Air Fryer Croissants

There are few culinary pleasures as universally adored as the croissant. Golden, flaky, buttery, and impossibly light, this iconic French pastry is a testament to the beauty of patience and precision. Traditionally, crafting croissants from scratch is considered a labor of love—requiring hours, if not days, of meticulous folding, resting, and chilling to coax layers of dough and butter into airy perfection. For many home bakers, it’s a challenge that borders on intimidating.

But what if you could enjoy all the decadence of a warm, fresh croissant without dedicating an entire weekend to lamination? What if a flaky, golden croissant could go from fridge to plate in under 15 minutes?

Enter the air fryer.

In recent years, air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, bringing speed, convenience, and a surprising level of crispiness to everything from French fries to chicken wings—and now, croissants. Whether you’re reheating store-bought croissants, baking raw dough, or creating filled variations like chocolate or almond, the air fryer offers a fast, efficient, and shockingly effective method to achieve that perfect bakery-style texture in your own kitchen.

The appeal of Air Fryer Croissants lies not just in their speed, but in their accessibility. You don’t need a commercial oven, a pastry chef’s toolkit, or even any real baking experience. With just a few ingredients and some smart technique, you can achieve that light, buttery interior and crisp, flaky crust using a countertop appliance that’s already likely in your kitchen.

But make no mistake—while this shortcut embraces modern tech, it doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture. In fact, the intense heat circulation of an air fryer mimics the effect of a professional convection oven, giving croissants that essential exterior crunch and even bake throughout. Whether you’re starting from refrigerated crescent roll dough, frozen pastries, or homemade laminated dough, the air fryer transforms croissant baking from a complicated affair into an easy, everyday treat.

Alongside expert tips and techniques, we’ll also include variations, troubleshooting guides, nutritional insights, and even creative ways to use leftover croissants (think: air fryer croissant bread pudding or croissant French toast).

Whether you’re a busy parent, a brunch enthusiast, or a curious home baker experimenting with your air fryer, this guide will help you bring a little Parisian flair to your morning routine—without the jet lag or the stress.

So grab your air fryer basket, prep your pastry, and let’s turn one of the most luxurious baked goods on Earth into an everyday indulgence. Fresh, warm croissants are just minutes away—and you don’t even have to preheat your oven.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Air Fryer Croissants

Method 1: Using Store-Bought Crescent Dough

This is the quickest and most beginner-friendly option. Ideal for a fast breakfast or snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated crescent dough (like Pillsbury)

• Optional: fillings like chocolate chips, jam, almond paste, Nutella, ham & cheese

• Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water or cream)

Tools:

• Air fryer (basket or oven-style)

• Pastry brush

• Parchment paper or silicone air fryer liner (optional)

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Temperature: 325°F (165°C)
Time: 2–3 minutes

Some air fryers don’t require preheating, but doing so improves flakiness and even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. Unroll crescent dough on a clean surface.

2. Separate triangles along perforated lines.

3. (Optional) Add 1 tsp of filling at the wide end (e.g., chocolate, jam, almond paste).

4. Roll tightly from wide end to point, tucking in any filling.

For a more authentic croissant shape, slightly stretch the triangle before rolling.

Step 3: Apply Egg Wash

Brush each croissant lightly with the egg wash to promote golden color and a glossy finish.

Step 4: Place in Air Fryer

• Line air fryer basket with parchment or silicone liner.

• Arrange croissants 1 inch apart (they will puff).

Step 5: Air Fry

Temperature: 325°F (165°C)
Time: 8–10 minutes

• Check after 7 minutes.

• Croissants are done when golden brown and cooked through.

Tip: All air fryers cook differently. If undercooked in the center, reduce temp to 300°F and cook 2–3 more minutes.

Method 2: Using Frozen Croissants

You can air fry both pre-baked frozen croissants (e.g. from Costco, Trader Joe’s) and unbaked frozen croissants (like Dufour or proof-and-bake types).

Option A: Pre-Baked Frozen Croissants

Best for: Reheating bakery-style croissants

Prep Time: 0 min
Cook Time: 5–6 min

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 300°F (150°C).

2. Place croissants in the basket (no overlap).

3. Air fry for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.

4. Rest 2 minutes before eating (hot inside!).

Tip: Brush with butter or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.

Option B: Unbaked Frozen Croissants (Raw Dough)

Best for: Bakery-quality texture

Prep Time: 1–3 hours (proofing)
Cook Time: 12–15 min

Instructions:

1. Proof the croissants first: Let sit at room temp (75–80°F) on a parchment-lined tray for 1–3 hours until doubled in size.

2. Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C).

3. Brush with egg wash.

4. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown.

Tip: If croissants are browning too fast but still raw inside, reduce heat to 300°F and cook longer.

Method 3: Homemade Croissant Dough in Air Fryer

This method delivers the best texture and taste but requires patience and attention to detail.

Dough Ingredients (Basic Laminated Dough):

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast

• ¼ cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• ⅓ cup sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup cold butter (for laminating)

• ½ cup whole milk (cold)

• 1 egg

• Egg wash for baking

Dough Prep Summary:

1. Mix dough and chill for 30 minutes.

2. Roll out and laminate with butter (3–4 folds).

3. Chill between each fold (30 min).

4. Final roll to ¼” thickness, cut into triangles.

5. Roll into croissant shape. Place on tray.

6. Proof for 1–2 hours until puffy and jiggly.

Total prep: 4–5 hours (can do in stages or overnight).

Cooking Homemade Croissants in Air Fryer:

1. Preheat to 320°F (160°C).

2. Carefully place croissants in the basket (do not deflate).

3. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, checking for even browning.

4. If over-browning, tent with foil and continue.

Optional Fillings & Flavor Variations

Add before rolling:

• Chocolate: 1–2 tsp dark chocolate chips

• Almond: Almond paste + sliced almonds

• Ham & Cheese: Thin ham + Swiss or Gruyère

• Cinnamon Sugar: Brush inside with butter + cinnamon/erythritol

• Savory Herb: Garlic butter + parmesan + Italian herbs

Tip: Seal edges gently to keep fillings inside while cooking.

Serving

Serving Ideas:

• With butter and keto jam

• Drizzled with sugar-free glaze

• Sliced and used for sandwiches

• Croissant French toast