Air-Fryer Crescents: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Yes, you can make Pillsbury crescent rolls in an air fryer. They turn out irresistibly golden on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The circulating hot air of the air fryer makes the canned crescent dough rise beautifully, giving it a crispy, flaky texture on the outside and a warm and tender texture on the inside. The best part is that it only takes about 10 minutes to make them in the air fryer!

How to make Pillsbury crescents in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Rolls (8 Count)
• Optional fillings of your choice (e.g. ham, cheese, bacon, cream cheese)

Method:

• Cut an 8-inch round piece of cooking parchment paper and place it in the bottom of your air fryer basket.
• Unroll the dough and separate it into triangles.
• If desired, place your fillings of choice onto each triangle. For example, you could place one piece of ham and two strips of cheese on each triangle, or spread 2 teaspoons of cream cheese and top with two bacon halves.
• Roll up each crescent, starting at the shortest side and rolling towards the tip of the triangle.
• Place 3-4 crescents on the parchment paper in your air fryer basket, with the point sides down. Make sure to space them apart.
• Set your air fryer to 325-330°F and cook for 6-7 minutes.
• Using tongs, turn over each crescent and cook for another 2-4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Repeat the process with the remaining crescents.
• Serve warm, with butter and jam if desired.

Tips:

• You can use other brands of crescent rolls, such as Annie's or Immaculate.
• It is not recommended to preheat your air fryer.
• You can brush the air fryer basket with oil or use parchment paper to prevent sticking. However, avoid using cooking spray as this can make the crescents less crispy.
• Check your crescents regularly to ensure they don't burn. All air fryers cook differently, so start checking around the 5-minute mark.
• If you are cooking multiple batches, you may need to reduce the timing by a few minutes.
• Don't roll the crescent dough too tightly, as this can prevent the dough from expanding and cooking through.

Storage:

• Leftover crescent rolls can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes until hot and toasty!

Tips for making Pillsbury crescents in the air fryer

Air fryer Pillsbury crescents are a quick, easy, and tasty treat that can be served at any time of the day. Here are some tips to ensure they come out perfect:

Preparation:

Before you start, ensure you have the right equipment. You will need an air fryer, of course, and either a silicone liner or parchment paper. It is not recommended to spray the air fryer basket with oil, as this can make the crescents less crispy.

Now, onto the food! You will need a can of Pillsbury crescent rolls. Other brands will work, but Pillsbury is a tried and tested option. You can also add some butter, salt, or sugar to taste.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Do not skip this step, as it is important for ensuring the crescents cook evenly. While the air fryer is heating up, roll out the dough and separate the triangles. Starting at the wide end, roll the dough down to the point, and then slightly curl the ends into a crescent shape.

Place the crescents in the air fryer basket, leaving room for them to expand. You may need to cook them in batches. Set the air fryer to 330°F and cook for 5-7 minutes, checking at the 4-minute mark. They are done when they are golden brown and firm.

Serving:

You can brush the crescents with melted butter, or serve them as-is with butter and jam. They are best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Troubleshooting:

If your crescents are browning too quickly, try turning them over partway through the cooking process. If they are still raw in the middle, leave them in the closed air fryer after turning it off, and let the residual heat finish cooking the centres.

How to store Pillsbury crescents after making them in the air fryer

Yes, you can make Pillsbury crescent rolls in an air fryer! Here's how to store them after cooking:

Storing leftover Pillsbury crescent rolls is simple and allows you to enjoy these delicious treats for a few days after cooking. You can store the leftover crescents at room temperature or in the fridge, depending on your preference. Here are the steps to follow:

• Let the crescent rolls cool down to room temperature after cooking.
• Place the rolls in an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the rolls from drying out or absorbing other odours.
• Store the airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. At room temperature, the crescents will last for up to 3-4 days. If you choose to refrigerate them, they can last for about a day or two.
• If you want to enjoy the crescents after a more extended period, you can freeze them. Wrap the rolls securely in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. This way, they can retain their quality for several months.
• When you're ready to enjoy the frozen crescents, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, and they'll be ready to eat the next day!

By following these steps, you can ensure that your leftover Pillsbury crescent rolls stay fresh and tasty, allowing you to savour them for a few more days.

What to serve with Pillsbury crescents

So, you've made your Pillsbury crescent rolls in the air fryer, but what to serve with them? The great news is that these rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served at any time of day. Here are some mouth-watering suggestions to accompany your air-fried crescents.

For breakfast, Pillsbury crescents can be served with some homemade strawberry butter, or you could go for a savoury option and make egg and sausage roll sandwiches. For a quick and easy snack, try them with some butter and jam, or even a drizzle of honey.

If you're serving them for lunch, air-fried green beans and bacon, or honey dijon salmon are tasty, healthy options. You could also make ham and cheese roll sandwiches.

For dinner, these rolls can be served as a side to a variety of dishes, such as Tuscan chicken soup, panko chicken, or Instant Pot Chili. They're also delicious with harissa butter.

And don't forget, you can adapt these suggestions to your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Bon appétit!

What are the benefits of cooking Pillsbury crescents in the air fryer?

There are several benefits to cooking Pillsbury crescents in an air fryer. Firstly, it is quick and easy, with a total cook time of around 10 minutes, including prep time. This is much faster than cooking them in an oven. There is also no need to preheat the air fryer, which saves even more time.

Another benefit is that air fryers do not heat up your kitchen, which is especially useful during the summer months. Air-fried Pillsbury crescents are also reported to turn out irresistibly golden, crispy, and flaky on the outside, with a soft, warm, and fluffy inside. They are versatile and can be served with breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Additionally, air fryers are essentially convection ovens, so they are great for baked goods. They can be very convenient when you need to use the oven for something else.

Finally, air fryers can help you achieve the perfect level of doneness without burning the crescents, as you can easily adjust the temperature and cooking time to suit your preferences.

Frequently asked questions