Air Fryer Crescent Rolls: Can You?

You can definitely put crescent rolls in the air fryer! In fact, cooking crescent rolls in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare them. They can be ready in less than 10 minutes, and you don't need to preheat your air fryer before cooking them. The circulating hot air of the air fryer makes the canned crescent dough rise beautifully, resulting in a crispy, flaky texture on the outside and a warm and tender inside.

Air fryer crescent rolls: preparation and cooking

Air fryer crescent rolls are a quick and easy snack that can be served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are flaky, buttery, and pair well with many things.

Ingredients

You will need:

• 1 can of crescent rolls (preferably Pillsbury)
• Salt or sugar (optional)
• Olive oil cooking spray or coconut oil spray
• Melted butter (optional)

Preparation

• Pop open the can of crescent rolls and roll out the sheet of dough onto a cutting board.
• Separate the triangles of dough.
• Roll up each triangle into a crescent shape, starting with the long end and rolling towards the narrow point. Don't roll them too tightly, as you want the dough to be able to expand and cook through.
• Brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil or use air fryer parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can also use a silicone liner or a perforated parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Place the crescent rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other or the sides of the basket. Leave room for them to expand. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Cooking

• Set the air fryer to 330°F/165°C or 350°F and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through. Check on them after 4-6 minutes, as air fryers can vary in the amount of heat they emit.
• If desired, brush the cooked crescent rolls with melted butter or serve with butter and jam.

Tips

• If you want to add some extra flavor, brush the crescent rolls with a mixture of melted butter and garlic powder before cooking.
• If you are cooking multiple batches, you may need to reduce the timing by a few minutes as the air fryer will already be preheated.
• If your crescent rolls are browning too quickly or burning, try lowering the temperature or reducing the cooking time.
• If they are still slightly raw in the middle, keep them in the closed air fryer after turning it off. The residual heat will help to cook the centers through.

Enjoy your air fryer crescent rolls!

Crescent rolls vs croissants

Yes, you can cook crescent rolls in an air fryer. They take less than 10 minutes to cook and are ready to serve immediately.

Crescent Rolls vs. Croissants

Despite their similar crescent shapes, crescent rolls and croissants are distinct types of baked goods with different histories, ingredients, and culinary uses.

Crescent rolls are a simplified, American invention developed in the 1960s by Pillsbury. They are designed to be convenient and quick to prepare, often using quick-rise yeast doughs that don't require extensive chilling and folding. Crescent rolls have a more bread-like texture and a subtler butter flavour, as they are usually made with fewer layers and less butter. They are typically served alongside holiday dinners and can be modified to include various creative fillings, such as brie and jam or bacon.

On the other hand, croissants are a labour-intensive pastry with roots in French cuisine. The preparation process is intricate and time-consuming, requiring the dough to be chilled between folds to maintain the butter's texture, ensuring the pastry's signature flakiness. Croissants boast a rich, buttery flavour and a flaky, airy texture due to the lamination process, which involves folding butter into the dough multiple times to create hundreds of layers. They are typically served as an early morning pastry as part of a classic French breakfast, often accompanied by espresso or an assortment of rich cheeses.

While both crescent rolls and croissants may be enjoyed for breakfast or brunch, crescent rolls are more commonly served as a dinner component, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving. Croissants, being a richer pastry, are almost exclusively served as a breakfast or brunch treat.

Serving suggestions

Crescent rolls are a versatile dish that can be served at any time of the day. Here are some serving suggestions for your air-fried crescent rolls:

Breakfast

For breakfast, you can make a savoury egg and sausage roll sandwich or serve them with a simple side of butter, jam, or honey. You can also add a sweet touch with cinnamon honey butter or some homemade strawberry butter.

Lunch

For lunch, serve your crescent rolls with air-fried green beans and bacon, or air fryer honey dijon salmon.

Dinner

Crescent rolls are perfect as a dinner roll and go well with almost any meal, especially soup or stew. You can also serve them with Tuscan chicken soup, air fryer panko chicken, or Instant Pot Chili. They also pair well with harissa butter.

Snacks

Crescent rolls are perfect for a quick and easy snack.

Customisation

You can also customise your crescent rolls by stuffing them with cheese or pizza toppings. For an extra flavour boost, brush the crescent rolls with a mixture of melted butter and garlic powder before cooking.

Storing crescent rolls

Storing Unopened Crescent Rolls:

• Check the Expiration Date: Always check the expiration date on the package before storing. Choose a package with a longer expiration date to ensure freshness.
• Keep Them in a Cool, Dry Place: Store the unopened package in a cool and dry area of your pantry or kitchen cabinet. Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture, as these can negatively impact the quality of the crescent rolls.
• Avoid Crushing the Package: Ensure that the package is stored in a way that prevents it from being crushed or squished. Place it upright or lay it flat in an undisturbed area.

Storing Opened Crescent Rolls:

• Wrap Tightly: If you have an opened package, take out the desired number of crescent rolls and then tightly wrap the remaining rolls with plastic wrap or foil. This prevents air and moisture from affecting the dough.
• Store in an Airtight Container: Place the wrapped crescent rolls in an airtight container, such as a resealable plastic bag or an airtight food storage container. This extra protection helps keep the dough fresh.
• Label and Date the Container: Label the container with the date you opened the package. This helps you keep track of how long the crescent rolls have been stored and ensures you consume them within the recommended timeframe.
• Refrigerate: Once sealed and stored in an airtight container, place the opened package in the refrigerator as soon as possible. The colder temperature slows down bacterial growth, keeping the crescent rolls fresh for a few days.

Storing Baked Crescent Rolls:

Leftover baked crescent rolls can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out. They should last for 3-4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.

Air fryer accessories

Air fryers are a convenient way to make a variety of dishes without having to heat up your entire oven. They are also versatile and can be used to cook everything from frozen foods to canned dough.

When it comes to air fryer accessories, there are several options available to make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable. Here are some of the most common and useful accessories:

• Air Fryer Liners: These are essential for easy cleanup after air frying. They come in various materials, including paper and silicone, and are designed to fit the baskets of specific air fryer models. Some liners are disposable, while others are reusable. Perforated parchment paper liners are recommended for optimal airflow during cooking.
• Air Fryer Baskets: These baskets are designed to fit inside your air fryer and are perfect for cooking crispy foods. Some baskets come in sets of two, with different sizes for cooking various portion sizes.
• Air Fryer Racks: Racks are great for stacking multiple layers of food inside your air fryer, maximizing the cooking space. They are often sold in sets, with dividers for different food items.
• Air Fryer Pans: These are similar to baskets but typically have a flat surface, making them ideal for baking cakes, pizzas, or other foods that require a solid base.
• Oil Sprayers: Oil sprayers or dispensers are handy for adding a controlled amount of oil to your food before air frying. Some sprayers are designed specifically for olive oil, while others can be used with various oils or liquids.
• Air Fryer Cookbooks: If you're looking for inspiration, there are cookbooks designed specifically for air fryer recipes, including snacks, side dishes, and main courses.
• Accessories Sets: These sets typically include a variety of accessories such as cake and pizza pans, metal holders, racks, skewers, and silicone liners, providing you with everything you need to get started with your air fryer.

These accessories can enhance your air frying experience, making it easier to cook a variety of dishes and clean up afterward.

Frequently asked questions