Air Fryer Croissants Recipe
If you adore flaky, buttery pastries but swoon at the idea of kitchen fuss, Air Fryer Croissants are about to become your new obsession. These little wonders come together in minutes using convenient crescent roll dough, a brush of melted butter, and a sprinkle of sweet spice if you’re in the mood. The air fryer works its magic to puff them up golden brown, giving you that bakery-style croissant experience with practically zero effort. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this ridiculously easy recipe in your back pocket for breakfast, snacks, or those times when only a fresh, warm pastry will do.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it real: the beauty of Air Fryer Croissants is their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a special role, ensuring every bite is flaky, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need and why you won’t want to skip anything:
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: This handy shortcut brings you classic croissant flavor and fluffy layers without any kneading or rising time.
- Unsalted butter: Brushing melted butter gives the croissants their signature golden shine and melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Honey or sugar (optional): Add a touch of honey or sugar for a subtle sweetness if you’re craving a more decadent treat.
- Cinnamon (optional): A pinch of cinnamon infuses cozy warmth and aroma—perfect for a classic breakfast or brunch croissant.
How to Make Air Fryer Croissants
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for three minutes. Warming up the basket ensures the croissants begin rising and crisping as soon as they hit the heat, setting the stage for those perfect flaky layers.
Step 2: Prep the Dough
Pop open your package of crescent roll dough and gently unroll it onto a clean work surface. Separate along the perforated lines to get eight triangles. If you’re going sweet, mix your honey or sugar with cinnamon and have it ready to go.
Step 3: Add Sweetness and Spice (Optional)
If you’d like to amp up the flavor, use a pastry brush to lightly coat each dough triangle with your honey-cinnamon mix. This simple step takes Air Fryer Croissants from basic to bakery-worthy in seconds.
Step 4: Shape the Croissants
Starting from the widest end of each triangle, roll the dough tightly toward the tip, forming that iconic croissant crescent. Carefully tuck the point underneath so they maintain their shape as they bake and don’t unravel in the air fryer.
Step 5: Brush with Butter
Set your assembled croissants on a small plate and lightly brush them all over with melted butter. This helps each layer turn golden, flaky, and deliciously tender.
Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the croissants in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure there’s a bit of breathing room around each one. Air fry at 320°F for 6 to 8 minutes, peeking halfway through to ensure even browning. Just wait until your kitchen smells like a Parisian bakery!
Step 7: Serve and Savor
Remove your Air Fryer Croissants with tongs and brush with any remaining butter if desired. Serve them warm and flaky—there’s nothing quite like that first bite straight out of the fryer.
How to Serve Air Fryer Croissants

Garnishes
Add an extra flourish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a light drizzle of honey, or even a swipe of your favorite jam. The finishing touch makes these Air Fryer Croissants feel unforgettable—whether you’re serving guests or just treating yourself.
Side Dishes
Pair them alongside a creamy yogurt parfait, a bowl of fresh fruit, or a simple omelet for the ultimate breakfast spread. Air Fryer Croissants also shine with a frothy cappuccino or glass of orange juice for brunch vibes any day of the week.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Stack them on a pretty platter with mini jars of jam and butter, or slice and stuff them with ham and cheese for irresistible croissant sandwiches. Their golden layers make Air Fryer Croissants an instant star on any breakfast or brunch table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer Croissants (if you have any!) can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to keep them from losing their lovely crispness.
Freezing
These croissants freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap and pop them in a zip-top bag. Stash in the freezer for up to one month; they’re perfect for impromptu brunches or a grab-and-go breakfast treat.
Reheating
Pop frozen or room temperature croissants back in the air fryer at 300°F for about two minutes. This revives the flaky exterior and makes them taste as if they were just baked—no soggy, limp leftovers here!
FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?
You can, but crescent roll dough is a bit easier to work with for home cooks and produces reliable fluffy croissants in the air fryer. Puff pastry will yield an even flakier, more delicate result, just be sure to seal the edges well and monitor the cook time closely.
Do Air Fryer Croissants need to rise before baking?
Nope! One of the best features of this recipe is that crescent roll dough is ready to bake straight out of the package. You get gorgeous layers without any proofing or waiting around.
Can I add fillings to these croissants?
Absolutely. For savory Air Fryer Croissants, tuck a little piece of ham and cheese into each triangle before rolling them up. Sweet tooth? Try adding a bit of chocolate or nut butter before shaping for a decadent twist.
What’s the best way to keep the croissants from sticking in the air fryer?
If your air fryer basket tends to be sticky, a quick mist of nonstick spray or a square of parchment paper can help ensure flawless release once the croissants are baked.
How do I know when the croissants are done?
Look for a deep golden brown color and a crisp exterior. If you gently tap the croissant, it should sound slightly hollow. If you aren’t sure, pull one out and peek at the layers—they should be fully baked with no raw dough.
Final Thoughts
Once you discover how quick and delightful homemade Air Fryer Croissants can be, you’ll want to whip them up for every occasion—breakfast, snack time, or simply because you deserve something special. Give this recipe a spin and watch as every bite brings pure buttery bliss, no bakery runs required!
Print
Air Fryer Croissants Recipe
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 8 croissants 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious croissants in the air fryer with this easy recipe. These flaky pastries are perfect for breakfast or a snack, and they come out golden brown and perfectly cooked every time.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 count)
Additional:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles. Optionally, mix honey or sugar with cinnamon and brush lightly onto each triangle before rolling.
- Shape Croissants: Roll each triangle tightly into a croissant shape, starting from the wide end and tucking the tip underneath. Lightly brush croissants with melted butter.
- Air Fry: Arrange croissants in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Air fry for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish: Remove croissants and brush with remaining butter if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For savory croissants, fill with small slices of ham and cheese before rolling.
- Best served fresh but can be reheated in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 300°F.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg