Air Fryer Crescent Rolls
Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance in recent years, revolutionizing the way we cook and enjoy our favorite foods. From crispy french fries to juicy chicken wings, these devices offer a healthier alternative to deep frying. For this post we will look at how to make Air Fryer Crescent Rolls. They are easy and delicious to make.
We will explore the magic of air frying when it comes to creating mouthwatering crescent rolls that are sure to impress your family and friends. So grab your air fryer and get ready to elevate your baking game with this simple yet irresistible recipe!

What’s The Difference Between A Crescent Roll and A Croissant
When it comes to flaky baked goods, two popular options are often confused for one another – the crescent roll and the croissant. While they may look similar at first glance, these pastries have distinct differences in terms of taste, preparation methods, and cultural origins. So lets delve into what sets apart these well-loved treats.
- Origin and Cultural Background:
A croissant originated in France during the early 19th century. This buttery pastry has become an iconic symbol of French cuisine worldwide. On the other hand, crescent rolls trace their roots back to Austria (Kifli) and Hungary (Kifli or Kiflik). However, they gained widespread popularity in America due to refrigerated dough innovations by Pillsbury in 1965. These are what I grew up on and love to this day. But I won’t turn up my nose at a traditional croissant either. - Dough Composition:
The key distinction lies in the dough composition used for each pastry. Croissants are made with yeast-leavened laminated dough that incorporates generous amounts of butter between thin layers of dough through a process called “folding.” This results in a rich yet light texture with visible layers when baked.
In contrast, crescent rolls utilize a quick bread-style dough that relies on baking powder or baking soda as leavening agents instead of yeast. They contain less fat compared to croissants but still deliver a tender texture upon baking.
What Kind Of Air Fryer To Use
If you do not have an air fryer yet then I encourage you to look online on Amazon and read reviews. I purchased the Air Fryer made by Instapot and I love it.
This Air Fryer is the perfect size for a small family of 2-4 people. I am able to air fry 4 pork chops at a time which is perfect for my family of 3 people.
If you are looking for a budget friendly air fryer then check out my blog post on The Best Air Fryers Under $100. I highly recommend reading reviews, and taking into account what your personal needs are.
I have also become a huge fan of using Air Fryer Liners. They cover the bottom of the air fryer basket and food is placed directly onto them. When the food cooks it catches the grease and makes clean up a breeze. If you are looking for more ideas check out my blog post on Air Fryer Accessories.
Air Fryer Liners come in two forms
How To Make Air Fryer Crescent Rolls
This recipe uses refrigerated crescent rolls. There are several companies that make them but I prefer Pillsbury crescent rolls. But you may use whatever brand you have access to.
Preheat an Air Fryer to 325 degrees Fairenheight. If you are using a brand of crescent rolls other than Pillsbury crescent rolls then I recommend using the temperature on the packaging.
Open a can of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and unroll the dough. Using a knife separate all of the triangles at the perforation that will each form a crescent roll.
Starting on the long end begin rolling the crescent rolls. This will result in a crescent or croissant shaped dough. Take care to not roll them too tight. Doing so could result in it taking longer for the dough to cook in the air fryer.

Place an Air Fryer Liner into the air fryer to help prevent the crescent rolls from sticking to the basket.
If you do not have liners than spray the basket with a non-stick cooking spray. The best oils to use in an Air Fryer are olive oil and avocado oil as they have a higher smoke point.
Lay the rolled crescent rolls into the air fryer basket, make sure to not let them touch as they will rise during cooking. If they touch they risk not cooking completely.

Place the basket into the air fryer and bake for 5 minutes. Remove the basket and turn the crescent rolls over. It is best to use tongs or a spatula to do this as the crescent rolls will be hot.
Place the basket back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown.
Allow the crescent rolls to cool for 5 minutes prior to serving.

How To Store Air Fryer Crescent Rolls
If you’re a fan of delicious and flaky crescent rolls, then you know how important it is to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Whether you’ve made homemade crescent rolls or bought pre-packaged ones, here’s a guide on how to store air fryer crescent rolls for later use.
- Allow the Crescent Rolls to Cool: Before storing your air fryer crescent rolls, make sure they have cooled down completely. Hot or warm rolls can create condensation when stored, making them soggy and less appetizing.
- Choose an Airtight Container: Find a suitable container that can provide an airtight seal. This could be a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid or even a resealable plastic bag.
- Layer with Parchment Paper: To prevent the crescent rolls from sticking together, place layers of parchment paper between each roll in the container or bag. This will allow easy separation when you want to take out only one or two at a time.
- Refrigerate for Short-Term Storage: If you plan on consuming the crescent rolls within 2-3 days, refrigeration is the best option. Place the sealed container in the refrigerator and ensure it’s away from any strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor transfer.
- Freeze for Long-Term Storage: For longer storage periods (up to several months), freezing is ideal. Wrap each individual roll tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. Label and date your package so that you remember when they were frozen.

Other Crescent Roll Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love

Air Fryer Crescent Rolls
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Air Fryer Liners
Ingredients
- 1 Can of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
- 1 Can of Pam cooking spray used to spray the air fryer basket to help prevent sticking if you are not using an air fryer liner.
- 1 Butter and Jam to taste
Instructions
- Preheat an Air Fryer to 325 degrees Fairenheight.
- Open a can of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and unroll the dough. Using a knife separate all of the triangles at the perforation that will each form a crescent roll.Starting on the long end begin rolling the crescent rolls. Take care to not roll them too tight.
- Place an Air Fryer Liner into the air fryer to help prevent the crescent rolls from sticking to the basket. If you do not have liners than spray the basket with a non-stick cooking spray.Lay the rolled crescent rolls into the air fryer basket, make sure to not let them touch as they will rise during cooking.Place the basket into the air fryer and bake for 5 minutes. Remove the basket and turn the crescent rolls over. It is best to use tongs or a spatula to do this as the crescent rolls will be hot. Place the basket back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown. Allow the crescent rolls to cool for 5 minutes prior to serving.
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