tion is Key

1. 1. Freeze the Nutella: This is the MOST crucial step for success! Line a small baking sheet or plate with parchment paper or wax paper. Drop 8 rounded teaspoon-sized dollops of Nutella onto the prepared sheet (about 1.5 – 2 teaspoons per dollop). Place the sheet in the freezer for at least 30-60 minutes, or until the Nutella dollops are firm. This prevents the Nutella from melting too quickly and oozing out while you assemble and air fry the beignets. You can do this step well in advance.

1. 1. Prepare Workspace & Dough: Lightly flour your clean work surface. Open the can of biscuit dough and separate the 8 biscuits. Place them on the floured surface.

1. 1. Preheat Air Fryer (Highly Recommended): Preheat your air fryer to 340°F (170°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps the beignets start cooking immediately and ensures more even browning. Check your specific air fryer model’s instructions for preheating recommendations.

Phase 2: Assembling the Beignets

1. 1. Flatten the Biscuits: Working with one biscuit at a time, gently flatten it with your fingers or a small rolling pin into a circle approximately 3-4 inches in diameter. Don’t make it paper-thin, especially in the center, but aim for an even thickness. If the dough feels sticky, lightly flour your fingers.

1. 1. Add the Filling: Retrieve the frozen Nutella dollops from the freezer just before you’re ready to use them. Place one frozen Nutella dollop in the center of a flattened biscuit circle.

1. 1. Seal Securely: This is another critical step! Carefully fold the dough circle in half over the Nutella, forming a half-moon shape. Alternatively, you can place another flattened biscuit on top and pinch the edges together. Press the edges together very firmly all around to create a tight seal. You can use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges for extra security, or even lightly dab the edges with a fingertip dipped in water before sealing to help them adhere better. Ensure there are no gaps where the Nutella could escape during cooking. The goal is to completely encase the frozen Nutella.

1. 1. Repeat: Continue this process for all 8 biscuits. As you finish each one, place it back on the lightly floured surface or onto a piece of parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch.

Phase 3: Air Frying to Golden Perfection

1. 1. Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Once preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray (optional, but helps prevent sticking, especially if your basket isn’t perfectly non-stick). Carefully place 3-4 stuffed beignets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket! Leave space between them for air to circulate properly, which is essential for even cooking and browning. You will likely need to cook these in two batches.

1. 1. Cook: Air fry at 340°F (170°C) for 6-9 minutes. Crucially, flip the beignets halfway through the cooking time (around the 3-4 minute mark) using tongs or a spatula. This ensures both sides cook evenly and achieve that beautiful golden-brown color.

1. 1. Check for Doneness: Cooking times can vary significantly depending on your specific air fryer model and the size/thickness of your beignets. Start checking around the 6-minute mark. They are done when they are puffed up, golden brown on both sides, and feel cooked through (a gentle press shouldn’t feel overly doughy). If they brown too quickly before cooking through, slightly lower the temperature for the next batch (e.g., to 330°F/165°C).

1. 1. Remove and Repeat: Carefully remove the cooked beignets from the air fryer basket using tongs or a spatula and place them on a wire rack or plate. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining stuffed beignets.

Phase 4: The Finishing Touch

1. 1. Butter Immediately: While the beignets are still hot from the air fryer, immediately brush them generously all over with the melted butter using a pastry brush. This step is vital as the warm surface and melted butter will help the powdered sugar stick beautifully. If you opted for cooking spray instead of melted butter, you can lightly spray them again before dusting with sugar, but melted butter gives a richer result.

1. 1. Dust Generously: Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl or pie plate. Roll each buttered beignet in the powdered sugar, ensuring it’s completely coated in a thick, snowy layer. Alternatively, place the powdered sugar in a large zip-top bag, add a few warm, buttered beignets at a time, seal the bag, and shake gently to coat.

1. 1. Serve Warm: These Air Fryer Nutella Stuffed Beignets are undeniably best served immediately while they’re still warm, the dough is softest, and the Nutella center is perfectly molten and gooey.