Imagine biting into a golden, crispy pocket that crackles delightfully with each chew-only to reveal a molten river of rich, velvety Nutella oozing from within. Welcome to the world of Crispy Air Fryer Nutella Empanadas, where traditional Latin American pastry meets the beloved chocolate-hazelnut spread in an irresistible fusion of flavors and textures. This article will guide you through creating thes sweet treats that combine convenience, crunch, and decadence, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a dessert adventurer, get ready to add a new favorite twist to your culinary repertoire.
Crispy Air Fryer Nutella Empanadas: A Sweet Treat Twist
Crispy Air Fryer Nutella Empanadas bring a deliciously modern spin to a beloved classic, blending flaky, golden crusts with a luscious chocolate-hazelnut center. Originating from the rich culinary traditions of Latin america, these empanadas transform into an irresistible sweet treat by embracing the convenience of an air fryer and the indulgence of Nutella. Whether it’s a cozy family dessert or an eye-catching party snack, mastering this recipe turns every bite into a moment of pure joy.
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield
Makes approximately 12 Nutella empanadas, perfect for 4 servings.
Difficulty Level
Easy to Medium: Perfect for home bakers eager to elevate their dessert game without fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water (plus 1-2 tablespoons if needed)
- 1/2 cup Nutella (room temperature for easy spreading)
- 1 egg yolk beaten, for egg wash
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt.Add the chilled butter cubes.Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form the dough: Slowly add cold water,a tablespoon at a time,mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork it. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Roll and cut: Lightly flour your workspace and roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cutter to create circles for your empanadas. Gather scraps and reroll as needed.
- Add the filling: Place a generous teaspoon of nutella in the center of each dough circle, ensuring you leave at least 1/2 inch border around the edges.
- Fold and seal: Fold each circle into a half-moon, pressing the edges to seal. Crimp edges with a fork to secure the filling and create a beautiful edge. Brush the top with beaten egg yolk for a glossy finish.
- Air fry to perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange empanadas in a single layer, ensuring space between them for air circulation. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the dough is golden and crisp, flipping halfway if needed for even browning.
- Cool and garnish: Let empanadas cool slightly on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with extra Nutella before serving for an irresistible presentation.
Tips for Success
- Choosing the dough: For ultimate crispiness, opt for a homemade dough as detailed above - its buttery flakes surpass store-bought alternatives. Though,puff pastry or empanada dough rounds can be a fast substitute.
- Perfect filling balance: Avoid overfilling to prevent leakage. Nutella softens when warm, so chilling filling jars slightly can definitely help maintain structure.
- Folding finesse: crimp edges firmly yet gently; use water or egg wash to help seal dough layers together better.
- Air fryer magic: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air circulation is key to that signature golden crispiness without excess oil.
- Make ahead: Prep dough and filled empanadas can be frozen uncooked. Reheat straight in the air fryer adding a couple more minutes to crisp up.
Creative Serving Suggestions
Elevate your sweet treat experience with thoughtful presentation and complementary flavors:
- Berry compote or fresh strawberries: A tart contrast to Nutella’s richness when spooned beside or over the empanadas.
- Vanilla whipped cream or mascarpone: dollop atop warm empanadas for a cooling, creamy texture.
- Chopped toasted hazelnuts: Sprinkle on top for crunch and visual appeal.
- Ice cream pairing: Serve warm empanadas alongside a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Drizzled caramel or raspberry sauce: Add elegant layers of flavor and color contrast, perfect for entertaining guests.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (3 empanadas) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
Discover more empanada dough recipes to enhance your baking repertoire. for additional tips on air fryer baking techniques, visit Serious Eats.
Q&A
Q&A: Crispy Air Fryer Nutella Empanadas – A Sweet Treat Twist
Q1: What exactly are Nutella empanadas, and how do they differ from traditional empanadas?
A: Nutella empanadas are a delightful spin on the classic empanada, traditionally filled with savory ingredients like meat or cheese. Instead, these empanadas are stuffed with luscious, creamy Nutella, creating a sweet dessert treat. The contrast between the crispy,golden exterior and the gooey,chocolate-hazelnut filling makes them an irresistible indulgence.
Q2: Why use an air fryer for these empanadas instead of deep frying?
A: The air fryer is a game-changer for dessert empanadas! It crisps the pastry to perfection using hot air circulation, drastically reducing oil use and calories without sacrificing that coveted crunch. Plus, air frying is faster and less messy than deep frying, making it perfect for a quick sweet snack or last-minute dessert.
Q3: Can I make the dough from scratch, or is there a shortcut?
A: Both options work beautifully! For purists who love the hands-on approach, homemade dough adds a personalized touch and can be tailored to your preferred texture. However, store-bought empanada dough or even ready-made pie crusts are convenient shortcuts that still yield appetizing, crispy results – especially when combined with the air fryer’s magic.Q4: How do I prevent Nutella from leaking out during cooking?
A: To keep your Nutella filling perfectly sealed, avoid overfilling the empanadas – about a tablespoon of Nutella per empanada works well.Make sure to gently but firmly seal the edges using a fork or by crimping the dough,and if your dough is a bit dry,lightly brushing the edges with water or beaten egg helps create a strong seal.
Q5: What makes these empanadas so crispy in the air fryer?
A: the secret lies in the combination of the air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation and a light coating of oil or egg wash on the empanadas’ surface. This interaction crisps the dough evenly,producing that sought-after crunch without the excess oiliness of traditional frying.
Q6: Are there any tasty variations or add-ins to try with this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder inside the Nutella filling for a spicy-sweet kick. Alternatively, toss in some chopped nuts or a spoonful of marshmallow fluff for texture and gooeyness.On the outside, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel can elevate presentation and flavor.
Q7: Can Nutella empanadas be made ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the empanadas and freeze them uncooked, then air fry straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes for an easy, make-ahead dessert that’s ready whenever a craving strikes.
Q8: What’s the best way to serve these crispy Nutella empanadas?
A: Serve them warm to enjoy that melty Nutella center. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh berries to complement the richness. A cup of coffee or hot chocolate also makes perfect company for this sweet indulgence.
Craving a crispy, chocolaty treat? These air fryer Nutella empanadas combine convenience and decadence, turning simple ingredients into a snack that’s both fun to make and delicious to devour!
In Summary
Whether you’re craving a quick dessert or a fun twist on a classic treat, these crispy air fryer Nutella empanadas deliver on both flavor and convenience. with their golden, flaky exterior and luscious chocolate-hazelnut center, they’re proof that indulgence doesn’t have to come with a lengthy prep time or a greasy finish. Perfect for sharing (or not!), this recipe invites you to explore the sweet side of air frying-transforming simple ingredients into a delightful, crispy delight.So next time your sweet tooth calls, reach for these empanadas and savor a deliciously easy way to treat yourself.
