Air-Fried Chocolate Croissants: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Making chocolate croissants in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that delivers mouth-watering pastries. Requiring just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack with your coffee. The air fryer's efficiency ensures evenly baked, golden croissants with a melted chocolate centre, without the hassle of preheating an oven.

Choosing the right chocolate

Type of Chocolate

You can use dark, milk, semi-sweet, or bittersweet chocolate for your croissants. The choice depends on your preference for sweetness and intensity. Dark or bittersweet chocolate will give a more intense, rich flavour, while milk or semi-sweet chocolate will result in a milder, sweeter taste.

Quality

It is recommended to use high-quality chocolate to achieve a rich and indulgent filling. Look for good-quality chocolate chips or bars. The better the quality, the better your croissants will taste.

Brand

While you can use any brand of chocolate, some brands are specifically mentioned for their convenience and taste. Ghirardelli chocolate, for instance, is known for its thin bars that can be easily sliced and neatly fit inside croissant dough. The thinness of their baking bars also allows for a better melt when the croissants are baked.

Quantity

It is important not to overfill your croissants with too much chocolate, as this can cause leakage during the baking process. A small amount of chocolate at the broader end of each dough triangle should be enough. You can use a few chocolate chips or a small piece of a chocolate bar.

Combinations

If you want to get creative, you can combine different types of chocolate or add other complementary fillings. You could use a combination of dark and milk chocolate or even add a teaspoon of almond paste, a dollop of Nutella, or a sprinkle of cinnamon with the chocolate for unique flavour profiles.

Remember, the key to a delicious chocolate croissant is finding the right balance between the chocolate and the flaky pastry. By choosing the right type, quality, and quantity of chocolate, you can create a decadent and indulgent treat that will impress your taste buds and your guests!

Preparing the croissant dough

Once you have your dough, roll it out on a clean surface. If you're using store-bought dough, it will likely come pre-rolled and separated into triangles. If you're using homemade dough, you'll need to cut it into triangles. The number of triangles you'll need depends on how many croissants you want to make, but a standard batch usually yields 8 croissants.

After you've prepared your dough, it's time to add the chocolate. Place a small amount of chocolate, either in chip form or a small piece of a chocolate bar, at the broader end of each dough triangle. You can also add a teaspoon of Nutella for an extra indulgent treat. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the chocolate to leak out during the cooking process.

Now it's time to roll your croissants. Carefully roll the dough from the chocolate-loaded wider end towards the pointed end. Ensure you roll tightly enough to keep the chocolate enclosed, but not so tight that the dough tears. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a teaspoon of almond paste for an extra flavour boost.

Before placing your croissants in the air fryer, you can give them an egg wash for a golden, shiny finish. Simply beat an egg in a small bowl and lightly brush it over the top of each croissant. Alternatively, you can brush them with plant-based milk for a vegan option.

Rolling the croissants

Start by laying out the croissant dough on a clean surface. If you're using pre-rolled dough, unroll it and separate the triangles. If you're using homemade dough, roll it out and cut it into triangles. Place a small amount of chocolate at the broader end of each dough triangle. You can use a few chocolate chips or a small piece of a chocolate bar, depending on your preference.

The rolling technique is key. Carefully roll the dough from the chocolate-loaded wider end towards the pointed end. It's important to roll tightly enough to keep the chocolate enclosed, but not too tight to avoid tearing the dough. Make sure the chocolate is securely enclosed to prevent it from leaking out during cooking. Shape the rolled dough into a crescent shape by slightly bending it.

If you want to add a shiny, golden finish to your croissants, you can apply an egg wash before rolling. Beat an egg in a small bowl and lightly brush it on top of each croissant. This step is optional but will give your croissants a beautiful appearance.

Once you've rolled and shaped all your croissants, they're ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked to perfection! Remember to leave some space between each croissant in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

Air frying the croissants

Air-frying the croissants is a quick and easy process. It is important to ensure your air fryer is clean and lightly greased to prevent sticking, although most modern air fryers have non-stick surfaces. You should also avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, placing the croissants in a single layer with some space between each one to allow for even cooking and ensure they become crispy and golden. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the croissants in batches.

First, preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). This temperature allows the croissants to cook thoroughly without burning. You can then prepare the croissants by unrolling the crescent roll sheet and dividing the dough into triangles. Place a small amount of chocolate, either a few chocolate chips or a small piece of a chocolate bar, at the broader end of each dough triangle. You can also add a teaspoon of Nutella for an extra chocolatey treat. Carefully roll the dough from the chocolate-loaded wider end towards the pointed end, ensuring the chocolate is completely enclosed. You can also brush the croissants with an egg wash of beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish, or a light brush of plant-based milk for a vegan option.

Once your croissants are prepared, spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Place the unbaked croissants in the basket, leaving space between each for air circulation. Set the cook time for 8-10 minutes, or until the croissants are puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as air fryer temperatures can vary.

Once the croissants are done, let them cool for a few minutes, as the chocolate inside will be very hot. You can then serve them warm, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a sweet, decorative touch.

Storing and reheating the croissants

Storing and reheating chocolate croissants is a great way to keep them tasting fresh and delicious. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you store and reheat your chocolate croissants made in an air fryer:

Storing Chocolate Croissants:

• Room Temperature Storage: Chocolate croissants can be stored at room temperature for up to two days. Keep them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. This will help maintain their texture and freshness.
• Refrigerator Storage: If you want to extend the shelf life of your chocolate croissants, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about a week when refrigerated.
• Freezer Storage: For longer storage, freeze your chocolate croissants. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a resealable freezer bag. Frozen croissants can be stored for up to three months.

Reheating Chocolate Croissants:

• Air Fryer Reheating: The air fryer is an excellent option for reheating your chocolate croissants. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the croissants in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Reheat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your croissants. Enjoy your croissants immediately after reheating for the best taste and texture.
• Microwave Reheating: If you're short on time, you can use the microwave to reheat your chocolate croissants. Place the croissant on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent dryness. Start with 20 seconds on low power and increase the time in 10-second bursts if needed. Keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the croissants on a baking sheet, spaced out to ensure even heating. Reheat for about 5-7 minutes for room temperature or stale croissants, and a few extra minutes for frozen ones.
• Toaster Oven Reheating: Wrap your croissant in aluminum foil and preheat your toaster oven to 350°F. Reheat for about 10 minutes for room temperature or stale croissants, and 15-20 minutes for frozen ones.

Some additional tips for storing and reheating:

• When reheating, avoid overcrowding the croissants to ensure even heating and maintain their crispy texture.
• If you're reheating frozen croissants, let them thaw at room temperature before reheating.
• Always monitor your croissants during the reheating process to prevent overcooking or burning.
• For an extra special treat, add a little chocolate spread, fruit jam, or a sprinkle of cinnamon or sugar before reheating.

Frequently asked questions