Air Fryer Chocolate Nutella Croissants
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Nutella Croissants are easy to make with refrigerated crescent dough — air fried in just 7 minutes! Nutella spread and chocolate chips melt down in the center, creating a sweet and gooey filling between layers of fluffy dough. This easy recipe makes 8 croissants, but you can easily double it for a brunch spread!
Nutella Croissants
Refrigerated crescent dough is so versatile! I always have a tube on hand to make pigs in a blanket for lunch or garlic knots as a dinner side.
And for something sweet, my peppermint white chocolate cruffins are out of this world!!
I typically make those around the holidays, so I wanted to come up with something a little simpler for the rest of the year.
Enter these Nutella croissants! Who doesn’t love that sweet chocolate hazelnut spread??
Smear it on a triangle of crescent dough with a few chocolate chips, then roll it up and pop it in the air fryer. Doesn’t get much easier than that!
You’ll have a platter full of fluffy, flaky treats in under 15 minutes for breakfast, a snack, or dessert!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Crescent Dough – That’s right — just a regular tube of Pillsbury crescent dough transforms into the most delicious Nutella croissants!
Plus, it comes perforated so it’s easy to separate into triangles. - Nutella – A delicious chocolate hazelnut spread that’s rich, sweet, and creamy.
Feel free to use a different brand, or swap it with creamy peanut butter or Biscoff spread for a different flavor! - Chocolate Chips – I like to use milk chocolate chips, but dark or semi-sweet are just fine.
Have some extra on hand if you want to make a chocolate drizzle like in the photos. - Egg – Whisk this with a little water to make an egg wash. It helps the top of each air fryer chocolate croissant turn a lovely golden brown.
Tips and Tricks to Spread Nutella on Croissants
- Make sure your crescent dough is well chilled.
It’s far more likely to pull and snag if it’s been warming on the counter, and it usually becomes stickier too.
Have the other ingredients measured, prepped, and ready to go before you pull the dough out of the fridge.
It also helps to run a knife, pastry cutter, or pizza wheel over the perforations to separate them more easily. This way, the triangles keep their shape!
- Divide the spread evenly.
I like to dollop the Nutella onto each dough triangle first so I can be sure it’s evenly divided. It also helps it relax a little so it’s easier to spread around.
Starting from the middle, gently push the spread out towards the edges so you don’t snag or squish the dough. Make sure it’s in an even layer as well.
- Work quickly!
The longer the dough sits on the counter, the harder it is to work with.
Get the Nutella on the croissants as quickly as possible so you can roll them up before the dough starts sticking.
And don’t forget the chocolate chips! Those go along the larger end to create the gooey chocolate center in each air fryer chocolate croissant.
Roll gently too — if the dough is too compact, it won’t puff up all the way.
Prep Ahead
- Whisk together the egg wash
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Air Fryer – Different brands and sizes may require different cooking times, so be familiar with your model and make adjustments as needed.
- Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
- An Offset Spatula makes it easier to spread Nutella on croissants without getting your hands messy!
- Basting Brush – I like this one over the silicone ones.
- Tongs – To gently remove croissants from the air fryer basket.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy warm right from the air fryer or add a dusting of powdered sugar to each Nutella croissant.
If you want to add a chocolate drizzle, simply melt chocolate chips in the microwave and apply with a spoon or piping bag. Heat them in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
These make an excellent dessert, but you can enjoy them with your morning cup of coffee or tea as well.
Why not make some air fryer donuts and some sausage or bacon for a breakfast spread the whole family will love?
Nutella Croissant Flavor Variations
Chocolate flavor too intense? There are a variety of fillings and toppings you can make to help balance the intensity.
- Fresh Fruit: Swap the chocolate chips with fresh strawberries or bananas. You’ll want to slice them very thinly or chop into small pieces.
- Jam or Preserves: Use a little less Nutella, then spread a thin layer of your favorite jam on top. I think my mixed berry jam would be especially delicious!
- Pie Filling: Spoon a little bit of apple pie filling along the larger end before rolling.
- Spices: Dust a little cinnamon over the dough before adding the chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Toppings: Chop up hazelnuts, peanuts, or macadamia nuts and sprinkle them on top. Or, try shredded coconut!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Transfer cooled Nutella croissants to an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you want to enjoy leftovers warm, reheat each Nutella croissant in the microwave for 10-12 seconds.
Or, pop them back in the air fryer for a minute to get the outside nice and crispy.
Air Fryer Chocolate Croissant FAQ
Brushing the top of each croissant with egg wash helps it brown and stay sealed shut. However, it’s perfectly fine to skip this step if you have an egg allergy or just want to save a little time!
You can easily leave out the Nutella and just add a few more chocolate chips to the center.
Or, drizzle the Nutella on the baked croissants so you still get that hazelnut flavor, but not quite as intensely as when it’s in the center.
Absolutely! Each tube of crescent dough will make 8 croissants, so scale up (or down) as needed.
You’ll just need to work in batches so you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Too many in at once, and they won’t puff up properly.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Air Fryer Chocolate Nutella Croissants
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 8 count can Pillsbury crescent dough
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 large egg
- powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Unroll and separate crescent dough into 8 triangles.
- Spread equal amounts of nutella evenly onto each dough triangle, about 2-3 teaspoons.
- Place a small handful of chocolate chips on the large end of each triangle, about ½ tablespoon.
- Roll each crescent starting at the large end to the small end.
- In a small bowl combine your egg and a little water. Beat until well combined. Brush the tops of the croissants with the egg wash.
- Spray the inside of your air fryer with non-stick spray and place the croissants inside with space between each to expand. (Air fry in two batches if you have a smaller air fryer)
- Air fry on 350 for 6-7 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
- Let cool and garnish with powdered sugar and nutella. (optional)
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published July 2024
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i can’t believe how simple and delicious this recipe was
Hi Scarlett!
Glad you enjoyed our recipe!!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn