The Memory Behind This Treat
The first time I made Air Fryer Nutella Beignets, it was a sunny Sunday afternoon. My kitchen was filled with the laughter of my niece and nephew, who were eagerly waiting to see if my latest dessert experiment would rival our usual fried beignets. We had just returned from a trip to New Orleans, where the powdered sugar-covered delights had quickly become their favorite treat. I wanted to recreate that magic but with a twist—using an air fryer to keep things a bit lighter.
The aroma of warm, sweet dough mingling with the rich, chocolatey Nutella was enough to draw everyone into the kitchen. As the beignets puffed up in the air fryer, I watched their little faces light up in anticipation. There’s something so comforting about these treats, their golden-brown exterior giving way to a soft, Nutella-filled center. It reminded me that desserts don’t have to be complicated to be special—they just need a touch of love and a sprinkle of nostalgia.
When I finally dusted the beignets with powdered sugar, the kids’ eyes widened with delight. We gathered around the table, the beignets disappearing as quickly as I could make them. It was a moment of pure joy, laughter echoing as we all reached for more. These Air Fryer Nutella Beignets capture not just the flavors of a beloved treat but the essence of shared moments, making them the perfect dessert to whip up whenever you need a little taste of happiness.
How To Make It (Mix & Ingredients)
Creating these Air Fryer Nutella Beignets is easier than you might think, and the result is a warm, delightful treat that will impress any sweet tooth. Start by gathering your ingredients: all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, salt, milk, an egg, melted butter, and of course, Nutella. For a bit of variety, you can substitute almond or oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free version. These swaps maintain that soft, pillowy texture in your beignets.
Instructions Process of Air Fryer Nutella Beignets
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, salt, and yeast—until they’re well combined. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms. This is where the magic begins! Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface, kneading it until it’s smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t skimp on the kneading; it helps develop the gluten for that perfect beignet chew.Once your dough is ready, let it rise in a greased bowl covered with a cloth for about an hour. Roll it out to a 1/2-inch thickness and cut out circles. Spoon a dollop of Nutella onto half of these circles, topping them with the remaining dough circles to seal in that chocolaty goodness. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, then cook the beignets for 6-8 minutes until they’re golden brown. As a final touch, dust them generously with powdered sugar. Enjoy your homemade Nutella-stuffed delights with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy dessert moment.
Make-Ahead & Storage
When it comes to enjoying these Air Fryer Nutella Beignets at their best, timing is everything! If you’re planning to prepare them ahead of time, you’ll be happy to know they can be made in stages. You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. This not only saves you time but also enhances the flavor. Just make sure to bring the dough to room temperature before rolling and shaping.
Once you’ve air-fried your beignets to a beautiful golden brown, eating them fresh is ideal. However, if you’ve made a big batch and have leftovers (lucky you!), they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. A quick pop back in the air fryer at 300°F for a couple of minutes will help restore some of that initial crispiness.
For longer storage, freeze the unbaked, Nutella-filled dough rounds on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw slightly before air frying. This way, you’ll have freshly made beignets on demand! Don’t forget to dust them with powdered sugar right before serving—it’s the final touch that makes them truly irresistible. If you love these, you might also enjoy our Air Fryer Banana Bread for another sweet treat.
Best Ingredients & Party Variations
Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference when crafting these Air Fryer Nutella Beignets. First, let’s talk flour. All-purpose flour works best for achieving that perfect balance of tender and chewy. If you’re feeling adventurous, try substituting half with bread flour for an extra chewy bite. The instant yeast ensures a quick rise, so you can whip these up in no time, even when unexpected guests drop by.
Now, let’s dive into the heart of these beignets—Nutella. While this hazelnut spread is a universal crowd-pleaser, consider experimenting with other fillings for a party twist. Almond butter or a dollop of raspberry jam could add delicious variety. Don’t forget the finishing touch of powdered sugar; it’s what dreams are dusted with, after all.
For party variations, think miniatures. Use a smaller cutter to create bite-sized beignets, perfect for a dessert platter. You could also create a fun “beignet bar” with different fillings and toppings. How about offering a side of vanilla custard or warm caramel sauce for dipping? For a touch of sophistication, try sprinkling some cinnamon sugar instead of plain powdered sugar. Whether you’re hosting brunch or a cozy evening get-together, these variations will make your Air Fryer Nutella Beignets the star of the show.
Serving of Air Fryer Nutella Beignets
Conclusion
Making Air Fryer Nutella Beignets is like inviting a little magic into your kitchen. As the sweet, warm aroma fills the air, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of joy and anticipation. These delightful bites are perfect for sharing with loved ones on a cozy afternoon or adding a special touch to your next brunch gathering. There’s something truly heartwarming about watching friends and family enjoy what you’ve lovingly prepared.
I hope this recipe brings as much happiness to your home as it does to mine. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite—these beignets have a way of creating sweet moments and cherished memories. So go ahead, grab your air fryer, and indulge in this simple yet decadent treat!
I’d love to hear about your beignet adventures, and for more delicious recipes like this, follow us on social media! Let’s bake up some smiles together.
How can I make Air Fryer Nutella Beignets without a stand mixer?
Absolutely, you can make these beignets without a stand mixer. Simply mix the ingredients in a large bowl with a sturdy spoon, then knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough is smooth and elastic. Think of it as a mini workout before the indulgence!
What air fryer settings should I use for Nutella beignets?
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Cook the beignets for 6-8 minutes, keeping an eye on them. They should be golden brown and deliciously puffed. Remember, air fryer models can vary, so adjust the time slightly if needed.
Can I use something other than Nutella for the filling?
Certainly! Feel free to get creative with your filling. You can use other chocolate spreads, fruit jams, or even a thick peanut butter. Just ensure the filling isn’t too runny, which can lead to leaks during cooking.
Recipe
Air Fryer Nutella Beignets
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.25 teaspoons instant yeast
- 0.25 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 0.5 cups Nutella
- 0.5 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- In another bowl, combine milk, butter, and egg. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness and cut into circles.
- Spoon Nutella onto one set of circles, then top with remaining circles.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Air fry beignets for 6-8 minutes.
- Let cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Knead well to develop gluten for the perfect texture.