Introduction

If you’re a Nutella lover, these Nutella Balls are the perfect bite-sized dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they are surprisingly easy to make using refrigerated crescent roll dough and an air fryer.

The image shows a white bowl filled with four round pastries that look soft and fluffy. Each pastry has a golden brown crust with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. The top layer of each pastry is thickly drizzled with smooth, rich dark chocolate in diagonal lines. One pastry is cut in half and placed on top, revealing a soft, airy inside with a thick layer of creamy chocolate filling. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (or puff pastry)
1/2 cup (150g) Nutella
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tbsp melted butter
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Roll out the crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface. If using crescent dough, pinch the seams together to form a solid sheet. Cut the dough into 8 equal squares.
Step 2: Place 1 teaspoon of Nutella in the center of each dough square. Be careful not to overfill, or the Nutella may leak out during cooking.
Step 3: Fold the edges of the dough over the Nutella and pinch them together to seal tightly. Roll each piece into a smooth ball shape, ensuring there are no open seams.
Step 4: Brush the outside of each dough ball with beaten egg. This helps create a golden, crispy crust when cooked.
Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the Nutella balls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
Step 6: While the Nutella balls are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter and roll them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra flavor.
Step 7: Let them cool slightly before serving (the Nutella will be hot!). Enjoy warm for the ultimate Air Fryer Nutella Crescent Rolls experience.

Tips & Variations

Seal the dough well to prevent Nutella from leaking out during cooking.
Don’t overfill: Use just 1 teaspoon of Nutella per piece for the perfect balance.
Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
Try substituting puff pastry if you prefer a flakier texture.
Add chopped hazelnuts inside for extra crunch and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Nutella balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer or oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispy exterior.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with several round golden brown fried pastries dusted with white powdered sugar; two of the pastries are cut in half, showing a rich, glossy dark chocolate filling inside layered with a light, soft dough. The outside of the pastries has a slightly crispy texture, and the powdered sugar adds a soft, snowy touch. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with blurred baked goods in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake Nutella balls instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

What can I use if I don’t have crescent roll dough?

Puff pastry sheets work well as a substitute and offer a flakier texture. Just thaw and cut into squares as you would with crescent dough.