Air Fryer Muffins Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade air fryer muffins with this easy baking recipe! These fluffy, moist muffins bake in half the time of conventional oven methods, creating perfectly domed tops with crisp edges. The air circulation ensures even baking throughout for bakery-quality results every time.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

12 mins

Serves:

6 muffins

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">180g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp baking powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg, at room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80ml vegetable oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g mix-ins of choice (blueberries, chocolate chips, or diced apples)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp coarse sugar for topping (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Silicone muffin cups or metal muffin tin that fits in your air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Paper muffin liners</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This thorough mixing ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed for a consistent rise.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until completely incorporated. The oil (rather than butter) creates an exceptionally moist muffin that stays tender even after cooling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula just until combined - about 10-12 strokes. The batter should look slightly lumpy; overmixing develops gluten which results in tough muffins.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Gently fold in your mix-ins of choice, taking care not to crush berries or overmix the batter. This folding motion preserves the air bubbles that contribute to the muffin's light texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Line your silicone muffin cups or metal muffin tin with paper liners. Fill each cup about ¾ full with batter. This allows room for rising while ensuring a nicely domed top.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>If using the coarse sugar topping, sprinkle it evenly over each muffin. This creates a delightful crackly, sweet crust as the muffins bake.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 160°C for 2 minutes. Place the muffin cups in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to work in batches.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Bake the muffins at 160°C for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. The tops should be golden brown and spring back slightly when touched.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Carefully remove the muffins from the air fryer and allow them to cool in the cups for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the structure to set, making them easier to remove.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. Though they're delicious warm, allowing them to cool properly prevents them from becoming gummy when bitten into. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Muffins Recipe?

Air Fryer Muffins require all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, egg, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and optional mix-ins like blueberries or chocolate chips. A coarse sugar topping adds a delightful crunch to the golden tops.

How to cook Air Fryer Muffins Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Muffins by combining dry and wet ingredients separately, then gently folding them together with your favourite mix-ins. Fill muffin cups ¾ full, sprinkle with coarse sugar, and bake at 160°C for 10-12 minutes in a preheated air fryer until golden and springy to the touch.

Can I use frozen berries in my air fryer muffins?

Yes, frozen berries work wonderfully in air fryer muffins! There's no need to thaw them first—just fold them in while still frozen to prevent colour bleeding. Keep in mind that frozen berries may slightly increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

Why are air fryer muffins better than oven-baked ones?

Air fryer muffins offer several advantages: they bake in half the time, develop exceptionally crisp tops due to the intense air circulation, maintain moisture better, and don't heat up your kitchen. The concentrated heat creates the perfect bakery-style domed top.

How do I prevent my muffins from sticking in the air fryer?

Always use paper liners or silicone muffin cups in your air fryer to prevent sticking. If using a metal tin directly, thoroughly grease each cup with cooking spray or butter. Allow muffins to cool for 5 minutes before removing from cups for best results.

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