Air Fryer Nutella Bombs

Imagine biting into a warm, pillowy dough exterior that gives way to a molten river of rich, chocolate-hazelnut Nutella that coats your tongue with pure bliss. These indulgent Air Fryer Nutella Bombs deliver an irresistible combination of crispy exterior and gooey, warm filling that will satisfy any sweet tooth in just minutes. The air fryer transforms simple ingredients into a dessert that tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery, without the hassle of deep frying or lengthy baking times. You’ll learn how to create these addictive chocolate-hazelnut treats with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Air Fryer Nutella Bombs will quickly become your go-to dessert for several compelling reasons. First, they deliver that perfect textural contrast between the crisp, golden exterior and the velvety, molten Nutella center that creates a delightful sensory experience. The air fryer method eliminates the mess and excess calories of deep frying while achieving the same delicious results in just a fraction of the time.

The simplicity of this recipe makes it accessible even to novice bakers—with just a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes of total preparation and cooking time, you can create an impressive dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. The versatility is another major selling point; these Nutella-filled treats work equally well as an after-dinner dessert, a special breakfast indulgence, or an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee.

Perhaps most importantly, these chocolate-hazelnut bombs deliver that wow factor when served warm, with the dramatic moment of cutting into one and watching the chocolate filling ooze out—creating an experience that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.

Ingredients

For these irresistible Air Fryer Nutella Bombs, you’ll need:

• 1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• ½ cup Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Cooking spray (for the air fryer basket)
• Optional: 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting

The refrigerated crescent roll dough provides the perfect shortcut, creating a flaky, tender exterior without the need to make dough from scratch. Nutella is the star ingredient here—its thick, creamy consistency holds up well to the air frying process, maintaining that perfect molten center without becoming too runny. The cinnamon-sugar coating adds a wonderful aromatic quality and sweet crunch that complements the rich chocolate-hazelnut filling.

Pro Tips

Use Cold Nutella: For the perfect Air Fryer Nutella Bombs, refrigerate your Nutella for at least 30 minutes before assembling. Cold Nutella is easier to handle and less likely to leak during cooking. Use a melon baller or small cookie scoop to portion out uniform balls of chilled Nutella, then return them to the refrigerator while you prepare the dough. This crucial step ensures your bombs will have that dramatic molten center effect when bitten into, rather than leaking prematurely during cooking.

Seal Thoroughly: The most common issue with these treats is filling leakage, which can be easily avoided with proper sealing. After placing the Nutella in the center of your dough, pinch the edges firmly and roll the bomb between your palms to ensure there are absolutely no gaps or thin spots. Test each bomb by gently pressing to check for weak points before coating in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This attention to detail makes the difference between good and exceptional Nutella bombs.

Preheat Properly: For the perfect crispy exterior, always preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding your Nutella bombs. This immediate blast of heat helps set the dough’s exterior quickly, creating that golden, crispy shell while preserving the molten center. Additionally, avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket—cook in batches if necessary, leaving at least an inch of space around each bomb to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Nutella

Start by chilling your Nutella in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Once chilled, line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a teaspoon or melon baller, scoop out 8 equal portions of Nutella (about 1 teaspoon each) and place them on the parchment paper. Return to the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up while you prepare the dough. This makes the Nutella easier to handle and helps prevent leakage during cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface and pinch together the perforations to create a solid sheet. Using a knife or pizza cutter, divide the dough into 8 equal squares. Gently stretch each square slightly with your fingers to make it a bit larger, being careful not to tear the dough. This extra surface area ensures you’ll have enough dough to properly seal around the Nutella.

Step 3: Assemble the Bombs

Remove the Nutella portions from the freezer. Place one portion of chilled Nutella in the center of each dough square. Carefully fold the edges of the dough up and around the Nutella, pinching firmly to seal all seams completely. Roll each filled dough ball between your palms to create a smooth, even ball shape with no visible seams or thin spots. The more securely you seal these Air Fryer Nutella Bombs, the less likely they are to leak during cooking.

Step 4: Add Coating

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Brush each dough ball lightly with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated. The butter helps the coating adhere and contributes to a beautifully golden, crisp exterior. Make sure to coat all surfaces for that perfect sweet crunch in every bite.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the Nutella bombs in the basket, leaving space between each one for air circulation. Cook for 6-8 minutes until they’re puffed up and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them during the last couple of minutes, as cooking times may vary slightly between different air fryer models. You’re looking for a rich, golden-brown color without any burning.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Allow the Air Fryer Nutella Bombs to cool for just 2-3 minutes before serving. They should be warm enough that the Nutella inside remains molten, but not so hot that they’re uncomfortable to eat. If desired, dust lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately while the contrast between the crisp exterior and gooey center is at its peak.

Variations

Berry-Nutella Bombs: Elevate your Air Fryer Nutella Bombs by adding a fresh dimension of flavor. Before sealing the dough, place a few fresh raspberries or a small spoonful of strawberry jam alongside the Nutella portion. The combination of tangy berries with rich chocolate-hazelnut spread creates a sophisticated flavor profile reminiscent of chocolate-covered strawberries. The fruit adds a bright, juicy contrast to the creamy Nutella for an even more indulgent treat.

Cookie Butter Alternative: For a delicious twist, substitute cookie butter (speculoos spread) for the Nutella. The warm spice notes of cookie butter create a different but equally delicious bomb with flavors reminiscent of snickerdoodles or gingerbread. Follow the same preparation method, but consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to your cinnamon-sugar coating to complement the spiced filling perfectly.

Stuffed Breakfast Bombs: Transform these treats into a breakfast option by adding a teaspoon of cream cheese alongside the Nutella before sealing. After air frying, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a pastry that rivals anything from a gourmet bakery. These more substantial bombs make a delightful weekend breakfast or brunch offering that pairs perfectly with coffee.

Storage and Serving

These Air Fryer Nutella Bombs are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer when the contrast between the crisp exterior and molten center is most pronounced. However, if you need to store leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through, or microwave for 10-15 seconds (though this may sacrifice some of the exterior crispness).

For an elevated dessert experience, serve warm Air Fryer Nutella Bombs with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a light drizzle of chocolate sauce. The contrast between the warm bombs and cold ice cream creates a delightful temperature play that enhances the overall dessert experience.

These treats also make an impressive addition to a brunch spread, served alongside fresh fruit and coffee. For a special touch, create a dessert board with your Nutella bombs as the centerpiece, surrounded by strawberries, banana slices, and additional small cups of Nutella for dipping the fruit.

FAQs

Can I make these Nutella bombs ahead of time?
You can prepare the assembled, uncooked bombs up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, and add the butter and cinnamon-sugar coating just before cooking. You may need to add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Why did my Nutella bombs leak during cooking?
Leaking usually occurs when the dough isn’t sealed properly or the Nutella wasn’t cold enough. Make sure to refrigerate the Nutella before scooping, pinch all seams tightly, and roll each bomb between your palms to ensure there are no weak spots or thin areas in the dough.

Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?
Absolutely! A basic sweet dough or even pizza dough works well. Roll it to about ¼-inch thickness before cutting and filling. Homemade dough may require slightly longer cooking times, so adjust accordingly.

How do I know when they’re done cooking?
The Air Fryer Nutella Bombs are done when they’ve puffed up significantly and the exterior is golden brown. If you’re unsure, you can always remove one bomb and cut it open to check – the dough should be fully cooked through with no raw spots.

Can I freeze these Nutella bombs?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, uncooked bombs for up to 1 month. Freeze them individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with the butter, cinnamon-sugar coating, and air frying as directed, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Nutella Bombs are comfort food at its finest — warm, gooey pockets of chocolate-hazelnut bliss wrapped in golden, cinnamon-dusted pastry. They’re the kind of treat that transforms an ordinary moment into something special, whether you’re ending a family dinner, surprising loved ones with a weekend breakfast treat, or simply indulging in a well-deserved moment of sweetness. With minimal effort and maximum impact, this recipe proves that sometimes the simplest desserts create the most magical experiences. The combination of crispy exterior giving way to that molten chocolate center creates a textural experience that’s hard to beat—and the fact that they come together in minutes makes them all the more irresistible.

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