Air-Fryer Croissants: Can You Do It?

Yes, you can cook croissants in an air fryer! In fact, many people recommend it. You can use either canned or frozen croissant dough, and there are plenty of recipes online for customising your croissants with sweet or savoury fillings. The cooking time will depend on your air fryer, but most recipes suggest cooking the croissants for 6-10 minutes at around 350°F/180°C.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature to cook croissants in an air fryer is 350°F (175-180°C). The cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the croissants and whether they are fresh or frozen.

For fresh croissants, 2-3 minutes in the air fryer should be enough. If you are cooking frozen croissants, it will take a bit longer, around 12 minutes. However, it is important to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking, as cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model.

When reheating croissants, 3-5 minutes in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) should be sufficient. Again, the exact time will depend on the size and thickness of the croissants.

If you are cooking mini croissants, reduce the timing to around 10 minutes.

How to prepare croissants for air frying

Air-fried croissants are a quick and easy snack that can be served at any time of the day. They can be made using ready-made croissant dough, which is available at most grocery stores. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and cook croissants in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Open the container of refrigerated crescent rolls and unroll the dough on a clean kitchen worktop. Score along the perforated lines to create large triangles. If you want to make mini croissants, you can slice each triangle in half.

Step 2: Roll the Dough

Starting from the shortest side of the triangle, roll the croissant pastry until you reach the pointy edge. If you are making mini croissants, you can start rolling from the corner opposite the wider side.

Step 3: Shape the Croissants

Curve the ends of the rolled dough to form a crescent shape. You can also add fillings before shaping the croissants. Some filling ideas include chocolate spreads, chocolate chips, or cheese.

Step 4: Brush the Croissants

Prepare an egg wash by whisking an egg in a small bowl. You can also use milk or melted butter instead. Brush the egg wash on top of the croissants. This will give them a shiny, golden-brown colour.

Step 5: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 170°C or 350°F to 375°F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray or brush it with oil to prevent sticking. You can also line the basket with perforated parchment paper or perforated baking paper for better air circulation.

Step 6: Place the Croissants in the Air Fryer

Place the croissants in a single layer in the preheated air fryer, making sure they are spaced apart. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Leave enough space between the croissants as they will expand while cooking.

Step 7: Air Fry the Croissants

Air fry the croissants for 6 to 10 minutes. Check on them regularly to ensure they are not burning and to achieve your desired level of doneness. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the number of croissants you are cooking.

Step 8: Serve the Croissants

Once the croissants are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve them warm. You can enjoy them with a variety of toppings or fillings, such as butter, jam, honey, or chocolate spreads.

Customising croissants

Croissants are a versatile food that can be customised in many ways to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ideas for customising croissants in an air fryer:

Sweet fillings

• Nutella: Spread some Nutella on the croissant before rolling it up.
• Fruit: Add strawberries or blueberries and dust with icing sugar.
• Creme eggs: Roll the croissant around a Cadbury Creme Egg for an Easter treat.
• Jam: Serve with lashings of jam and butter.

Savoury fillings

• Ham and cheese: Layer slices of ham and cheese inside the croissant.
• Cream cheese: Spread some cream cheese on the croissant and add tomato, herbs and pesto.
• Mozzarella sticks: Roll the croissant around a mozzarella stick for a savoury treat.
• Pizza toppings: Add pizza toppings such as pepperoni, tomato sauce and cheese.

Other customisations

• Mini croissants: Slice the triangular croissants in half and roll each one into a mini croissant shape.
• Garlic butter: Brush the croissants with a mixture of melted butter and garlic powder before cooking for an extra flavour boost.
• Egg wash: Brush the croissants with an egg wash (or milk or melted butter) before cooking for a shiny golden brown colour.

Air fryer basket preparation

Before you begin, preheat your air fryer to 170°C or 350°F.

Open the can of croissant roll dough and unroll it on a clean kitchen surface. Separate the dough into triangles along the perforated lines. Starting from the shortest side, roll the dough until you reach the pointy edge, then curve the ends to form a crescent shape.

Brush the croissants with an egg wash, milk, or melted butter. This will give them a golden colour.

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or use perforated parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the croissants in a single layer, ensuring they are spaced apart as they will expand. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Air fry at 330°F for about 6-7 minutes, checking regularly to ensure they are cooked to your desired level. If needed, continue to air fry for an additional 1-3 minutes.

If you are cooking multiple batches, you may need to reduce the timing by a few minutes as your air fryer will already be preheated.

Storing and reheating croissants

Storing Croissants:

• If you plan to eat the croissants the day after purchasing, store them in the fridge overnight.
• For longer storage, wrap individual croissants tightly in aluminium foil and place them in a freezer. It is recommended to consume frozen croissants within one month.
• For short-term storage, croissants can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days. Place them in a plastic bag to prevent drying out.
• If you plan to consume the croissants within 24 hours, store them at room temperature in a bread box or paper bag. Avoid airtight containers, as they can make the croissants soggy.

Reheating Croissants:

• The key to reheating croissants is to apply gentle heat to crisp the exterior while warming the inside just enough to soften the buttery layers without making them greasy.
• Various methods can be used, such as ovens, toaster ovens, air fryers, microwaves, frying pans, and sandwich presses. Each method has its advantages.
• If using an oven or toaster oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C to 190°C). Wrap the croissants in foil and bake for about 10 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes until crisp.
• For an air fryer, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the croissant in the basket with enough space for air circulation. Reheat for 3-4 minutes for a leftover croissant, and 7-8 minutes for a frozen one.
• When using a microwave, place the croissant on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up without crisping.
• For a stovetop method, cut the croissant in half and heat a frying pan over medium heat. Place the cut side down in the pan and press lightly for 1-2 minutes, creating a crispy contrast.

Frequently asked questions