📝 About This Recipe
Experience the legendary fusion of a flaky French croissant and a classic American donut without the heavy grease of deep-frying. These air-fried 'cronuts' feature hundreds of buttery, paper-thin layers that shatter upon impact, revealing a tender, airy interior. Finished with a shimmering vanilla bean glaze and a dusting of cinnamon sugar, this modern bakery masterpiece is surprisingly achievable in your own kitchen.
🥗 Ingredients
The Pastry
- 2 sheets Puff Pastry (high-quality all-butter variety, thawed but cold)
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour (for dusting the work surface)
- 1 large Egg (beaten with 1 tsp water for egg wash)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted)
Vanilla Bean Glaze
- 1.5 cups Powdered sugar (sifted)
- 3 tablespoons Whole milk (plus more if needed for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla bean paste (or pure vanilla extract)
- 1 pinch Salt (to balance sweetness)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Lightly flour your work surface. Unroll the first sheet of cold puff pastry. Brush a very thin layer of egg wash over the entire surface.
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2
Place the second sheet of puff pastry directly on top of the first, aligning the edges perfectly. Press down gently with a rolling pin to seal them together into one thick sheet.
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3
Using a 3-inch circular biscuit cutter, cut out 8 circles. Use a 1-inch cutter to remove the centers, creating the classic donut shape. Do not discard the 'holes'—they make great snacks!
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4
Place the cut pastry rings on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. Keeping the butter cold is the secret to achieving maximum lift and flaky layers.
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5
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a small amount of neutral oil or parchment paper designed for air fryers.
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6
Place 4 cronuts in the basket at a time, ensuring they do not touch. They will expand significantly during the cooking process.
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7
Air fry for 10-12 minutes. Check at the 8-minute mark; they should be puffed high and a deep golden brown. Flip them halfway through if your air fryer has uneven heating.
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8
While the cronuts cook, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla bean paste, and salt in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
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9
In a separate shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Melt the 4 tablespoons of butter in another small dish.
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10
Remove the hot cronuts from the air fryer. Immediately brush the sides with melted butter and toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm.
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11
Let the cronuts cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes, then dip the tops into the vanilla bean glaze. Allow the glaze to set for 10 minutes before serving.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use 'all-butter' puff pastry for the best flavor and rise; vegetable shortening versions won't taste as rich. Don't skip the chilling step! If the dough gets too warm, the layers will fuse and the cronuts will be heavy rather than light. For a professional touch, fill a piping bag with jam or pastry cream and inject it into 4 points around the ring before glazing. If your air fryer has a powerful fan, the pastry might move; you can place a small metal rack over them to hold them in place during the first 3 minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container, though they are best eaten within 4 hours of cooking.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a piping hot Espresso or a dark roast Coffee to cut through the sweetness. Serve alongside a bowl of fresh macerated strawberries for a bright, acidic contrast. A glass of cold whole milk is the classic, nostalgic choice for a weekend brunch. For an elegant dessert, serve slightly warm with a scoop of salted caramel gelato. Top with toasted almond slivers or crushed pistachios for added texture and a nutty finish.