Air Fryer Chocolate Croissants

Nothing beats pulling a batch of Air Fryer Chocolate Croissants from the basket and watching powdered sugar settle over golden, flaky layers. Buttery puff pastry wraps melted chocolate with a caramelized brown sugar top and a soft, gooey center. They look and taste bakery-worthy, and no one needs to know how fast and easy they actually were.

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I make these for weekend breakfasts, holiday morning spreads, and brunch gatherings because they look beautiful, taste genuinely special, and the air fryer cooks them quickly, even on a busy morning. Best enjoyed warm, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days and pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

How to Make Air Fryer Chocolate Croissants with Step-By-Step Instructions

Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.

Here’s how to make chocolate croissants in the air fryer with almost zero fuss.

Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth out any folds or creases. Then, cut it into 16 equal triangles using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter. Try to keep the pieces as even as possible so they bake at the same rate.

Fill and Shape Each Croissant

Place a piece of chocolate near one corner of each triangle, then fold the dough over the chocolate and press the edges to seal. You can use any brand of chocolate or even chocolate chips if that’s what you have on hand.

Start rolling each one up from the chocolate side to form crescent rolls, just like you’d roll a mini burrito, and place them seam-side down on a parchment-lined tray or board. Pressing the seam down keeps them from unrolling during cooking.

Make the Egg Wash and Coat

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until smooth with a mini whisk. Using a silicone pastry brush, coat each croissant with the egg wash, then sprinkle brown sugar over the top.

The egg wash gives them that beautiful golden color and glossy finish, while the brown sugar adds a lightly caramelized crunch on the outside, so don’t skip them.

Preheat and Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once it’s ready, place the croissant rolls in a single layer in the parchment-lined air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one so the hot air can circulate.

Air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, or until they’re golden brown, puffed up, and crispy, and the chocolate inside is melted. A piece of parchment or a silicone air fryer liner keeps cleanup simple.

Cool and Dust With Powdered Sugar

Let the croissants cool slightly before dusting them with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sifter. Serve fresh while they’re still warm, and the chocolate inside is still soft and melty. Enjoy!

Air Fryer Chocolate Croissants travel surprisingly well, which makes them a great option for potlucks, brunches at a friend’s place, or holiday gatherings. Let them cool completely before packing so condensation doesn’t soften the pastry layers.

Stack them loosely in a single layer inside a bread container or a sturdy bakery box lined with parchment paper, and avoid covering them too tightly or the crispiness will fade.

Skip the powdered sugar until just before serving so it doesn’t absorb into the pastry during transport. If you’re heading somewhere close, they hold up beautifully at room temperature for a couple of hours.

How to Store Leftovers

Let the croissants cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 7 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag.

To bring back the crisp, flaky texture, pop them back into the air fryer or oven rather than the microwave, which will make the pastry soft and chewy. They’re best eaten warm, so don’t skip that quick reheat step.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Chocolate Croissants

They go beautifully with a strong cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or a simple hot chocolate for a cozy morning spread. For a more indulgent dessert, serve them with a small bowl of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

If you’re setting out a brunch table, these air fryer croissants look gorgeous alongside a bowl of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas that complement the chocolate filling without competing with it.

You can drizzle chocolate sauce or honey, and add a few flakes of sea salt on top right before serving. A small pat of slightly melted butter or a dollop of Nutella for extra richness is also amazing paired with the semi-sweet or dark chocolate inside.

More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home

If you love easy air fryer recipes, here are more delicious desserts and breakfast treats you can make without ever turning on the oven.

• Air Fryer Lemon Brownies
• Air Fryer Coffee Cake
• Air Fryer Apple Cobbler
• Air Fryer Hot Cross Buns
• Air Fryer Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies