Craving a warm, gooey, Nutella-filled dessert that’s easy to make in just a few minutes? Air fryer Nutella bombs are the perfect solution! These bite-sized delights have a crispy, golden exterior with a luscious Nutella surprise in the center. Whether you're looking for a last-minute treat or a fun dessert to share with friends, this recipe is a must-try. Keep reading for the full recipe, variations, and tips to make the perfect air fryer Nutella bombs every time.

What Are Air Fryer Nutella Bombs?

Air fryer Nutella bombs are small dough balls stuffed with creamy Nutella and cooked to perfection in an air fryer. The result is a crispy outer shell that contrasts perfectly with the warm, melty Nutella inside. These Nutella bombs can be made with pre-made dough like biscuit dough, crescent roll dough, or even puff pastry, making them super easy to whip up in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients List for Air Fryer Nutella Bombs

Here’s what you’ll need to make these decadent treats:

Main Ingredients:

1 can refrigerated biscuit dough or crescent roll dough (8 biscuits or rolls)
½ cup Nutella (or any chocolate hazelnut spread)
1 tablespoon butter (melted, for brushing)

Optional Toppings:

Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Cinnamon sugar (for rolling)
Melted chocolate (for drizzling)
Sprinkles (for decoration)

Substitutions and Variations

Nutella bombs are incredibly versatile and can be customized in various ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are some popular substitutions and variations to consider:

Different Fillings: If you're not a Nutella fan, you can substitute it with other fillings like peanut butter, chocolate chips, jam, or even cream cheese.
Dough Variations: While biscuit or crescent roll dough is a quick option, you can also use puff pastry, pizza dough, or even homemade dough for a slightly different texture.
Flavorful Coatings: Roll the Nutella bombs in cinnamon sugar before air frying for a churro-like experience, or sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a sweet finish.
Nutty Twist: Add a few chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or pecans to the Nutella filling for a crunchy surprise.
Mini Nutella Bombs: For a bite-sized treat, use smaller portions of dough and less Nutella. Perfect for parties or snacking!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make your air fryer Nutella bombs? Follow these easy steps to create the perfect dessert in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Open the can of biscuit or crescent roll dough and separate the individual pieces. If using crescent roll dough, pinch the seams together to form a solid sheet of dough.
Cut each piece of dough into halves or quarters, depending on how large you want your Nutella bombs to be.

Step 2: Add Nutella Filling

Take each piece of dough and flatten it slightly with your fingers to create a small circle.
Add about 1 teaspoon of Nutella to the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as the Nutella may leak out during cooking.
Fold the dough over the Nutella and pinch the edges together to seal, forming a ball. Roll the dough between your hands to ensure it's fully sealed.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This helps ensure the Nutella bombs cook evenly.

Step 4: Air Fry the Nutella Bombs

Lightly brush the Nutella bombs with melted butter to help them turn golden and crispy in the air fryer.
Place the bombs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch or overlap (you may need to cook in batches).
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until the Nutella bombs are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Remove the Nutella bombs from the air fryer and let them cool for 1-2 minutes.
For extra sweetness, dust them with powdered sugar, roll them in cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with melted chocolate.

How to Cook Air Fryer Nutella Bombs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare the Dough: Start by flattening the pre-made dough and portioning it for filling.
Add Nutella: Scoop a small amount of Nutella into each dough piece and seal the edges to create a ball.
Preheat and Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F, then fry the Nutella bombs for 6-8 minutes until golden.
Top It Off: Once out of the air fryer, garnish with powdered sugar, cinnamon, or chocolate drizzle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the Dough: It’s tempting to add a lot of Nutella, but overfilling can cause the Nutella to leak out during cooking. Stick to about 1 teaspoon per piece of dough.
Not Sealing the Dough Properly: Make sure to tightly seal the dough around the Nutella to avoid any filling spilling out.
Skipping the Butter: Brushing the dough with butter before air frying helps achieve that crispy, golden finish, so don’t skip this step!
Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Cook the Nutella bombs in batches to ensure they have enough space to cook evenly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy bombs.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Nutella bombs are best served warm when the Nutella is still melty and gooey. Here are a few fun ways to serve and present your air fryer Nutella bombs:

On a Platter: Arrange the Nutella bombs on a serving platter and dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look.
With Dipping Sauces: Serve Nutella bombs with small bowls of whipped cream, caramel sauce, or extra Nutella for dipping.
In Mini Dessert Cups: Place a few Nutella bombs in mini cups, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and add a spoonful of whipped cream for a fancy dessert presentation.
With Ice Cream: Pair the warm Nutella bombs with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

How to Serve Air Fryer Nutella Bombs

Breakfast or Brunch Treat: Serve Nutella bombs as a sweet addition to your breakfast spread, alongside coffee or hot chocolate.
After-Dinner Dessert: These make the perfect dessert to serve after a meal, especially when paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Party Appetizers: Serve bite-sized Nutella bombs at parties for an easy-to-eat, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Presentation Ideas for Air Fryer Nutella Bombs

Presentation matters! Here are a few creative ways to make your Nutella bombs look irresistible:

Pastry Box Gift: Pack Nutella bombs in a cute pastry box tied with a ribbon to give as a homemade gift.
Layered on a Cake Stand: For an elegant dessert table, stack Nutella bombs on a multi-tiered cake stand.
Seasonal Themes: Decorate the Nutella bombs with holiday-themed sprinkles (red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween) to make them festive.

Nutella Bomb Recipe Tips

Work Quickly with Dough: The dough can dry out if left exposed for too long, so try to work quickly when assembling the Nutella bombs.
Use a Piping Bag for Neat Filling: If you’re looking for precision, use a piping bag to add Nutella to the dough balls.
Monitor Frying Time: Keep an eye on the air fryer to avoid overcooking. Depending on your air fryer model, cooking times may vary slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use homemade dough for Nutella bombs?
A: Yes! You can use homemade biscuit dough, crescent roll dough, or even pizza dough for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the dough.

Q: Can I make Nutella bombs ahead of time?
A: Nutella bombs are best served fresh, but you can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day before air frying.

Q: Can I freeze Nutella bombs?
A: Yes, you can freeze uncooked Nutella bombs. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry them straight from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cook time.

Q: What other fillings can I use?
A: Try other sweet fillings like caramel, peanut butter, fruit jams, or cream cheese for a different flavor experience.

Conclusion

Air fryer Nutella bombs are a quick, easy, and utterly delicious dessert that anyone can make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have warm, gooey Nutella-filled treats ready in under 15 minutes. Whether you're making them for a party, a family treat, or a sweet snack, these Nutella bombs are guaranteed to be a hit. So, grab your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and start cooking up this delightful dessert today!