Save to Pinterest Last winter my daughter asked for a special breakfast and I had zero time or energy. Found a jar of Nutella in the pantry and some day-old croissants from the bakery. Ten minutes later we were eating these warm chocolatey treats and she looked at me like I had performed magic. Now they are our go-to whenever we need something that feels fancy but takes almost no effort at all.
My neighbor came over once when these were air frying and the smell filled the entire house. She actually asked what bakery I had visited. When I told her they were store-bought croissants with Nutella she wrote down the recipe on the spot. Now she makes them every Sunday for her kids.
Ingredients
- 4 store-bought croissants: Day-old croissants from the bakery section work perfectly here since they will get crisped up in the air fryer anyway
- 1/2 cup Nutella: Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes so it spreads easily without tearing the pastry
- 2 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts or powdered sugar: These add that finishing touch that makes them look and taste like they came from a French patisserie
Instructions
- Get your air fryer ready:
- Preheat to 350°F so the croissants hit hot air immediately and start crisping the moment they go in
- Prep each croissant:
- Slice horizontally but stop before cutting all the way through so you create a pocket that holds everything together
- Add the chocolate:
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of Nutella inside each one and press gently to help the halves adhere
- Air fry to perfection:
- Cook in a single layer for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and you can smell the chocolate warming through
- Finish and serve:
- Top with hazelnuts or powdered sugar right away while they are still warm
Save to Pinterest Made these for my book club and everyone kept asking where I ordered them from. When I revealed the three-ingredient secret they could not believe it. Now we just make them together at the start of every meeting and spend more time discussing books than baking.
Serving Ideas
These croissants shine alongside a strong cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. The chocolate richness pairs beautifully with something cold and creamy to balance it out. I have also served them with vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert.
Make It Your Own
Sliced bananas or strawberries tucked inside before air frying add fresh flavor and make them feel more substantial. Almond spread works wonderfully if you want something different. Sometimes I add a pinch of sea salt on top to highlight the chocolate.
Storage and Reheating
These are honestly best eaten fresh but they will keep in an airtight container for one day. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for just 2 minutes to bring back that crisp texture. The microwave makes them soggy so avoid that method.
- Never refrigerate the croissants before air frying or they lose their flakiness
- Freeze unfilled croissants and they will last up to two weeks
- Let frozen ones thaw completely before adding Nutella and cooking
Save to Pinterest These little croissants have saved me so many times when I needed something special but had zero time. Hope they become your emergency treat too.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a crispy croissant exterior?
Air frying at 350°F crisps the croissant’s flaky layers while melting the filling inside, creating a perfect texture contrast.
- → Can I use other spreads besides Nutella?
Yes, chocolate-hazelnut alternatives or even fruit preserves can work well inside these croissants.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerate and reheat gently before serving.
- → Can I add fresh fruit inside?
Adding sliced bananas or strawberries enhances flavor and moisture when baked or air fried.
- → What are good beverage pairings?
Coffee or cold milk complement the richness and sweetness of these croissants nicely.