Air-Fryer Croissants: Timing For Perfect Results

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens for cooking croissants, with some recipes promising bakery-style results. The cooking time varies depending on the type of croissant and the model of the air fryer, but generally, it takes between 6 and 20 minutes to cook croissants in an air fryer.

How to cook croissants from frozen in an air fryer

Ingredients

Frozen croissants

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Chopping board (optional)
• Knife (optional)

Method

• Take your frozen croissants out of the freezer.
• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C/350°F for 2 minutes.
• Place the croissants in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between each one for the hot air to circulate.
• Cook for 12 minutes, checking on them at the 8-minute mark. If they are not golden brown after 12 minutes, return them to the air fryer for another minute or two.
• Enjoy!

Tips

• If you want to fill your croissants, air fry them for 1 minute first so that you can easily cut them in half.
• If you are making sweet croissants, toast them first and then add your fillings.
• If you are making savoury croissants with ham and cheese, layer the ham slices on the bottom half of the croissant, top with cheese, and then put the top back on before placing in the air fryer.
• If you want to reheat a ham and cheese croissant, it will take 3-5 minutes in the air fryer.

How to reheat croissants in an air fryer

Whether you're reviving a croissant from a weekend brunch or treating yourself to a ready-made one from your favourite bakery, reheating croissants in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and effective method that will make them taste just as good as when they were first baked.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is important as it ensures the croissants heat up quickly and evenly, helping to achieve that perfect texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Croissants

Place your croissants in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If they are whole, you can reheat them as they are. However, if they are large or have a filling (such as chocolate or almond paste), consider slicing them in half horizontally for even heating. Be sure to give them some space so that the hot air can circulate around each one, ensuring even reheating. If you're reheating multiple croissants, you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 3: Reheat the Croissants

Air fry the croissants for 2-5 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the croissants, the air fryer's brand and model, and your personal preference for crispiness. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. You want the croissants to be warm and crispy on the outside but not overly browned.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

After 2-5 minutes, check the croissants. They should be warm and have a crispy exterior. If they need more time, continue heating for an additional 30-60 seconds. Carefully remove the croissants from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a minute or two to avoid burning your mouth. Serve your warm and flaky croissants with your favourite accompaniments, such as butter, jam, or honey.

Tips:

• For extra flavour, you can lightly brush the croissants with melted butter before reheating.
• If you prefer softer croissants, consider wrapping them in foil before putting them in the air fryer.
• Experiment with the timing to achieve your desired level of crispiness. If you prefer them slightly softer, reduce the air fryer time by 30 seconds.
• Keep an eye on the croissants as they reheat to prevent overcooking, as air fryers vary in cooking times.

How to cook raw croissant dough in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Raw croissant dough
• Cooking spray (optional)
• Egg (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 170°C or 350°F.
• On a clean surface, unroll your croissant dough and cut along the perforated lines to create triangles.
• Starting from the shortest side, roll the pastry until you reach the pointy edge.
• Curve the ends to form a crescent shape.
• (Optional) Brush the croissants with an egg wash, milk, or melted butter for a golden colour.
• (Optional) Spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil spray.
• Place the croissants in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for the hot air to circulate.
• Set the air fryer to 180°C or 350°F and cook for 12 minutes, checking on them at the 8-minute mark. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

Tips:

• If you prefer your croissants with fillings, add your chosen ingredients to the dough before rolling.
• If you are cooking frozen croissants, you may need to increase the cooking time.

How to cook store-bought croissants in an air fryer

Air fryer croissants make a bakery-style breakfast in the comfort of your own home. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook store-bought croissants in an air fryer.

Ingredients

• Store-bought croissants (canned, frozen, or fresh)
• Cooking oil spray
• Filling of your choice (e.g. ham, cheese, chocolate, etc.)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 170°C or 350°F.
• Prepare your croissants by unrolling the dough and separating the triangles.
• If you want to add fillings, do so now. For example, you could add ham and cheese, or spread chocolate spread on the dough.
• Starting from the shortest side, roll the croissant pastry until you reach the pointy edge.
• Curve the ends until you have a crescent shape.
• Brush the croissants with egg wash, milk, or melted butter to give them a golden colour.
• Spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil spray.
• Place the croissants in a single layer, spaced apart, in the preheated air fryer.
• Air fry for 6-11 minutes at 300-350°F, depending on your air fryer and the type of croissant dough you are using. Check the croissants after 6 minutes to ensure they are cooking evenly.
• If you are cooking frozen croissants, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
• Enjoy your croissants warm from the air fryer!

Tips

• If you are cooking filled croissants, such as ham and cheese croissants, it will take around 2 minutes to cook.
• If you are using frozen croissants, air fry for 1 minute first so that you can easily cut them in half.
• If you are making sweet croissants, toast them first and then add the fillings.
• Croissants are best eaten on the day they are made, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your freshly cooked store-bought croissants from the air fryer!

How to cook filled croissants in an air fryer

Ingredients

Croissants (pre-made or frozen)

Filling of your choice (e.g. ham, cheese, chocolate spread, mozzarella sticks, etc.)

Oil spray (optional)

Egg wash, milk, or melted butter (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 170-180°C/350°F.
• Prepare your croissants by cutting them in half lengthways if they are pre-made, or by unrolling the dough and shaping it if using canned or frozen croissant dough.
• Fill your croissants with your chosen filling. If making savoury croissants, you may wish to add toppings such as cheese or herbs. For sweet croissants, try adding chocolate spread, fruit, or a dusting of icing sugar.
• Secure the tops of the croissants with a toothpick if necessary.
• Optional: brush the croissants with egg wash, milk, or melted butter for a golden colour.
• Place the croissants in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one to allow the hot air to circulate.
• Cook for 2 minutes for pre-made croissants, or 6-12 minutes for canned or frozen croissant dough, checking regularly to avoid burning.
• Allow to cool before serving.

Tips

• If using frozen croissants, air fry for 1 minute first to make it easier to cut them in half.
• For sweet croissants, add fillings after toasting.
• If you are reheating a filled croissant, it will take 3-5 minutes to heat through.

Frequently asked questions