Air-Fryer Pillsbury Croissants: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making Pillsbury croissants in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that can be done in less than 15 minutes. The air fryer's circulating hot air makes the canned crescent dough rise beautifully, resulting in a crispy, flaky exterior and a warm, tender interior. It is important to note that the exact cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the specific air fryer model, but generally, cooking at 300-360 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-11 minutes should yield the best results.

How to get the best texture

To get the best texture for your Pillsbury croissants in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important not to roll the crescent dough too tightly. Rolling them slightly loose allows the dough to expand and cook evenly, resulting in fluffy croissants instead of dense, raw centres. Make sure to follow the package instructions when rolling them up, starting from the widest part to the smallest.

Another tip to ensure optimal texture is to spray the air fryer basket or racks with oil or use air fryer parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can also use foil, but be sure to roll up the sides to allow for proper air circulation. Avoid using parchment paper if possible, as it can restrict airflow and hinder the cooking process.

When placing the croissants in the air fryer, ensure they are in a single layer and spaced out with room to rise and expand. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

The cooking time and temperature can vary depending on your air fryer, but generally, cooking them at around 300°F to 360°F for 5 to 11 minutes should do the trick. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn, and adjust the timing as needed. For a crispier texture, aim for a golden brown colour on the outside.

Lastly, if you want to add a little extra flavour, you can brush some butter on top of the croissants after they are finished cooking. This will enhance the taste and give them a glossy finish.

Filling options

The beauty of croissants is their versatility—they can be filled with sweet or savoury fillings, or even a combination of both. Here are some ideas for filling options to try with your Pillsbury croissants cooked in the air fryer:

Savoury fillings

• Ham and cheese
• Gruyère, fig and prosciutto
• Hot dogs
• Bacon
• Chicken parmesan
• Meatballs
• Pepperoni and mozzarella
• Pesto
• Caramelised onion and goat cheese
• Feta and spinach
• Sausage
• Scrambled egg
• Chicken parmigiana

Sweet fillings

• Chocolate
• Chocolate hazelnut spread
• Lemon curd
• Pumpkin pie filling
• Ice cream
• Apple slices coated in cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg
• Peanut butter cups
• Pecan pie filling
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Fresh berries
• Bananas, peaches, or strawberries with Nutella
• Jam and brie
• Cinnamon, pecans, brown sugar, powdered sugar, and butter
• Almond paste
• Honey
• Blackberries

Tips for preparing your croissants

• When preparing the crescent shape, don't roll the dough too tightly. It's best to roll them slightly loose so the dough can expand and cook through, resulting in fluffy rolls.
• Brush a little butter on top of the croissants after they are finished cooking to enhance the butter flavour.
• If you want to add a sweet crunch to your croissants, sprinkle on some chopped nuts and/or dried fruits before baking.

How to avoid burning

To avoid burning your croissants in the air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to not roll the crescent dough too tightly. Rolling them slightly loose allows the dough to expand and cook through evenly, resulting in fluffy rolls instead of dense, raw centres. Additionally, ensure that the air fryer basket or racks are sprayed with oil to prevent sticking. You can also brush a little butter on top of the croissants, but only after they have finished cooking.

Another crucial tip is to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Space out the croissants in a single layer, allowing room for them to rise and expand. This ensures that the hot air can circulate evenly around each croissant, cooking them through without burning. It is recommended to cook them slightly more golden brown on the outside to ensure they are cooked all the way through.

Furthermore, keep a close eye on the croissants as they cook, especially if they are smaller or already brown. Croissants can go from perfectly warm to overcooked very quickly. Checking them halfway through the cooking time and adjusting as needed will help prevent burning. If your croissants are still slightly raw in the centre, you can turn off the air fryer and let them sit in the residual heat of the closed air fryer to finish cooking.

How to store leftovers

If you have leftover Pillsbury croissants, there are several ways to store them to enjoy at a later time.

Firstly, if you plan on consuming them within 12 hours, you can keep them in a paper bag to maintain crispness. Alternatively, you can wrap them in aluminium foil or cling wrap to prevent them from drying out. It is important to wrap each croissant individually to reduce the chances of air entering the empty spaces between them.

If you are not planning to consume the croissants within 12 hours, it is recommended to store them in the refrigerator, especially if they contain custard or other fillings.

For longer-term storage, place the wrapped croissants in their original pastry box, an airtight container, or a ziplock bag, and store them in the freezer. This will ensure the croissants remain fresh for up to a week.

When you are ready to enjoy your leftover croissants, it is best to heat them up before consuming them. Preheat your oven to 160 degrees Celsius and leave the croissants wrapped as they thaw. Then, heat them for 5 to 6 minutes to achieve a crispy and flaky texture.

It is important to note that different pastries require different heating methods. Avoid microwaving croissants as they can become soggy. Instead, wrap them in aluminium foil and heat them in the oven to produce steam, allowing the interior to reabsorb moisture.

Remember to always allow fresh pastries to cool to room temperature before wrapping and storing them to prevent condensation and sogginess.

What to serve with croissants

There are many different ways to serve croissants, and they can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Here are some ideas for what to serve with croissants, whether you're looking for sweet or savoury options:

Savoury Options:

• Ham and cheese sandwiches
• Chicken salad sandwiches
• Chicken parmesan sandwiches
• Meatball sandwiches
• Bacon sandwiches
• Sausage sandwiches
• Egg sandwiches
• Spinach and feta sandwiches
• Brie and jam sandwiches
• Peanut butter cups

Sweet Options:

• Butter and jam
• Honey
• Chocolate and nuts
• Ice cream
• Apple pie filling
• Cinnamon and sugar
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Berries and honey
• Banana, peaches, or strawberries with Nutella
• Pumpkin pie filling
• Oreo crumble

Other Ideas:

If you're looking for something more substantial, croissants can also be served as a side dish with dinner or as a breakfast sandwich. For example, you can make breakfast sandwiches with eggs and sausage, or serve them with simple sides of butter and jam.

Frequently asked questions