Easy Air Fryer Homemade Croissant (Print)

Flaky, buttery homemade croissants made effortlessly in the air fryer for golden breakfast perfection.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

→ For Brushing

09 - 1 egg, beaten for egg wash

# How-To Steps:

01 - Dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tsp of sugar. 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.
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 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 an additional 30 minutes to relax gluten.
07 - Roll dough into a 16x10 inch rectangle. Cut into 8 triangles. Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle toward the tip to form classic croissant shape.
08 - Place shaped croissants on parchment-lined tray. Cover and let rise in a warm place until puffy and doubled in size, approximately 1-2 hours.
09 - Preheat air fryer to 320°F. Brush risen croissants generously with egg wash for golden color.
10 - Place 2-4 croissants in air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Repeat with remaining croissants.
11 - Cool slightly on wire rack before serving warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The air fryer creates the most gorgeous golden color without heating up your whole kitchen
  • You get that bakery level flakiness with about half the effort of traditional methods
  • Nothing beats pulling warm, buttery croissants fresh from your own counter
02 -
  • Keep everything cold, especially the butter block, or it will melt into the dough instead of creating layers
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer or the croissants will steam instead of bake properly
  • The rising time is non negotiable, underproofed dough will be dense and disappointing
03 -
  • Weigh your ingredients if possible, baking is a science and precision matters
  • The dough might feel stubborn at first but will relax with each fold
  • Use a pizza cutter for the cleanest triangle cuts

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