I can still remember the first time I made these Nutella Banana Gyoza — it was a rainy Sunday, and we were all curled up on the couch watching old movies. The smell of caramelized banana and warm Nutella filled the kitchen, and by the time I served them, everyone’s eyes lit up. These little golden pockets of joy are a fusion of East meets dessert, with silky gyoza wrappers hugging a gooey, molten filling of banana and Nutella. Each bite is crispy, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth magic.
This recipe is a guaranteed showstopper — whether you’re making it for kids, guests, or just for your own sweet cravings. It’s simple, fast, and versatile. You can fry it, air-fry it, bake it, or even cook it in a Ninja Foodi — and the results are always indulgent and delightful.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Cooling time: 5 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4 people (about 16–20 gyoza)
Difficulty: Easy
Let’s move on to what we’ll need to bring this mouthwatering creation to life.
16–20 round gyoza wrappers (you can use square wonton wrappers and trim them)
2 ripe bananas (medium-sized, mashed or sliced thinly)
5 tablespoons of Nutella (or any chocolate-hazelnut spread)
1 tablespoon of brown sugar (optional, for caramel flavor)
A pinch of salt
Water (for sealing the gyoza)
Neutral oil for frying (like canola or sunflower oil)
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Ice cream, whipped cream, or berries for serving (optional but recommended)
Before we go to the preparation steps, here are some smart ingredient swaps you can try!
For a vegan version:
Use vegan chocolate spread (many are dairy-free!) and plant-based gyoza wrappers (egg-free).
For a gluten-free version:
Use rice paper instead of wheat-based gyoza wrappers, or find gluten-free dumpling wrappers in specialty stores.
For a sugar-free version:
Skip the brown sugar, and opt for a sugar-free chocolate spread.
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s get into the magic of shaping and cooking these little bites of joy.
From all the times I’ve made this — at birthdays, brunches, even just as a midnight snack — I can promise you this process is not only easy but super satisfying. Let’s dive in.
Lay out the gyoza wrappers on a clean surface or tray and keep them covered with a damp towel so they don’t dry out.
Place about ½ teaspoon of Nutella and a few banana slices (or a small spoonful of mashed banana) in the center of each wrapper.
Lightly wet the edges of the wrapper with water using your finger.
Fold the wrapper in half to make a semi-circle and press the edges together to seal — pleat or crimp them if you want to get fancy.
Repeat until all gyoza are filled and sealed.
To pan-fry: heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the gyoza flat side down and fry for 2 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown.
Add 2–3 tablespoons of water to the pan and cover with a lid to steam for 2 minutes. Remove the lid and let them crisp again for 1 more minute.
To air-fry: spray the gyoza with oil and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
To bake: preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), place gyoza on parchment paper, brush with oil, and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden.
Let the gyoza cool for 3–5 minutes (the filling will be very hot!).
Dust with powdered sugar and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Even a sweet treat like this can offer some surprising health bonuses:
Bananas provide potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports muscle function.
Nutella (in moderation) offers hazelnuts, which are rich in vitamin E and healthy fats.
Gyoza wrappers are low in fat, especially when baked or air-fried instead of deep-fried.
A quick source of energy, thanks to the natural sugars in bananas.
Iron and calcium from the chocolate spread (especially if you use fortified or nut-based spreads).
Fiber from the banana, aiding in digestion and satiety.
Want to take this to the next level? Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried over time:
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or chai spice into the filling.
Swap banana for fresh mango or berries.
Add crushed roasted peanuts or almonds inside for crunch.
Drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
Use white chocolate spread instead of Nutella.
Add a dash of chili flakes for a spicy-sweet kick.
Serve on a bed of coconut whipped cream.
Dip into warm chocolate ganache.
Fold a few mini marshmallows into the filling for a s’mores vibe.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes! You can assemble them and freeze in a single layer. Cook straight from frozen — just add an extra 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use other fruits instead of banana?
Absolutely. Strawberries, mango, or even canned peaches work beautifully.
Can I make this without Nutella?
Yes, any chocolate spread will do — or even peanut butter for a more nutty version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to bring back the crisp.
Can I make it without added sugar?
Totally. The bananas and Nutella are sweet enough on their own.
What dipping sauce goes well with these?
Melted chocolate, raspberry coulis, or salted caramel sauce are great choices.
Is it safe for kids to eat?
Yes, it’s a hit with kids! Just let it cool enough before serving, as the filling gets very hot.
Can I deep fry them?
Yes! Deep frying makes them extra crispy. Just fry at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
Can I use phyllo dough or puff pastry?
It’s not quite the same, but yes! Just wrap tightly and seal well.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
On a platter with toothpicks, a small dipping bowl of chocolate sauce, and maybe some sliced strawberries on the side.
I hope you enjoy making and devouring these as much as I always do. They’ve become a staple at our house — and every time I make them, someone asks for the recipe. So don’t forget to share this sweet idea on social media, and tag a friend who loves dessert as much as you do!
Let’s spread the joy of Nutella Banana Gyoza, one crispy bite at a time