I absolutely love finding ways to make delicious, easy-to-make treats, especially when it involves the combination of two of my favorite things: bananas and Nutella! These Air Fryer Banana Nutella Hand Pies are the perfect blend of sweetness and gooey chocolate, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy pastry. The best part? They’re so simple to make and cook up in no time, thanks to the magic of the air fryer!
If you’re looking for a quick snack or dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, these hand pies are a fantastic choice. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a treat that feels indulgent but is super easy to put together. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in or as a fun treat to share with family and friends, these hand pies will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Bananas: Bananas are the star of this recipe, giving the hand pies their natural sweetness and a creamy texture when combined with Nutella. Choose ripe bananas that are just soft enough to mash easily but not too overripe.
Nutella: This chocolate hazelnut spread is what adds that irresistible creamy, chocolaty filling to the hand pies. It perfectly complements the sweetness of the bananas and adds a rich, nutty flavor.
Puff Pastry Sheets: Puff pastry is key for achieving that crispy, flaky exterior of the hand pies. You’ll want to make sure your puff pastry is thawed and ready to go. It’s the ideal base for wrapping up the banana and Nutella filling.
Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon gives the hand pies an extra layer of warmth and spice. It pairs wonderfully with both the bananas and Nutella, making the flavors pop.
Sugar: A little sugar is sprinkled on top of the pies before they’re air-fried, which helps to create a lovely golden finish with a sweet crunch. You can also use a bit of powdered sugar for dusting after baking, depending on your preference.
Egg Wash: An egg wash made of a beaten egg and a little water is brushed on top of the puff pastry before cooking to give the pies a beautiful golden brown color once they’re air-fried.
Ingredients List
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup Nutella
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
How to Make Air Fryer Banana Nutella Hand Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by mashing your ripe bananas in a small bowl until they’re smooth, but still a little chunky. Then, mix in the Nutella and cinnamon until everything is well combined. This will form the creamy filling for your hand pies.
Step 2: Prep the Puff Pastry
Roll out the puff pastry sheet onto a flat surface and cut it into squares. You’ll want each square to be about 4×4 inches. This will give you enough space to fold the edges over the filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies
Spoon a generous amount of the banana and Nutella filling onto the center of each puff pastry square. Be sure not to overfill! Then, fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle, pressing the edges together to seal the pie. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice decorative touch.
Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash
Whisk the egg with a bit of water to make an egg wash, then brush it over the top of each hand pie. This will give them a beautiful golden brown color once they’re cooked.
Step 5: Air Fry the Hand Pies
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Air fry for 8-10 minutes or until the hand pies are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once they’re done, remove the hand pies from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can dust them with powdered sugar or even drizzle a little extra Nutella on top for an extra treat!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use Fresh Puff Pastry: For the best texture and flavor, make sure your puff pastry is fresh and properly thawed. This will help you get the best golden-brown finish.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to add a lot of filling, but be careful not to overstuff the hand pies. You want them to be sealed well to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Air Fryer Variations: Depending on the model of your air fryer, cooking times may vary slightly. Keep an eye on your hand pies after 8 minutes to ensure they don’t overcook.
- Serving Ideas: Serve these hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent dessert.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chocolate spread instead of Nutella? Yes! Feel free to use any chocolate hazelnut spread or even regular chocolate spread if you prefer. The flavor may be slightly different, but it’ll still be delicious.
Can I make these ahead of time? You can assemble the hand pies in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before air frying. This makes for an easy snack when you’re ready to cook them!
Can I use a different type of fruit? Absolutely! While bananas are the classic choice, you can try other fruits like strawberries, apples, or pears, though you might want to adjust the amount of sugar or cinnamon depending on the fruit you choose.
Can I make these without an air fryer? Yes, you can bake these hand pies in a regular oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Just be sure to watch them closely so they don’t burn.
Now you’re ready to make these deliciously crispy and gooey Air Fryer Banana Nutella Hand Pies! They’re a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy!