Air Fryer Granola Recipe
Crispy, golden clusters of wholesome oats, nuts, and seeds infused with honey sweetness and warm spices, all made effortlessly in your air fryer.
Ingredients
<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">200g rolled oats (not quick-cooking)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">100g mixed nuts, roughly chopped (almonds, walnuts, pecans)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">50g seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, flax)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">30g unsweetened coconut flakes</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml neutral oil (coconut oil, melted, or light olive oil)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml honey or maple syrup</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground cinnamon</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">75g dried fruits, chopped if large (raisins, cranberries, apricots)</li> </ul>
Equipment
<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper (air fryer compatible)</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Silicone spatula</li> </ul>
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Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, and coconut flakes. These dry ingredients form the base of your granola, providing different textures and nutritional benefits. Using rolled oats rather than quick oats is important as they maintain their structure better during cooking. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. The liquid mixture will bind your granola and help create those desirable clusters. The oil helps the granola crisp up, while the sweetener caramelizes for flavor and binding. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture and stir thoroughly with a silicone spatula until everything is evenly coated. Take your time with this step - about 2-3 minutes of mixing ensures each oat and nut gets a coating of the sweet mixture, which is essential for even browning and cluster formation. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper, making sure to leave some space around the edges for air circulation. Spread half the granola mixture in an even layer about 1-2cm thick. Don't overcrowd the basket as this will prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Set your air fryer to 150°C and cook for 5-6 minutes. Then carefully stir the granola with a silicone spatula to ensure even browning. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The granola should look golden brown but won't yet feel completely crisp – it will continue to crisp up as it cools. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Transfer the first batch to a large baking sheet to cool completely, and repeat steps 4 and 5 with the remaining mixture. The cooling process is crucial as this is when your granola develops its signature crunch through moisture evaporation. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Once the granola has cooled to room temperature (about 20-30 minutes), add the dried fruits and gently mix them in. We add dried fruits after cooking because they would burn and become too hard if air fried with the other ingredients. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> For maximum crunch, let the granola cool completely before storing in an airtight container. This homemade granola will keep at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, though I doubt it will last that long! For larger clusters, avoid breaking up the granola too much when transferring it to the storage container. </li> </ol>
Chef’s Notes
A few helpful details for making this recipe.
Can I make granola in my air fryer without parchment paper?
While parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier, you can make granola directly in your air fryer basket. Simply spray the basket with a light coating of oil first, and be extra vigilant about stirring to prevent sticking. Clean the basket promptly after use.
How do you get granola to form clusters when air frying?
For perfect clusters in air fryer granola, ensure a good ratio of wet to dry ingredients (don't skimp on the honey/maple syrup and oil), mix thoroughly, spread in a thicker layer (1-2cm), don't stir too much during cooking, and most importantly, allow it to cool completely before handling.
What's the best way to store homemade air-fried granola?
Store air-fried granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For maximum freshness and crunch, make sure it's completely cool before storing. Glass jars work particularly well for maintaining crispness. For longer storage, keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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