Air-Fried Crescent Rolls: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryer crescent rolls are a quick and easy snack that can be served at any time of the day. They are flaky, buttery, and pair well with a variety of dishes. The best part about these rolls is that they can be made in an air fryer in less than 10 minutes without any preheating required. The circulating hot air of the air fryer cooks the dough perfectly, resulting in a crispy, flaky exterior and a warm, tender interior.

How to shape the rolls

Shaping the rolls is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results.

First, open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it. You will see that the dough is already pre-cut into triangles. Carefully separate these triangles—this is important, as it ensures that the dough cooks evenly and creates that distinctive crescent shape.

Once separated, it's time to start rolling. Take each triangle and gently roll it up, starting from the wide, flat base and moving towards the narrow tip. This will give the rolls their iconic shape. Be careful not to roll the dough too tightly, as you want to allow room for the dough to expand and create a fluffy texture. A slightly loose roll will help ensure the centre cooks through and avoids any dense or raw spots.

After rolling, you can choose to curve the ends of the dough slightly to enhance the crescent shape. This step is optional, as some people prefer a more straight-sided roll.

Now your crescent rolls are shaped and ready to be placed in the air fryer basket! Remember to leave some space between each roll to allow for even cooking and expansion.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature to cook crescent rolls in an air fryer is between 330°F and 350°F. The rolls should be cooked for 5-7 minutes, but this may vary depending on the air fryer model and the desired texture. It is recommended to check on the crescent rolls after the first 4 minutes of cooking to ensure they are cooking evenly and to prevent burning. For a crispier texture, air fry for an additional 1-3 minutes.

When cooking crescent rolls in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the rolls are not overcrowded and have enough space to expand. Depending on the size of the air fryer, you may need to cook the rolls in batches. If cooking multiple batches, the subsequent batches will cook faster as the air fryer will already be preheated.

Additionally, it is recommended to spray the air fryer basket or racks with oil or use parchment paper to prevent the crescent rolls from sticking. However, some sources suggest avoiding parchment paper as it can restrict airflow and impact the cooking of the rolls.

Finally, it is important to note that air fryers can vary in terms of cooking performance, so it is advisable to test a small batch of crescent rolls first to determine the ideal temperature and timing for your specific air fryer.

Parchment paper vs air fryer basket

Parchment paper is a safe and effective liner to use in an air fryer. It is a convenient tool that can be used to keep your air fryer clean and your food delicious. It is also a more sustainable option than using aluminium foil.

Lining your air fryer basket with a round of parchment paper is a great way to prevent food from sticking to the basket and slashing the time it takes to clean up. Parchment paper can handle the heat inside your air fryer—up to 428°F (220°C). It is also non-stick, heat-resistant, and greaseproof.

However, it is important to take some precautions when using parchment paper in an air fryer. Firstly, always use food-grade parchment paper and check the maximum temperature restriction printed on the box. Parchment paper can be heated up to 450°F, but if your air fryer heats up to 500°F, it is best to avoid using it as it becomes a fire hazard.

Secondly, cut the parchment paper to fit the size of the bottom of your air fryer basket. It is recommended to cut it a bit smaller to allow for better air circulation, which is crucial for the optimal functioning of the air fryer. Perforating the paper can further assist in air circulation and allow grease to drain away from the food.

Lastly, do not preheat the air fryer with the parchment paper inside. Only add the parchment paper when you are ready to put the food in, ensuring it is weighed down by food to prevent it from flying about inside the basket and coming into contact with the heating element.

While parchment paper is a great option for lining your air fryer, an air fryer basket is also perfectly safe and effective to use on its own. It is important to note that the basket should not be sprayed with oil as this can add too much oil to the food and affect the crispiness of the final product.

In conclusion, both parchment paper and the air fryer basket itself are suitable options for air frying. Parchment paper offers the benefit of easy cleanup and preventing food from sticking, but it requires careful handling to avoid safety hazards. The air fryer basket, on the other hand, may require more cleanup but eliminates the risk associated with using paper in a high-heat environment.

Flavour and filling options

There are many ways to customise and fill crescent rolls. Here are some ideas for flavour and filling options:

Flavours

You can brush the crescent rolls with a mixture of melted butter and garlic powder before cooking to add flavour. Alternatively, you can brush them with butter after cooking to enhance the taste of the butter.

Fillings

You can fill crescent rolls with cheese to make cheese-stuffed crescent rolls. You can also fill them with pizza toppings to make pizza crescent rolls. For breakfast, you can make rolls with a savoury egg and sausage filling. For a sweet option, you can add some jam, honey or cinnamon sugar to your crescent rolls.

Storing and reheating leftover rolls

Storing leftover crescent rolls is simple. If you have leftover crescent roll dough, it is best to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to keep the dough fresh and prevent it from drying out. Label and date the container so you can keep track of how long it has been stored.

You can also freeze crescent roll dough for later use. Wrap the dough individually or in small batches with plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped dough in a freezer-safe container or bag and label it with the date. Frozen crescent roll dough can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

When you are ready to enjoy your leftover crescent rolls, you can eat them as they are or reheat them. If you have stored your leftover cooked crescent rolls in an airtight container, they will stay fresh for a few days at room temperature or 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for 1-2 minutes until they are hot and toasty again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven or toaster oven at 325°F for 5-10 minutes, wrapped in foil to prevent them from drying out.

Frequently asked questions