Air Fryer Croissants are buttery, flaky, and golden on the outside with soft, tender layers inside. Making them in the air fryer is a convenient way to enjoy a warm, bakery-style breakfast without turning on the oven.
This easy version uses refrigerated crescent roll dough, so there’s no need to prepare or laminate pastry from scratch. Ready in about 22 minutes, these croissants are lovely served warm with butter, jam, honey, or your favorite breakfast fillings.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Croissants
- Quick preparation: Refrigerated crescent dough makes this recipe much faster than traditional homemade croissants.
- No oven needed: The air fryer is a convenient option for preparing a small batch.
- Simple ingredients: You only need a package of dough and a few basic ingredients for the finish.
- Easy to shape: The pre-cut triangles make rolling the croissants straightforward.
- Customizable sweetness: Add the optional sugar and vanilla for a slightly sweeter finish, or leave them out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: One 8-ounce package provides eight ready-to-shape triangles. This is a shortcut version rather than traditional laminated croissant pastry.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps the outside develop a buttery finish.
- Egg and milk: Whisked together, these ingredients form an egg wash that helps the croissants turn golden.
- Granulated sugar: This is optional and adds a little sweetness to the butter coating.
- Vanilla extract: A small amount gives the optional sweetened butter a warm aroma.
Chef’s Tip: Keep the crescent dough chilled until you’re ready to shape it. Cold dough is easier to handle and less likely to become sticky while rolling.
Air Fryer Croissants Recipe
Air Fryer Croissants are buttery, flaky, and golden on the outside with soft, tender layers inside. Making croissants in the air fryer is a convenient way to enjoy a warm bakery-style breakfast without turning on the oven.This easy recipe uses refrigerated crescent dough for a quicker homemade version that requires minimal preparation. Serve the croissants warm with butter, jam, honey, or your favorite breakfast fillings for a simple morning treat.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Measuring spoons
- Parchment paper suitable for air fryers (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough 8 ounces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar optional
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Remove the refrigerated crescent dough from its packaging and unroll it onto a clean surface. Separate the dough along the perforated lines into 8 triangles. Keep the dough chilled until you are ready to shape it so it remains easy to handle.
- Shape the Croissants: Starting at the wide end of each triangle, gently roll the dough toward the pointed tip. Place the pointed end underneath and curve the edges slightly inward to create a crescent shape.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until smooth. This mixture will help the croissants develop a golden surface during cooking.
- Brush with Butter: Lightly brush each shaped croissant with melted butter. If you prefer a slightly sweeter finish, mix the granulated sugar and vanilla extract into the melted butter before brushing.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 320°F for about 3 minutes, if your model requires preheating. Lightly grease the basket or use an air fryer-safe parchment liner.
- Arrange the Croissants: Place the croissants in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for expansion. Brush the tops lightly with egg wash. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air Fry Until Golden: Air fry at 320°F for 8–12 minutes, checking around the 8-minute mark. Cook until the croissants are puffed and golden brown. Cooking time may vary depending on their size and your air fryer model.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the croissants from the basket and let them rest for 2–3 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm with your favorite spreads.
Notes
- Avoid overcrowding: Leave enough room between the croissants so hot air can circulate and the dough can expand.
- Check early: Air fryers vary in temperature and airflow, so check the croissants before the suggested cooking time ends.
- Adjust the sweetness: Skip the sugar and vanilla for a more traditional buttery flavor.
- Storage: Store cooled croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm them in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes to refresh the flaky texture.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Easy Croissant Variations
- Chocolate Croissants: Place a few chocolate chips or a small piece of chocolate near the wide end of each triangle before rolling.
- Cinnamon Sugar Croissants: Mix cinnamon with the optional granulated sugar and sprinkle a little over the buttered dough.
- Almond Croissants: Add a small amount of almond filling before rolling and sprinkle sliced almonds on top after brushing with egg wash.
- Cheese Croissants: Place a little shredded cheese inside each triangle for a savory breakfast option.
- Garlic Butter Croissants: Replace the sweetened butter mixture with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and dried herbs.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Croissants
- Christmas Sweet Potato And Beetroot Tikki Recipe
- Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe
- Cranberry Bread Recipe
- Fathead Pizza Dough Recipe
- Keto Pita Bread Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use crescent roll dough instead of croissant dough?
Yes. This recipe is specifically designed for refrigerated crescent roll dough. It gives you a quick croissant-shaped pastry, although the texture and layers differ from traditional croissants made with laminated dough. - Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating is optional if your air fryer does not require it. If your model recommends preheating, set it to 320°F for about 3 minutes before adding the croissants. - Can I make these croissants without egg wash?
Yes. You can skip the egg wash, although the tops may not develop the same golden finish. A little melted butter can still help with browning. - Why are my air fryer croissants doughy inside?
They may need more cooking time, or the basket may be overcrowded. Check the centers and continue cooking in short intervals until the dough is cooked through. - Can I make these croissants savory?
Yes. Skip the optional sugar and vanilla, then add cheese, garlic butter, or dried herbs for a savory version. - Can I cook frozen crescent dough in the air fryer?
Thaw the dough according to the package instructions before shaping. This helps the triangles separate and roll evenly. - How do I keep croissants from browning too quickly?
Use the recommended 320°F setting and check them early. If the outside is browning before the centers are baked, adjust the temperature or cooking time according to your air fryer.
