These healthy almond croissant bites have all the flavours of a bakery-style almond croissant, but are slightly lighter in calories and naturally gluten-free thanks to their rice paper shell.
The rice paper creates a crispy outer layer once air-fried, while the almond filling remains soft and creamy.
This gluten-free almond croissant recipe takes less than 15 minutes to make and is perfect for a healthier sweet treat, a celiac-friendly dessert, or an indulgent sweet breakfast.
This recipe is also ideal if you don’t want to buy/make your own croissants. Using rice paper instead is the ultimate hack that saves you time and effort.
Ingredients you’ll need
For the almond/frangipane filling:
- Almond flour. This creates the classic nutty flavour and soft base.
- Egg. This helps bind the filling together.
- Honey (or maple syrup). Would these really be almond croissants if they’re not sweet?!
- Coconut oil. To keep the filling soft and rich.
- Almond extract. This is key to getting the classic almond croissant taste.
- Vanilla extract and salt. To enhance and balance out the flavours.
For the rice paper ‘pastry’ layer:
- Rice paper sheets. These are key to a crispy, gluten-free outer shell.
- Eggwash. To dip the rice paper sheets into before filling.
How to make these almond croissant bites
- In a bowl, mix the almond flour, melted coconut oil, honey, egg, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until you have a smooth, thick paste.
- In a wide bowl, beat together the egg and milk to make an egg wash.
- Briefly dip one sheet of rice paper into the egg wash and then the other side, shaking any excess egg wash off.
- Lay out the softened rice paper and add a generous spoonful of almond filling in the centre.
- Fold each side of the rice paper sheet over to form a rectangle.
- Repeat steps 3 to 5 with the remaining filling.
- Air fry the croissants at 170 °C for 6 minutes. Then, turn the heat up to 190 °C and air fry for another 1 to 2 minutes. Take them out as soon as they are a little golden/crispy around the edges.
- Enjoy!
Tips for success
- Don’t skip the almond extract. This is key for a classic almond croissant flavour.
- Don’t oversoak the rice paper. Dip it in the egg wash for a few seconds on each side (shaking off the excess). The rice paper will continue to soften once removed.
- Slightly underbake the almond croissant bites! Remove them as soon as the outer layer is crispy. Overbaking will cause the almond filling to dry out.
- Reheat in the air fryer. These rice paper croissants will soften over time, so this is the best method to crisp them back up.
Why you’ll love these almond croissant bites
- Completely gluten-free. Since these almond croissants are made with almond flour and rice paper, they are gluten-free, making this a more inclusive version of the classic dessert.
- Made with simple ingredients. Store-bought croissants often come with a long list of unnecessary additives. This recipe uses pantry staples only!
- A lighter, healthier recipe. This version uses significantly less sugar and fat (compared to traditional almond croissants) and focuses on whole ingredients – making this a suitable everyday sweet treat.
- They’re quick and easy to make. You’ll only need around 15 minutes. Plus, this is a beginner-friendly recipe.
FAQ’s
Can I make these sugar-free?
Yes, you could swap the honey or maple syrup out for a sugar-free liquid sweetener. Stick to a liquid sweetener for the best texture.
Why did my almond filling turn out too dry?
This usually happens if you overbake these almond croissant bites – stick to the mentioned air-frying time and pull them out as soon as they are crispy and golden.
Can I make these without an air fryer?
You could try to oven-bake these for around 12 minutes at 180 °C, but it will be difficult to achieve the same crispy texture as with an air fryer.
Can I make these ahead of time?
For the best texture, these almond croissant bites should be eaten immediately after air-frying!
More gluten-free recipes you’ll love
- These 3- ingredient fudgy chocolate cookies – they taste just like a brownie but way healthier!
- This 4-ingredient protein banana bread – completely gluten-free, high-protein, and super delicious.
- My easy gluten-free waffle recipe – These waffles are super crispy, naturally vegan and high protein.
Gluten-Free Rice Paper Almond Croissants (Air Fryer Recipe)
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix the almond flour, melted coconut oil, honey, egg, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until you have a smooth, thick paste.
- In a wide bowl, beat together the egg and milk to make an egg wash.
- Briefly dip one sheet of rice paper into the egg wash and then the other side, shaking any excess egg wash off.
- Lay out the softened rice paper on a flat surface and add a generous spoonful of almond filling in the centre.
- Fold each side of the rice paper sheet over to form a rectangle.
- Repeat steps 3 to 5 with the remaining filling.
- Air fry the croissants at 170 °C for 6 minutes. Then, turn the heat up to 190 °C and air fry for another 1 to 2 minutes. Take them out as soon as they are a little golden/crispy around the edges.
- Top with powdered sugar or slivered almonds and serve while still warm.
- Enjoy!
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