If you have a sweet tooth and love a good treat that’s both crispy outside and lusciously gooey inside, then you’re going to adore this Air Fryer Nutella Stuffed Beignets Recipe. These golden pillows of delight combine the classic charm of French-style beignets with the irresistible creamy hazelnut goodness of Nutella, all made perfectly light and airy using an air fryer. It’s a quick and fun way to bring a café-worthy indulgence right into your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze, and the ingredients list is wonderfully straightforward. Each item plays an important role, whether it’s lending structure, sweetness, richness, or that melt-in-your-mouth texture you crave.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, responsible for the soft yet sturdy texture.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the Nutella.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures the beignets puff up and become light and airy.
- 1/4 cup milk: Moisturizes the dough for tenderness and helps bring it together.
- 1 large egg: Adds richness and structure to keep the beignets soft inside.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: A subtle layer of richness that contributes to a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup Nutella: The star ingredient—rich, chocolatey, and creamy filling you’ll adore.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a classic finishing touch that looks and tastes delightful.
How to Make Air Fryer Nutella Stuffed Beignets Recipe
Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and sweetener so every bite has the perfect balance.
Step 2: Combine with wet ingredients
Pour in the milk, melted butter, and egg, then stir everything until a soft dough forms. It might look a little sticky at first, but that’s exactly what you want—the perfect consistency for shaping those charming beignets.
Step 3: Knead your dough
Lightly flour your countertop and knead the dough for about a minute. This quick knead smooths out the dough, making it pliable and ready for rolling without overworking it.
Step 4: Roll and cut the dough
Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to around 1/4-inch thick, then cut into 2-inch squares. This size is ideal for folding over and creating cute little pockets full of Nutella.
Step 5: Fill with Nutella and seal
Place a teaspoon of Nutella right in the center of each square. Fold each square over to form a triangle or rectangle, and press the edges firmly to seal the filling inside so it doesn’t leak during cooking.
Step 6: Preheat your air fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and that beautiful golden crust forms quickly.
Step 7: Arrange and cook
Place the beignets in the air fryer basket without stacking or crowding. A light spray of cooking oil on top will give them an extra crisp finish. Air fry for 8-10 minutes until they’re puffed up and gorgeous golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and dust with powdered sugar
After cooking, let the beignets cool slightly so you don’t burn your mouth on molten Nutella. Finish by dusting them generously with powdered sugar—it’s the classic look and adds just the right hint of sweetness.
How to Serve Air Fryer Nutella Stuffed Beignets Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly dusted powdered sugar is the quintessential garnish that always impresses. For extra flair, sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts or a light drizzle of melted Nutella on top. These little touches make the beignets look as good as they taste!
Side Dishes
Pair these beignets with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast. A cup of rich coffee or a frothy latte complements the warm Nutella filling perfectly and turns this into a complete indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, stack the Nutella beignets in a pyramid on a pretty platter and add a small bowl of whipped cream for dipping. You can also serve them in individual paper cones for easy hand-held enjoyment—perfect for casual get-togethers or brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which may be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will keep them soft yet slightly crisp outside.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared but uncooked Nutella stuffed beignets by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually and then transferring them to a resealable bag. Freeze for up to 1 month and cook from frozen by adding a couple of extra minutes to the air fryer time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the beignets back in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. This revives their crisp exterior and warms the Nutella filling without making them soggy.
FAQs
Can I substitute Nutella with another filling?
Definitely! You can fill these beignets with any sweet spread like peanut butter, jam, or a fruit compote. Just keep in mind that thinner fillings may require extra sealing to prevent leaks.
Is an air fryer really better than deep-frying for beignets?
Air frying gives you that crisp, golden finish with far less oil, making the beignets lighter and less greasy while still achieving that delicious exterior crunch.
Can I make the dough vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the milk with any plant-based milk and use a flax egg or other egg substitute. Butter can be substituted with margarine or coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version.
What if my dough is too sticky to roll out?
Add a tiny bit more flour, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s workable but still soft. Avoid adding too much flour or the beignets can become tough.
How do I know when the beignets are done?
They should be puffed and a lovely golden brown all over. The Nutella filling will be warm and melted, but the dough inside should not be raw or doughy.
Final Thoughts
Making this Air Fryer Nutella Stuffed Beignets Recipe is like creating a pocket of joy inside your kitchen—it’s simple, fun, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re impressing guests or indulging yourself, these beignets are a fantastic treat that will become a beloved favorite in no time. Go ahead, give it a try and treat yourself to a moment of sweet bliss today!
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Air Fryer Nutella Stuffed Beignets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 beignets
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Nutella Stuffed Beignets are a delightful twist on the classic French pastry, featuring a crispy golden exterior with a rich, melted Nutella center. Perfectly portioned and quick to prepare, these beignets are air-fried to achieve a light yet crispy texture without the need for deep frying, making them a delicious and less greasy treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Filling
- 1/2 cup Nutella
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening and seasoning agents.
- Form the Dough: Add the milk, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms without any dry patches.
- Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for about one minute, until it is smooth and elastic, which helps develop a tender texture.
- Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough on the floured surface to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Using a knife or cutter, cut the dough into 2-inch squares for uniform beignet sizes.
- Add Nutella Filling: Place a teaspoon of Nutella in the center of each square. Carefully fold each square over to create a sealed packet, pinching the edges firmly to prevent leakage during cooking.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3 minutes to ensure an even cooking temperature.
- Arrange Beignets: Place the stuffed beignets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Lightly spray the beignets with cooking oil to help achieve a crispy, golden crust.
- Air Fry: Cook the beignets for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and puff up slightly, indicating that they are fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the beignets carefully and let them cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, then serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Make sure to seal the edges of the beignets tightly to prevent Nutella from oozing out during air frying.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- If desired, substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative to make the recipe lactose-free.
- Serve immediately after dusting with powdered sugar to enjoy the best texture.
- Be careful when biting into the beignets as the Nutella filling will be hot.
