came straight from a bakery. The best part? No complicated baking, no waiting for the oven to preheat—just pure, instant gratification.
PrintAir Fryer Croissants with Nutella and Chocolate Chips – A Quick and Delicious Treat
Craving a warm, gooey, and delicious treat? 🥐🍫 These Air Fryer Croissants with Nutella and Chocolate Chips are the ultimate indulgence! 😍 The buttery croissants are filled with creamy Nutella and melty chocolate chips, all cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer! ✨ It’s the perfect snack or breakfast treat that’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. 😋 Ready in minutes and bursting with flavor—your taste buds will thank you! 🙌 #AirFryerTreats #NutellaLove #ChocolateCroissants #QuickAndDelicious #EasyBaking #DessertLovers #SnackTime #NutellaAndChocolate #AirFriedGoodness #BakingInMinutes 😍
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 store-bought croissants (preferably plain or buttery)
- ¼ cup Nutella or hazelnut spread
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior for the croissants. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, let it run for about 3 minutes before adding the croissants.
- Prepare the Croissants: Using a sharp knife, slice each croissant in half lengthwise, creating a “pocket” without cutting all the way through. This makes it easier to fill them without the ingredients spilling out.
- Spread the Nutella: Use a spoon or a butter knife to spread a generous layer of Nutella inside each croissant half. Make sure the entire interior is covered so you get Nutella in every bite.
- Add the Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly over the Nutella. This adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness and enhances the texture. If you want a flavor twist, add a pinch of sea salt or cinnamon for a subtle contrast.
- Assemble the Croissants: Gently press the croissants back together, making sure the edges align. This helps the filling stay inside while cooking and prevents the chocolate from spilling out.
- Brush with Butter: Using a pastry brush (or your fingers if you don’t have one), lightly coat the tops of the croissants with melted butter. This step enhances their golden-brown color and adds a slight crispiness.
- Air Fry the Croissants: Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until the croissants turn golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. Check them halfway through and shake the basket if needed to ensure even cooking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the croissants from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. If desired, dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Air circulation is key to even cooking. If making multiple croissants, work in batches to ensure they crisp up properly.
- Check for Doneness: The croissants should be golden brown with a slightly crisp exterior. If they look pale, air fry for an additional minute.
- Use Parchment Paper for Less Mess: If you’re worried about chocolate melting and sticking to the air fryer basket, place a small piece of parchment paper underneath the croissants.
- Experiment with Fillings: This recipe is versatile! Try adding sliced bananas, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of caramel before closing the croissants for extra flavor.
- Make It Healthier: Reduce the amount of Nutella and chocolate chips, or opt for dark chocolate to cut down on sugar. Using whole wheat croissants (if available) adds fiber.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks because it requires minimal ingredients, no dough-making, and simple steps. Store-bought croissants take the hard work out of the equation, while the air fryer ensures a quick, mess-free cooking process. If you’ve never made pastries before, this is the easiest way to start. Plus, the end result is so impressive that no one will guess it only took a few minutes to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a last-minute dessert, these Air Fryer Croissants with Nutella and Chocolate Chips are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients and Preparation
Ingredients:
- 4 store-bought croissants (preferably plain or buttery)
- ¼ cup Nutella or hazelnut spread
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Ingredient Alternatives:
- Croissants: If croissants aren’t available, you can use brioche buns, puff pastry, or even dinner rolls for a similar effect. If you prefer a crispier texture, try using day-old croissants, which absorb the filling without becoming soggy.
- Nutella: Any chocolate-hazelnut spread will work, or you can substitute with peanut butter, almond butter, or cookie butter for a different flavor profile. For a less sweet version, try dark chocolate spread or sugar-free hazelnut spread.
- Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips melt quickly, but you can also use chopped chocolate bars, white chocolate chips, or even caramel bits for variety. If you want a crunchy element, chopped nuts like hazelnuts, almonds, or pecans make a great addition.
- Butter: Brushing the croissants with butter gives them a golden-brown finish, but if you prefer a dairy-free alternative, use coconut oil or a neutral-flavored oil like canola.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior for the croissants. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, let it run for about 3 minutes before adding the croissants.
- Prepare the Croissants: Using a sharp knife, slice each croissant in half lengthwise, creating a “pocket” without cutting all the way through. This makes it easier to fill them without the ingredients spilling out.
- Spread the Nutella: Use a spoon or a butter knife to spread a generous layer of Nutella inside each croissant half. Make sure the entire interior is covered so you get Nutella in every bite.
- Add the Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly over the Nutella. This adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness and enhances the texture. If you want a flavor twist, add a pinch of sea salt or cinnamon for a subtle contrast.
- Assemble the Croissants: Gently press the croissants back together, making sure the edges align. This helps the filling stay inside while cooking and prevents the chocolate from spilling out.
- Brush with Butter: Using a pastry brush (or your fingers if you don’t have one), lightly coat the tops of the croissants with melted butter. This step enhances their golden-brown color and adds a slight crispiness.
- Air Fry the Croissants: Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until the croissants turn golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. Check them halfway through and shake the basket if needed to ensure even cooking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the croissants from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. If desired, dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Beginner Tips and Notes
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Air circulation is key to even cooking. If making multiple croissants, work in batches to ensure they crisp up properly.
- Check for Doneness: The croissants should be golden brown with a slightly crisp exterior. If they look pale, air fry for an additional minute.
- Use Parchment Paper for Less Mess: If you’re worried about chocolate melting and sticking to the air fryer basket, place a small piece of parchment paper underneath the croissants.
- Experiment with Fillings: This recipe is versatile! Try adding sliced bananas, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of caramel before closing the croissants for extra flavor.
- Make It Healthier: Reduce the amount of Nutella and chocolate chips, or opt for dark chocolate to cut down on sugar. Using whole wheat croissants (if available) adds fiber.
Serving Suggestions
- For Breakfast: Pair with a fresh fruit salad or a side of Greek yogurt for a balanced meal.
- As a Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.
- With Coffee or Tea: The rich flavors of Nutella and chocolate go perfectly with a cup of espresso, cappuccino, or chai tea.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To restore crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the croissants soggy.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze assembled (but uncooked) croissants for up to a month. When ready to eat, air fry from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Engagement Features
These Air Fryer Croissants with Nutella and Chocolate Chips are the ultimate treat for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and satisfying pastry. The combination of flaky croissants, creamy Nutella, and melty chocolate chips is irresistible, yet the recipe requires minimal effort. It’s perfect for beginners who want to experiment with air frying or need a foolproof sweet treat. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, a midday snack, or a simple dessert, this recipe guarantees bakery-quality results with minimal effort.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Did you add any unique twists? Share your experience in the comments and tag your creations on social media. Happy cooking!