Using an air fryer to reheat bread or croissants guarantees an ultra-crispy result in no time! The hot air circulating all around restores the crust's crispness without drying out the crumb. Unlike a microwave (which softens the bread) or a conventional oven (which takes longer and uses more energy), an air fryer heats quickly and evenly, for a bakery-quality texture. It's also perfect for using up a day-old baguette or slightly stale pastries.

For more ideas, check out our Air Fryer Guide or discover original air fryer recipes !

• Slice the bread if needed: the thinner it is, the faster it is!
• Arrange without overlapping : allows air to circulate for even browning.
• Lightly moisten the crust with a little water (spray or wet hand) to prevent drying out and revive the crispiness 💦.
• No need to preheat the air fryer for a small quantity, but if you are doing several rooms, a short preheating (two minutes) improves consistency.
• Use perforated baking paper to prevent the chocolate in a pain au chocolat from melting on the rack!

Bonus tip: Yesterday's pastries become amazing again with a quick pass through the air fryer – perfect for an impromptu brunch or a delicious afternoon snack 🥳.

1. Place the bread or croissants in the air fryer basket, well spaced apart.
2. Lightly moisten the surface if the bread is dry.
3. Reheat to 160°C for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully: the goal is to achieve a crispy texture without burning.
4. Open, let it cool for a few seconds before enjoying. The crumb should remain soft, the crust nicely golden 😍.

Neary's tip: For very large croissants or loaves of bread, cut them in half to avoid an overly toasted exterior and a cold center!

• Too high a temperature : you risk burning the surface and drying out the crumb.
• Too long : the bread becomes as hard as a stone, the pastries lose their softness.
• Overlapping : the crispness will be uneven, or even non-existent in the center.
• Forgetting to moisten : especially for stale bread, moisture makes all the difference!
• Do not monitor : every air fryer is different, stay nearby the first time 👀.

• Add a topping : cut the bread in half, slide in a slice of cheese or ham before warming, for a melt-in-your-mouth snack in a flash 🧀.
• Pain au chocolat : protect with perforated baking paper to prevent the chocolate from running.
• For very dry baguettes : wrap in aluminum foil, moisten, then warm to restore the crumb.
• Customize : spread a little butter or jam on top when you get it out for an even more indulgent treat 😋.
• Reuse leftovers : stale bread toasted in an air fryer becomes perfect for bruschetta, croutons or French toast!

For more creativity, go check out our favorite air fryer recipes !

• Can you reheat a cream- or chocolate-filled bread? Yes, but keep a close eye on it: the center can heat up very quickly. Use parchment paper to prevent leaks. For cream-filled breads, also check out the tips on Reddit's AskCulinary .
• Does the air fryer replace the toaster? For toast, yes! You get more crispiness and the ability to toast thicker slices 🥪.
• Is there a danger to the pastries? No, but avoid overheating: puff pastry browns very quickly, so stay attentive.
• Can I reheat frozen bread? Yes, just extend the heating time by one to two minutes and moisten the crust well.