Air Fryer Crescent Rolls
Air fryer crescent rolls come out golden and flaky in 7 minutes, faster than the oven and without heating a large pan. A can of refrigerated crescent dough makes eight rolls, which cook in two small batches. This recipe covers plain buttery rolls, plus filled and sweet versions, with the times and temperature that keep the center cooked.
- Temperature
- 350°F180 °C
- Total time
- 19min
- Prep time
- 5min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 200kcal
Why the air fryer works for crescent rolls
Refrigerated crescent dough is a laminated dough, with thin layers of dough and fat that puff into flaky layers when they hit heat. The air fryer is a good match. The fast-moving hot air sets the outside quickly, so the layers rise before they sink, and the small basket heats up in minutes instead of the 10 to 15 minutes a full oven needs.
The batch size matters. A can makes eight rolls, but a 4–6 qt basket holds four at a time with enough space to puff. Crowded rolls touch, stay doughy where they meet and brown unevenly. Two short batches give a better result than one crowded one.
How to make crescent rolls in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Open the can Press the lid seam of the can with a spoon to pop it open, and unroll the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Separate the dough into 8 triangles.
- Roll up Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle toward the point. Curve the ends slightly into a crescent shape and place the point underneath.
- Brush Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with a little salt. Lightly brush the basket with oil so the rolls do not stick.
- Preheat and cook Preheat the air fryer to 350 °F for . Place 4 rolls in the basket with space between them and cook for , until deep golden brown. They puff as they bake, so do not crowd them.
- Cool slightly Remove with tongs and cool for . Repeat with the second batch.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Crescent Rolls | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Plain crescent rollsFour per batch | 350 °F (180 °C) | 7 min |
| Filled with cheese or ham | 350 °F (180 °C) | 8–10 min |
| Cinnamon sugar | 330 °F (170 °C) | 7–8 min |
| Frozen, shaped | 330 °F (170 °C) | 10–12 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Keep the dough cold. Cold dough holds its shape and bakes into flaky layers. If it softens, chill it for 5 minutes before rolling.
- Brush with butter. The butter browns the surface and helps the salt stick.
- Check the center. Pull one roll apart. The center should look dry and set, with no raw, shiny streaks of dough.
What to serve with crescent rolls
Warm crescent rolls are a classic side for soup, chili, lasagna and holiday dinners, and they fit well on a Thanksgiving table. Serve them with butter and honey, or alongside meatballs and a green salad for a quick weeknight dinner. For a savory bite, try the cheese and ham version below.
Storing and reheating
Leftover crescent rolls keep for 2 days at room temperature in a covered container, or 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the air fryer at 320 °F for 2–3 minutes. Filled rolls with ham or cheese should be heated until the center is 165 °F. Unbaked shaped rolls freeze on a tray and then in a bag for up to 1 month.
Variations
- Cheese and ham: Place a slice of ham and a small piece of cheese on each triangle before rolling. Cook for 8–10 minutes until the center is hot at 165 °F (not vegetarian).
- Cinnamon sugar: Brush with butter and sprinkle with 1 tsp of cinnamon and 2 tbsp of sugar. Cook at 330 °F for 7–8 minutes.
- Garlic herb: Brush with butter mixed with garlic powder and parsley.
- Pizza roll-ups: Add pizza sauce, mozzarella and pepperoni on each triangle before rolling (not vegetarian).
If it does not turn out right
- The rolls are doughy inside
- The basket was crowded or the rolls too thick. Leave space between them and add 1–2 minutes until the center is cooked.
- The bottoms are dark
- The air fryer runs hot. Lower the temperature to 330 °F, and check at 5 minutes.
- The rolls unroll
- Place the point of the triangle underneath, and do not stretch the dough when rolling.
Questions and answers
How long do you cook crescent rolls in the air fryer?
7 minutes at 350 °F for a standard refrigerated crescent roll, in batches of four. Larger or filled rolls take 8–10 minutes.
Can I use parchment paper in the basket?
Only a perforated air fryer liner with the rolls on top, never loose parchment during preheating. Brushing the basket lightly with oil is simpler.
How do you cook frozen crescent rolls in the air fryer?
Shaped frozen crescent rolls need 330 °F for 10–12 minutes, without thawing. Check that the center is cooked through.
How do you reheat crescent rolls in the air fryer?
Heat at 320 °F for 2–3 minutes, until warm and the outside is crisp again.
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