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Delightful Air Fryer Dessert Recipe: Nutella-Stuffed Pastries

If you’re a fan of indulgent desserts and love the convenience of an air fryer, then you’re in for a treat! This recipe for Nutella-stuffed pastries is not only easy to make but also results in deliciously flaky, crispy bites filled with a rich and creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread. Perfect for a quick treat or a delightful way to impress guests, these pastries are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

To make these scrumptious air fryer Nutella-stuffed pastries, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)
• Nutella (approximately 100g, or as desired)
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• Icing sugar (for dusting, optional)
• A pinch of salt
• Vanilla essence (optional)

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Rolling pin (if needed)
• Baking paper
• Pastry brush
• Small bowl

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Start by rolling out the sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If using pre-rolled pastry, this step can be skipped. Cut the pastry into squares — approximately 10 cm x 10 cm works well. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may want to create smaller squares for bite-sized pastries.

Step 2: Fill with Nutella

Take a small spoonful of Nutella and place it in the middle of each pastry square. Avoid putting too much filling, as it may ooze out during cooking. If you’d like to enhance the flavour, you can add a drop of vanilla essence to the Nutella before spooning it onto the pastry.

Step 3: Seal the Pastries

To seal the pastries, fold one corner of the square over to the opposite corner, forming a triangle. Press the edges together firmly to seal, then use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative look. This will also help ensure that the filling doesn’t escape during cooking.

Step 4: Prepare for Cooking

Line the air fryer basket with baking paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Place the sealed pastries into the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded — you may need to work in batches. Brush the top of each pastry lightly with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden colour once cooked.

Step 5: Cook the Pastries

Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook the pastries for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them after the 6-minute mark to prevent burning. The pastries should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 6: Dust and Serve

Once cooked, carefully remove the pastries from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. For an added touch of sweetness, dust them with icing sugar before serving. These pastries are best enjoyed warm, when the Nutella filling is deliciously gooey.

Enjoying Your Pastries

These air fryer Nutella-stuffed pastries are perfect as a quick dessert or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Serve them warm at parties or family gatherings, and watch as they disappear in no time!

Tips and Variations

1. Chocolate Variations: Try adding a few chocolate chips or chopped hazelnuts to the Nutella filling for an extra chocolatey treat.
2. Spice it Up: A sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of ground ginger can add a lovely spice to the filling.
3. Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free puff pastry and a vegan chocolate spread to make this dessert suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

With this simple and delicious recipe, you can indulge in your sweet cravings without the guilt of traditional frying. Enjoy creating these delightful Nutella-stuffed pastries in your air fryer, and happy cooking!