Easy Air Fryer Homemade Croissant (Print Version)

Flaky, buttery pastries made effortlessly in the air fryer

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tsp salt
04 - 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast
05 - 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
07 - 1 large egg

→ Butter Block

08 - 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter

→ Egg Wash

09 - 1 egg, beaten

# How to Make It:

01 - Dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy and activated.
02 - Mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then knead for 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Form into a ball, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
03 - Place cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper. Pound and roll into a 6x6 inch square. Refrigerate until firm but pliable.
04 - On a floured surface, roll chilled dough into a 12x12 inch square. Place butter block at the center and fold dough edges over the butter, sealing completely to prevent leakage.
05 - Roll dough into a 16x8 inch rectangle. Fold into thirds like a letter. Turn 90 degrees, roll out again, and fold once more. Wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
06 - Repeat rolling and folding process one more time. Wrap dough and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to rest gluten.
07 - Roll dough into a 16x10 inch rectangle. Cut into 8 triangles using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle toward the tip to form classic crescent shape.
08 - Place shaped croissants on parchment-lined tray, cover loosely, and let rise in a warm place until puffy and doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
09 - Preheat air fryer to 320°F. Brush risen croissants thoroughly with beaten egg for golden color.
10 - Place 2-4 croissants in air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 8-10 minutes until deep golden brown and fully cooked. Repeat with remaining batches.
11 - Let croissants cool on wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The air fryer creates the most gorgeous golden exterior without drying out the delicate layers inside
  • You get bakery quality results with equipment you already own
02 -
  • If your butter starts melting into the dough at any point, wrap everything up and return it to the fridge immediately
  • The air fryer temperature is lower than traditional baking, which actually helps achieve better browning without burning
03 -
  • Freeze shaped croissants before the final rise, then thaw and proof overnight for fresh baked breakfast
  • Use a ruler or the edge of your cutting mat to ensure straight cuts when forming triangles

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