Save There's something almost magical about the moment when a store-bought croissant transforms into something that tastes like you've been baking since dawn. I discovered this trick by accident—my air fryer was already warm, I had a craving for something indulgent, and a lonely croissant was sitting on my counter. Five minutes later, I was biting into this crispy, melting pocket of hazelnut heaven, and suddenly I understood why my friend always seemed so gleeful about her kitchen shortcuts. Sometimes the best recipes aren't invented; they're stumbled upon.
I made these for my nephew on a lazy Sunday morning, and he asked if I'd made them from scratch—that was the real victory. His eyes lit up in that way kids' eyes do when they realize something is both delicious and feels like a special occasion, even though we both knew the truth. It became our thing after that; whenever he'd visit, he'd ask about "those fancy croissants." Watching someone genuinely excited about something you've made, even if you barely made anything at all, is oddly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 store-bought croissants: Use the best ones you can find—butter lamination is already done, so your only job is to respect that flaky architecture and not skimp on quality.
- 1/2 cup Nutella: Room temperature spreads more easily, and a little goes a long way; resist the urge to overstuff or your filling will ooze everywhere (though honestly, that's not the worst problem to have).
- 2 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts or powdered sugar (optional): The garnish transforms these from "I found something in my kitchen" into "I made an effort," which somehow makes them taste better.
Instructions
- Warm your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it preheat for a minute or two while you prep; this small step ensures your croissants start crisping immediately instead of sitting around getting soggy.
- Butterfly those croissants:
- Slice each one horizontally about three-quarters of the way through, keeping the top connected so you can open it like a book. This is easier than it sounds and creates the perfect vessel for all that Nutella.
- Spread with confidence:
- Slather about two tablespoons of Nutella inside each croissant, then gently press the halves together—you're not squishing it flat, just sealing the moment.
- Arrange and air fry:
- Place them seam-side up in the basket in a single layer, then air fry for 4 to 5 minutes until they're golden brown and the Nutella is visibly melty. The kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove them carefully with tongs (trust me, Nutella is lava at this temperature), then top with hazelnuts or powdered sugar if you're feeling fancy. Eat them warm, preferably with coffee nearby.
Save The real magic happened the first time I heard the crunch—that perfect shattering sound as my nephew bit into his croissant, followed immediately by the soft, warm collapse of Nutella. In that moment, I realized that some of the best things we cook aren't about technique or time spent; they're about choosing quality shortcuts and respecting what they can do.
Air Fryer Wisdom
The air fryer isn't cheating; it's understanding that circulating hot air is sometimes the exact right tool for the job. I've learned that it respects pastry in a way I didn't expect—it crisps without drying, toasts without burning. This recipe is proof that the air fryer shines brightest when you're not trying to reinvent the wheel, just improving on something already good.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is that it's a starting point, not a rulebook. Toss some sliced strawberries or thin banana slices into the Nutella before sealing, or drizzle them with melted chocolate after they're done. I've even tried adding a pinch of sea salt on top, which sounds strange until you taste how it makes the chocolate deeper and more complex.
Serving & Pairing
These croissants are best eaten within minutes of cooking, while they're still warm and the Nutella hasn't fully set. A hot cup of coffee, cold milk, or even hot chocolate makes this feel like a proper moment rather than just a snack. If you're making them for guests, prep everything beforehand and air fry them fresh right before serving—the five-minute wait will feel worth it the second they bite in.
- Pair with espresso or cappuccino for a European café moment at home.
- Serve them slightly warm rather than piping hot so the Nutella texture is perfect, not molten.
- Make a double batch because the first four will disappear before you know it.
Save Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that remind us that good food doesn't need to be complicated, just intentional. These croissants live somewhere between homemade and store-bought, and they're better for it.
Cooking Guide
- → Can I use regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, bake croissants at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and the Nutella softens.
- → What optional garnishes enhance the croissants?
Chopped hazelnuts add crunch, while a dusting of powdered sugar offers a light sweetness.
- → How do I avoid cutting croissants completely when slicing?
Slice horizontally halfway through to create a hinge, which helps hold the filling securely.
- → Can I add fresh fruit inside croissants before heating?
Yes, sliced bananas or strawberries complement the Nutella and bake well in the air fryer.
- → What is the best temperature for air frying these croissants?
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for optimal melting and crisping.