Air Fryer Nutella-Stuffed Pastries Recipe

Crispy, golden puff pastry triangles with a molten Nutella center that create the perfect balance of flaky exterior and rich, chocolatey interior in every bite.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
8 mins
Serves:
8 pastries
An overhead shot of golden-brown triangular pastries arranged on a rustic wooden serving board, with one pastry broken open to reveal the glossy, molten Nutella filling dramatically oozing out. The late afternoon light creates a warm glow that highlights the flaky layers of the puff pastry and the contrast between the golden exterior and dark chocolate interior. A light dusting of powdered sugar creates a beautiful visual contrast, while a small jar of Nutella and scattered hazelnuts surround the pastries, hinting at the star ingredient. Steam visibly rises from the freshly air-fried treats, suggesting their perfect temperature and inviting immediacy.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 sheet (320g) ready-rolled puff pastry, thawed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g Nutella (or any chocolate-hazelnut spread)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g powdered sugar, for dusting</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Cooking spray or 5ml vegetable oil (for air fryer basket)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rolling pin</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper (optional)</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Remove your puff pastry from the refrigerator and allow it to thaw for about 10-15 minutes until pliable but still cool to the touch. Working with cold but manageable pastry ensures those beautiful flaky layers will form during cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll out the puff pastry sheet to ensure even thickness. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 8 equal squares. The cleaner your cuts, the better your pastries will seal and rise.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Place approximately 15g (about 1 tablespoon) of Nutella in the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill or place too close to the edges, as the Nutella will spread during cooking and could leak out.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Brush the edges of each square lightly with beaten egg. This egg wash acts as a glue to seal your pastries and will also give them that beautiful golden sheen when cooked.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Fold each square diagonally to form triangles, then press the edges firmly with a fork to create a decorative border and ensure a good seal. Prick the top of each pastry once with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking, preventing them from bursting.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 2 minutes. While it's heating, brush the top of each pastry with more egg wash for that professional bakery finish.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Work in batches if necessary – don't overcrowd the basket as this impedes air circulation and results in uneven cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Place pastries in the air fryer basket with at least 2cm space between each one. Cook at 180°C for 7-8 minutes until they're puffed up and golden brown. The perfectly cooked pastry should have visibly separated layers and feel light and crisp to the touch.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Carefully remove the pastries from the air fryer – they'll be extremely hot, especially the filling! Allow them to cool for 3-5 minutes on a wire rack; this resting period allows the Nutella to set slightly while keeping that delicious molten center.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Dust the pastries generously with powdered sugar just before serving. These are best enjoyed while still warm when the contrast between the crisp pastry and gooey filling is at its peak. If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to restore crispness.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 pastry
🔥 Calories: 245 calories
🥑 Fat: 16 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 5 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 23 g
🍭 Sugar: 12 g
🍗 Protein: 3 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 23 mg
🧂 Sodium: 120 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I use different fillings instead of Nutella in these air-fried pastries?

Absolutely! These pastries work brilliantly with various fillings including jam, lemon curd, peanut butter, Biscoff spread, or even savoury options like cream cheese. Just ensure your filling isn't too runny, and adjust cooking time if needed. The air fryer method creates perfectly crisp results regardless of filling.

Why does my puff pastry not rise properly in the air fryer?

The most common causes are: pastry that's too warm (keep it cold until cooking), insufficient preheating of your air fryer, overfilled pastries, or sealed edges that weren't properly crimped. Also ensure you're leaving enough space between pastries for proper air circulation.

How do I prevent the Nutella from leaking out during cooking?

To prevent Nutella leaks, avoid overfilling (use only 1 tablespoon per pastry), keep the filling centred and away from edges, seal thoroughly with egg wash, and press the edges firmly with a fork. Chilling the assembled pastries for 10 minutes before air frying can also help maintain their structure.

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