Air Fryer Muffins: Baking Possibilities And Perfect Results

can i bake muffins in an air fryer

Air fryers are a handy alternative to conventional ovens, and they can be used to make muffins. Air fryers are smaller and cook at faster speeds, which is great for when you're in a hurry or only want to make a small batch. Muffins can be made in an air fryer in a similar way to a conventional oven, but there are a few things to keep in mind, such as the type of cases or tins used, and the arrangement of muffins in the fryer.

Characteristics Values
Time Air fryers tend to cook muffins faster than a conventional oven
Temperature 350°F (175°C) is a commonly recommended temperature for baking muffins in an air fryer
Cookware Silicone muffin cups are recommended, with paper muffin liners placed inside. Paper liners can be used on their own if they are oven-safe and designed for baking muffins without a pan
Portion Size Air fryers are good for baking small batches of muffins

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Air Fryer Muffin Recipe

Air fryer muffins are a quick and easy treat, perfect for breakfast or brunch. You can use a basic vanilla muffin recipe and add any ingredients you like, such as chocolate chips, blueberries, bananas, or dried fruit.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons mild vegetable or canola oil
  • ⅓ cup buttermilk
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large banana, chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for topping (optional)
  • ½ cup blueberries, fresh or thawed (optional)
  • Streusel topping (optional)

Method:

  • Line about 8 silicone muffin cups with paper liners and set aside.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and set aside.
  • In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the butter and oil until combined. Then whisk in the egg to combine.
  • Add the buttermilk, sour cream, and vanilla and stir to combine. Whisk in the sugar until well combined for about 1 minute.
  • Add the flour mixture and whisk just to combine. Fold in any additional ingredients, such as banana chunks, chocolate chips, or blueberries, if desired.
  • Spoon the batter into the prepared silicone cups until almost full. Top with coarse sugar or streusel topping if desired.
  • Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 4 minutes. Then, leaving the air fryer basket closed, lower the heat to 325°F (163°C) and bake for another 11 to 13 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of a muffin comes out clean.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool in the silicone cups for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before serving.

Tips:

  • If you don't have silicone muffin cups, you can use paper muffin liners, but they may not hold their shape unless you put them in a muffin tin.
  • If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake these muffins in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 5 minutes at this temperature, then lower the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 11 to 13 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
  • Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these muffins will stay fresh for up to 4 days. If you add fresh fruit, you may want to store them in the refrigerator, which will reduce their shelf life to about 2 days.

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Air Fryer Temperature

Air fryer muffins are cooked at a range of temperatures, depending on the model of the air fryer and the preference of the baker.

Some sources suggest a temperature of 350°F (175-177°C) for baking muffins in an air fryer. This temperature is supported by several sources, who also suggest a cooking time of 11-17 minutes. One source recommends checking the muffins after 10 minutes and adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Other sources suggest a lower temperature of 325°F (163°C) for baking muffins. This is paired with a longer cooking time of 15 minutes.

One source recommends heating the air fryer to 160°C for 2 minutes before adding the muffin mixture.

It is important to note that air fryers may cook food faster than conventional ovens, so it is recommended to shorten the cooking time suggested in oven-based recipes.

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How Long to Bake Muffins in the Air Fryer

Muffins can be baked in an air fryer at a temperature of around 350°F (175-180°C). The baking time can vary between 11 to 17 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the muffins as they bake, as the cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model.

To check if the muffins are done, insert a toothpick into the centre of a muffin. If it comes out clean, the muffins are ready. The muffins should also be slightly risen and golden brown when they are finished cooking.

It is worth noting that some air fryer models blow air directly onto the top of the muffins, causing them to form a crust too early and resulting in deformed muffins. To avoid this, arrange the muffins in the basket so that the air does not blow directly onto them. For example, place them along the sides of the basket, avoiding the centre if your air fryer has a hot spot in that area.

Additionally, using silicone muffin cups or paper muffin cups with an oven-safe ramekin is recommended for the best results.

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Can You Use Paper Muffin Cups in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can use paper muffin cups in an air fryer, but it is not recommended. Regular white paper liners are too thin and weak to hold the batter without losing their shape, which causes the batter to run out. Paper muffin cups work best when placed in an air fryer cake tin or muffin tin as they are not as sturdy as silicone cups.

Paper liners can also blow around in the air fryer and get stuck in the heating element, potentially causing a fire. Therefore, it is suggested to use a metal pan or silicone muffin cups/pans instead.

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How to Store Air Fryer Muffins

Yes, you can bake muffins in an air fryer! Here's how to store them:

Air fryer muffins are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will last for up to four days. If your muffins contain fresh fruit or other perishable ingredients, you may want to store them in the refrigerator, which will keep them fresh for up to two days.

If you want to keep your muffins for longer, you can freeze them! Tightly wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months. To defrost, simply remove the plastic wrap and let the muffins sit on the counter for one to two hours.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can bake muffins in an air fryer.

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175-180°C). You can also experiment with temperatures between 325-400°F (163-204°C) depending on your air fryer model.

It typically takes 11-17 minutes to bake muffins in an air fryer. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

You can use silicone muffin cups, paper muffin cups, or a combination of both. Paper muffin cups should be placed in an air fryer cake tin or muffin tin for support.

Yes, you can bake a variety of muffins in an air fryer, such as banana muffins, chocolate chip muffins, or blueberry muffins. You can also add mix-ins like chocolate chips, blueberries, bananas, or walnuts.

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