Craving a buttery, chocolate-filled croissant without the carbs? These Keto Air Fryer Chocolate Croissants deliver all the flaky, melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction you love—minus the guilt. Using a clever almond flour dough, you’ll achieve a golden, crisp exterior and a gooey dark chocolate centre, all in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this recipe is designed for simplicity and speed. The air fryer ensures even browning and a delicate crunch, while the dough comes together with just a few keto-friendly ingredients.
Whether you’re new to keto baking or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how easy it is to whip up these croissants. Simply mix the dough, shape, fill with rich dark chocolate, and air fry to perfection. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate treat—no need to miss out on classic French pastries while staying low carb!
At a glance
- Time: 28 minutes
- Difficulty: Medium
- Servings: 4
- Cost: Affordable
Macros (per serving)
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Carbs: 4 g
- Energy: 210 kcal
Ingredients
- 120g Almond flour (Finely ground, blanched)
- 120g Mozzarella cheese (Shredded, full-fat)
- 30g Cream cheese (Full-fat, softened)
- 1 Egg (Medium, beaten)
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 40g Dark chocolate (85–90% cocoa) (Broken into 4 sticks)
- 10g Butter (Melted, for brushing)
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Baking parchment
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C. Line the basket with baking parchment.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine mozzarella and cream cheese. Microwave for 60–90 seconds, stirring halfway, until melted and smooth.
- Add almond flour, baking powder, and half the beaten egg to the cheese mixture. Mix well until a soft dough forms.
- Place the dough between two sheets of baking parchment. Roll into a 20cm circle about 0.5cm thick.
- Cut the dough into 4 triangles (like pizza slices). Place a stick of dark chocolate at the wide end of each triangle.
- Gently roll each triangle from the wide end, tucking the chocolate inside, to form croissant shapes.
- Brush each croissant with melted butter and a little of the remaining beaten egg for shine.
- Arrange croissants in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Air fry for 7–9 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving—chocolate will be hot and gooey inside.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens:
Recipe contains: dairy, eggs, nuts
Potential swaps:
- Almond flour → Sunflower seed flour — Nut-free alternative with similar texture.
- Mozzarella cheese → Vegan mozzarella — For dairy-free; may alter texture slightly.
- Egg → Flax egg — Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 2.5 tbsp water; let sit 5 min.
Serving Ideas
- With black coffee – The bitterness of coffee pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate.
- With fresh raspberries – Adds a tart, refreshing contrast to the sweet croissant.
- With whipped cream – For an indulgent dessert-style treat.
Additional Info
Chefs Tips
- Work quickly with the dough while it's warm for easier shaping.
- If the dough cools and becomes stiff, microwave for 10 seconds to soften.
- Let croissants cool slightly before eating to avoid burning your mouth on hot chocolate.
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts inside for a nutty twist.
- Swap dark chocolate for a keto-friendly white chocolate for a different flavour.
Troubleshooting
- If croissants spread too much, chill shaped dough for 10 minutes before air frying.
- If dough is too sticky, add a little more almond flour until manageable.
Storage & Reheating
Store cooled croissants in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Freezer: up to 1 months
- Reheat: Air fry at 160°C for 3–4 minutes until warmed through.
Ingredient Spotlight
Almond flour: Provides a tender, buttery crumb and keeps the croissants low in carbs.
Mozzarella cheese: Gives structure and stretch to the dough, mimicking classic pastry texture.
Dark chocolate: Choose high-cocoa chocolate for rich flavour and minimal sugar.
FAQs
Can I make these croissants ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the croissants, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying.
What chocolate is best for keto croissants?
Use dark chocolate with at least 85% cocoa to keep carbs low and flavour rich.
Can I bake these in a regular oven?
Yes, bake at 180°C for 12–15 minutes until golden, but the air fryer gives a crisper finish.
How do I stop the dough from sticking?
Roll the dough between two sheets of baking parchment and lightly oil your rolling pin if needed.
Are these croissants gluten free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free as it uses almond flour instead of wheat flour.
Keto Air Fryer Chocolate Croissants with Flaky Almond Dough
Ingredients
- 120g Almond flour (Finely ground, blanched)
- 120g Mozzarella cheese (Shredded, full-fat)
- 30g Cream cheese (Full-fat, softened)
- 1 Egg (Medium, beaten)
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 40g Dark chocolate (85–90% cocoa) (Broken into 4 sticks)
- 10g Butter (Melted, for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C. Line the basket with baking parchment.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine mozzarella and cream cheese. Microwave for 60–90 seconds, stirring halfway, until melted and smooth.
- Add almond flour, baking powder, and half the beaten egg to the cheese mixture. Mix well until a soft dough forms.
- Place the dough between two sheets of baking parchment. Roll into a 20cm circle about 0.5cm thick.
- Cut the dough into 4 triangles (like pizza slices). Place a stick of dark chocolate at the wide end of each triangle.
- Gently roll each triangle from the wide end, tucking the chocolate inside, to form croissant shapes.
- Brush each croissant with melted butter and a little of the remaining beaten egg for shine.
- Arrange croissants in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Air fry for 7–9 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving—chocolate will be hot and gooey inside.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens: dairy, eggs, nuts
- Almond flour → Sunflower seed flour — Nut-free alternative with similar texture.
- Mozzarella cheese → Vegan mozzarella — For dairy-free; may alter texture slightly.
- Egg → Flax egg — Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 2.5 tbsp water; let sit 5 min.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Carbs: 4 g
- Energy: 210 kcal
