Why You’ll Love Air Fried Chocolate Hazelnut Filled Donuts Recipe

Air fried instead of deep fried
Soft, pillowy texture with a golden exterior
Filled with creamy chocolate hazelnut spread
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
Easier and less messy than traditional donuts
Delicious sugar coating adds a bakery-style finish
Great for special occasions or weekend baking
Family-friendly and fun to make

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup milk, heated to 110°F
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon white sugar, divided
2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, beaten
8 tablespoons melted butter, divided
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar, for coating
1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread

Directions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the active dry yeast. Whisk together and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add the remaining sugar, salt, beaten egg, 4 tablespoons melted butter, and flour. Using a dough hook attachment, knead on low speed for about 2 minutes.
Increase the mixer speed to medium and continue kneading for 5 minutes until the dough becomes soft and elastic. If the dough is excessively sticky, add a small amount of flour as needed.
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Cover and let the dough balls rest for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Lightly spray the dough balls with cooking oil spray and arrange them in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry for about 6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
While still warm, brush the donuts with the remaining 4 tablespoons melted butter. Roll each donut in the coating sugar until evenly covered.
Transfer the chocolate hazelnut spread to a piping bag. Using a small knife, create a hole in the side of each donut and pipe in the filling.
Serve immediately and enjoy.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 donuts
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 21 minutes

Variations

Jam-Filled Donuts: Replace the chocolate hazelnut spread with raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam.
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Mix ground cinnamon into the sugar coating for extra warmth and flavor.
Vanilla Cream Filling: Fill the donuts with pastry cream or vanilla pudding instead of Nutella.
Chocolate Coated: Dip the tops in melted chocolate after filling.
Peanut Butter Filling: Use creamy peanut butter or a peanut butter-chocolate mixture.
Pumpkin Spice Version: Add pumpkin pie spice to the dough and sugar coating.
Mini Donuts: Divide the dough into smaller portions and reduce the cooking time slightly.
Orange Chocolate Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy note.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Unfilled donuts can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before filling and serving.

To reheat, warm the donuts in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until soft.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without an air fryer?

Yes. Bake them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or until golden.

Why didn’t my yeast foam?

The milk may have been too hot or too cold, or the yeast may no longer be active.

Can I use instant yeast instead?

Yes. Instant yeast can be substituted and does not require proofing first.

What is the best way to fill the donuts?

A piping bag fitted with a small round tip makes filling quick and easy.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes. After kneading, refrigerate the dough overnight and continue with the recipe the next day.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can replace part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, though the donuts may be slightly denser.

How do I know when the donuts are fully cooked?

They should be golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of about 190°F.

Can I use a different filling?

Absolutely. Jam, custard, pastry cream, peanut butter, or cookie butter all work well.

Why are my donuts dense?

This can happen if the dough was under-kneaded, over-floured, or not given enough time to rise.

Can I freeze filled donuts?

Yes, but the filling texture may change slightly after thawing. Freezing unfilled donuts generally yields the best results.

Conclusion

Air Fried Chocolate Hazelnut Filled Donuts are a delightful homemade treat that combines fluffy yeast dough, a sweet sugar coating, and a rich chocolate hazelnut center. The air fryer creates beautifully golden donuts with less oil than traditional frying, making them an easy and satisfying option for breakfast, dessert, or any time you’re craving a bakery-style indulgence.

Air Fried Chocolate Hazelnut Filled Donuts

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These air fryer chocolate hazelnut filled donuts are soft, fluffy, and coated in buttery sugar with a rich Nutella center. A delicious homemade treat that’s easier than traditional fried donuts.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 57 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts
Category: Dessert
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon sugar, and yeast. Whisk and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, salt, beaten egg, 4 tablespoons melted butter, and flour. Knead with a dough hook on low speed for 2 minutes.
Increase the speed to medium and knead for 5 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic. Add a little more flour if needed to reduce stickiness.
Transfer the dough to a large bowl, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, divide into 12 equal pieces, and roll into balls. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray the dough balls with oil and air fry for about 6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Brush the warm donuts with the remaining 4 tablespoons melted butter and roll in the coating sugar.
Fill a piping bag with chocolate hazelnut spread. Cut a small opening in each donut and pipe in the filling.
Serve and enjoy.

Notes

If the dough is sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time while kneading.
An oven can be used instead of an air fryer at 350 degrees F until baked through.
Best enjoyed the day they are made.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 260 kcal
Sugar: 19 g
Sodium: 220 mg
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg