Jimmy Dean croissants are a delicious and convenient breakfast option that can be prepared quickly and easily in an air fryer. Air frying is a method of cooking that uses rapid circulating hot air to cook food. It produces similar results as deep frying with less oil, resulting in food that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Cooking Jimmy Dean croissants in an air fryer gives them a crispy, flaky exterior while keeping the inside warm and buttery. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy delicious croissants straight from your air fryer.
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer
There are several benefits to cooking Jimmy Dean croissants in an air fryer:
– Uses little to no oil – Air frying eliminates the need to deep fry the croissants in oil, resulting in a healthier breakfast.
– Quick cooking time – Air fryers can cook food much faster than a traditional oven. Croissants can be cooked in an air fryer in just 5-10 minutes.
– Crispy exterior – The circulating hot air helps create a crispy, flaky outer layer on the croissants.
– Easy to use – Air fryers are very simple to use, even for beginners. There’s no need to worry about precise oil temperatures.
– Versatile – An air fryer can be used to cook a wide variety of foods from scratch or using pre-made and frozen items.
– Smaller size – Air fryers take up less counter space than an oven. Great for smaller kitchens.
– Even cooking – The hot air flow in air fryers allows for very even cooking results. No cold or undercooked spots.
Equipment Needed
Cooking Jimmy Dean croissants in an air fryer is easy and requires minimal equipment:
– Air fryer – Any brand or size of air fryer will work well. Look for one with adjustable temperature controls.
– Baking sheet or skillet – A small sheet pan or oven-safe skillet can fit in most air fryer baskets to hold the croissants.
– Parchment paper (optional) – Lining the baking sheet with parchment will help prevent sticking.
– Cooking spray (optional) – Adding a light coat of cooking spray on the parchment or skillet can also help with sticking.
– Tongs or spatula – Helpful for flipping and removing the croissants when done.
– Aluminum foil – If needed, small pieces of foil can shield any very crispy edges.
Ingredients
For each package of Jimmy Dean croissants you will need:
– 1 package (8 to 12 count) Jimmy Dean croissants, frozen
– Butter, jam, chocolate hazelnut spread, cream cheese or any other desired fillings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer Jimmy Dean croissants:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F. While it heats up, prepare the croissants.
2. Cut the corner of the frozen croissant package and separate the croissants. Avoid using a knife or other sharp object that could damage the pastry.
3. Optional: Brush the tops of the croissants very lightly with milk or butter if you want an extra shiny, crisp finish.
4. Arrange the frozen croissants in a single layer on the parchment lined baking sheet or skillet. They can be spaced close together but should not overlap.
5. Place the baking sheet or skillet into the preheated air fryer basket. Adjust the temperature and time if needed based on your model.
6. Cook the croissants for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned on top. Carefully flip each croissant and cook for another 1-3 minutes until the other side is browned.
7. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean when they are fully cooked through.
8. Remove the freshly baked croissants from the air fryer immediately and transfer to a wire rack. This prevents steaming and sogginess.
9. Fill the warm croissants as desired with jam, chocolate hazelnut spread, butter, cream cheese or any other filling. Enjoy immediately while warm and flaky.
Tips
– Stirring or flipping the croissants halfway during cooking ensures even browning. Use tongs or a spatula to avoid piercing the dough.
– Add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time if starting with completely frozen croissants straight from the freezer.
– To reheat leftover croissants, place in a 250°F oven for 5 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving makes them chewy.
– Try different flavors like cinnamon sugar or chocolate chip by sprinkling on top before cooking.
– Make mini croissant sandwiches by slicing in half and adding ham, cheese slices or bacon.
Common Questions
How long does it take to cook frozen Jimmy Dean croissants in an air fryer?
It takes 5-10 minutes to cook frozen Jimmy Dean croissants in an air fryer, depending on the model. Cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side, flip, then cook for 1-3 more minutes until browned and crispy.
What temperature do you cook frozen croissants in an air fryer?
The best temperature for air frying frozen croissants is 325°F. This gives them enough time to heat through and turn golden brown without burning the exterior.
Do you have to thaw Jimmy Dean croissants before air frying?
No, you do not need to thaw frozen Jimmy Dean croissants before cooking them in an air fryer. The circulating hot air will thaw and cook them very quickly from frozen.
Do you flip Jimmy Dean croissants when air frying?
It’s recommended to flip the croissants at least once during the air fryer cooking process to ensure even browning on both sides. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip each croissant over.
Should Jimmy Dean croissants be touching when air frying?
When air frying, the croissants can be arranged close together but should not be touching or overlapping which could prevent even cooking. Leave a little space in between each one.
Air Fryer Cooking Times
Use these general air fryer cooking times for Jimmy Dean croissants as a guide, adjusting as needed:
| Air Fryer Temperature | Cooking Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|
| 325°F | 5-7 minutes on first side, flip then 1-3 more minutes on second side |
| 350°F | 4-5 minutes per side |
| 375°F | 3-4 minutes per side |
Substitute Ingredients
If you don’t have Jimmy Dean brand croissants on hand, you can substitute other common frozen croissant brands. The air fryer cooking instructions will remain the same:
– Pillsbury frozen croissants
– Pepperidge Farm frozen croissants
– Annie’s frozen croissants
– Trader Joe’s frozen croissants
– Great Value or Kirkland frozen croissants
Any all-butter or margarine-based frozen croissants can be cooked the same way. Just adjust cooking times as needed. Homemade croissants will take 1-2 minutes less.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer Jimmy Dean croissants are delicious on their own but you can also dress them up:
– Slice in half and fill with ham and cheese for a sandwich
– Top with peanut butter and banana slices
– Drizzle with icing or chocolate-hazelnut spread
– Stuff with sausage, egg and cheese for a breakfast sandwich
– Spread with cream cheese and lox or smoked salmon
– Top with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries or raspberries
– Dust with cinnamon-sugar before cooking for a sweet treat
– Split and fill with chocolate chips, marshmallows or Nutella
– Layer with sliced baked goods like banana bread or coffee cake
Nutrition Information
The nutrition facts for a Jimmy Dean croissant cooked in an air fryer are (approximate):
| Serving Size | 1 croissant |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Protein | 6g |
Nutrition can vary slightly by flavor. Air frying instead of frying reduces calories, fat, and sodium compared to deep fried croissants.
Storing Leftovers
Jimmy Dean croissants will keep well after being cooked in the air fryer:
– Allow to cool completely, then store in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag.
– Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days.
– For longer storage, freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.
– Reheat leftover croissants in a 250°F oven for 5 minutes until warmed through.
– Do not microwave, as this will make the pastry chewy.
Conclusion
Cooking Jimmy Dean croissants in an air fryer is an easy, foolproof method that yields flaky, golden brown results in record time. With a temperature of 325°F, it takes just 5-10 minutes to make crispy, delicious croissants straight from the freezer. Top them with sweet or savory fillings and enjoy this speedy breakfast freshly made in your air fryer any day of the week.