Save My daughter discovered these on a Sunday morning when she was experimenting with the air fryer. The house filled with this incredible chocolate smell that had us all gathering in the kitchen before they were even done.
Last winter when my sister came over to help me sort through old photo albums, I made a batch of these. We ended up taking a three hour chocolate break, laughing with powdered sugar on our noses and completely abandoning the photos.
Ingredients
- 4 store bought croissants: Day old croissants actually work beautifully here because the air fryer revives them completely
- 1/2 cup Nutella: Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes so it spreads easily without tearing the croissants
- 2 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts or powdered sugar: This optional garnish makes them look fancy but the real star is that molten center
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it fully heat up while you prep the croissants for even cooking
- Prep the croissants:
- Slice each one horizontally without cutting all the way through creating a hinge that keeps all that chocolate contained
- Fill with Nutella:
- Spread about 2 tablespoons inside each croissant then gently press the top down so the chocolate stays put
- Arrange and cook:
- Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and irresistible
- Finish and serve:
- Remove carefully with touts and immediately sprinkle with hazelnuts or powdered sugar while still warm
Save These became my go to when friends drop by unexpectedly because they look impressive but take literally minutes. Theres something about warm chocolate pastry that makes people slow down and stay a while.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I tuck sliced bananas or strawberries inside before air frying. The fruit gets warm and jammy creating this incredible contrast with the rich chocolate. Fresh raspberries work too if you want something tart to cut through the sweetness.
No Air Fryer No Problem
I made these in my oven for years before getting an air fryer and they are just as delicious. Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until the croissants are golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them because oven temperatures vary and you want that perfect balance of crispy outside and gooey inside.
Serving Ideas
These pair beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or cold milk. For a brunch spread I like to serve them alongside fresh fruit and maybe some yogurt to balance the richness. They are also perfect with a glass of cold milk for dipping.
- Warm the Nutella slightly in the microwave for 20 seconds if it is too cold to spread smoothly
- Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup if any chocolate escapes
- These are best eaten immediately but you can reheat leftovers at 350°F for 2 minutes to recrisp
Save Some recipes change your life but this one just makes it sweeter in the most wonderful way.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh croissants for this dish?
Yes, fresh croissants work well and will yield a soft, flaky texture after air frying.
- → What is the best temperature for air frying croissants?
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for even crisping and melty Nutella.
- → Can I substitute Nutella with another spread?
Chocolate-hazelnut spreads or similar creamy chocolate spreads can be used as alternatives.
- → Is it necessary to slice the croissants fully?
Slicing halfway creates a hinge that holds the filling inside while air frying.
- → What garnishes complement the croissants?
Chopped hazelnuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar add crunch and sweetness.