Air Fryer Nutella Donuts

If you are craving a bakery-style donut in under half an hour these air fryer Nutella donuts come together using store-bought biscuit dough and a quick swirl of creamy chocolate hazelnut spread No deep frying or fancy ingredients — just golden fluffy treats with a molten Nutella center that taste way more special than their simple prep suggests

The first time I made these we devoured the whole batch standing around the kitchen island My family now asks for them every time there is a movie night or a rainy afternoon

Ingredients

• Refrigerated biscuit dough: Eight count can Pre-sliced biscuit dough gives a rich and fluffy donut without any yeast or rising needed Freshness matters so check expiration and choose one without artificial flavors if possible
• Melted butter: For brushing onto the donuts This helps create a crisp golden crust during air frying Use real butter for best flavor
• Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread: Provides the creamy sweet filling The brand does matter for flavor so use an authentic Nutella or a high quality alternative for best results
• Granulated sugar: For rolling the warm donuts This creates the signature crispy sugar coating Look for fine granulated sugar for even coverage
• Ground cinnamon: Using cinnamon is optional but adds extra aromatic warmth and layers the flavor Make sure your spice is fresh for bold taste

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 350°F or 175°C and let it run empty for about three minutes This step ensures an even bake and prevents sticking

Prepare the Dough Discs:

Take each biscuit from the can and gently flatten in your hands until about half an inch thick This makes a perfect pocket for the filling

Fill with Nutella:

Spoon about a teaspoon of Nutella onto the center of each flattened dough piece Be careful not to overfill to avoid leaking Seal edges by pinching thoroughly

Shape and Seal:

Fold the dough over the Nutella so the chocolate is in the center Carefully pinch and press all seams shut and gently roll it back into a ball shape The seal should be tight to keep the filling inside

Brush with Butter:

Use a pastry brush to lightly coat all sides of each donut with melted butter This step is essential for developing a golden crisped exterior during cooking

Arrange in Air Fryer Basket:

Place the dough balls in a single layer in your air fryer basket Do not crowd them as good airflow is key for even browning Cook in batches if your air fryer is small

Air Fry to Perfection:

Cook the donuts at 350°F or 175°C for seven to eight minutes Check partway through for color The donuts should look golden and sound slightly hollow when tapped

Roll in Sugar:

While donuts are still warm transfer to a bowl filled with sugar or cinnamon sugar Toss gently to coat thoroughly The warmth helps the sugar stick

Cool Briefly and Serve:

Let donuts rest for a few minutes before biting in The Nutella center stays very hot It is worth the wait

Save

Nutella is my family’s weak spot A filled warm donut is guaranteed to bring smiles I love watching my kids tear into them and see the filling ooze out

Storage Tips

Once cooled keep these donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day Their texture is best enjoyed the day they are made For a quick reheat pop into the air fryer for just a few minutes and the centers get gooey once again

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have biscuit dough ready made pizza dough can work in a pinch You can swap the Nutella for any spreadable filling such as peanut butter or fruit preserves For the coating powdered sugar offers a lighter finish than granulated sugar

Serving Suggestions

Set out a bowl of warm donuts alongside mugs of hot chocolate for a cozy treat Extra Nutella can be piped into the donuts after air frying using a small piping bag Dust with festive sprinkles or a spoonful of whipped cream for an extra special finish

Cultural and Historical Context

While classic donuts use yeast dough and deep frying the biscuit shortcut is an American kitchen hack popularized for speed and ease Air frying is a new twist that brings melt in your mouth results without the fuss

Save

These air fryer Nutella donuts bring a slice of bakery magic to your kitchen without the need for complicated equipment or lengthy prep With shortcuts that never sacrifice flavor and endless possibilities for customization this treat is always a win

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I keep Nutella from leaking out while cooking?

Seal the biscuit dough edges tightly before air frying to prevent any filling from escaping during cooking.

→ Can I use homemade dough instead of canned biscuits?

Homemade or store-bought pizza dough works well; ensure it is rolled thin and sealed tightly around the Nutella.

→ What are some serving suggestions?

Dust with powdered sugar, add extra Nutella after air frying, or serve with fresh berries for added flavor.

→ How long do leftover donuts stay fresh?

Enjoy them fresh for best results, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated for 2–3 minutes in the air fryer.

→ Can I make these dairy-free?

Choose dairy-free biscuit dough and vegan chocolate-hazelnut spread for a dairy-free version.

→ Are these suitable for nut allergies?

Nutella contains hazelnuts; use a nut-free chocolate spread if nut allergies are a concern.