Baked Oats: Air Fryer Magic

Baked oats are a popular breakfast option that can be made in an air fryer. They are a fun, high-protein breakfast option that is healthy, moist, and tastes like cake. Baked oats are made with simple ingredients like almond milk, rolled oats, bananas, eggs, and cinnamon, and can be customised with chocolate chips, sprinkles, or blueberries. The air fryer allows for a quicker cooking time than an oven and gives the oats a fluffy and cake-like texture.

Ingredients and recipe for air fryer baked oats

Ingredients:

• Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are recommended, but quick oats can also be used. Avoid using steel-cut oats. For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
• Liquid: Milk or water can be used. Some recipes suggest almond milk, oat milk, or vanilla unsweetened almond milk.
• Egg: This helps bind the ingredients together and adds protein. For a vegan option, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg or chia seed egg.
• Sweetener: Options include honey, maple syrup, or a sweetener of your choice.
• Flavourings: Vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and/or cocoa powder can be added for flavour. A pinch of salt can also bring out the sweetness.
• Baking powder: This will help the oats rise and achieve a fluffy texture.
• Mix-ins: Chocolate chips, blueberries, peanut butter/almond butter chips, m&m's, dried fruits, or nuts can be added for extra flavour and texture.

Recipe:

• Preheat your air fryer to 290°F-350°F (149°C-177°C).
• Grease a single-serve ramekin or small baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or foil.
• Add all the ingredients, except for the mix-ins, to a blender and blend until smooth.
• Stir in your desired mix-ins.
• Pour the batter into the greased ramekin and top with extra mix-ins, if desired.
• Air fry for 12-18 minutes at the set temperature. Check the oats at the 7-minute mark to ensure they are not burning.
• The oats are done when they are slightly browned on top with crispy edges.
• Let the baked oats cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For a vegan option, use dairy-free milk and chocolate, and substitute honey with maple syrup.
• For a simpler version, you can omit the protein powder and increase the amount of oats.
• To store, wrap the ramekin with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to 2-4 days.
• To reheat, use a microwave, oven, or air fryer for 5-8 minutes at 300°F-350°F (149°C-177°C).

How to make air fryer baked oats

Air fryer baked oats are a quick, easy, and healthy breakfast option. They are made in the air fryer instead of the oven, cutting down on cooking time. This recipe is also customisable, allowing you to add your favourite ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Oats (rolled oats or quick oats)
• Baking powder
• Banana (optional)
• Peanut butter or other nut butter
• Sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or another sweetener of choice)
• Milk (oat milk, almond milk, or another milk of choice)
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Chocolate chips, blueberries, or other toppings of choice

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 290°F-350°F.
• Grease a single-serve ramekin or small baking dish.
• Add all the ingredients to a blender (except for your desired toppings).
• Blend on high for 20-30 seconds until fully combined.
• Stir in your desired mix-in, such as chocolate chips or blueberries.
• Pour the batter into the greased ramekin and top with extra toppings.
• Air fry at 290°F-350°F for 12-18 minutes. Check the oats at the 7-minute mark to ensure they are not burning.
• The baked oats are done when they are slightly browned on top with crispy edges.
• Allow the baked oats to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• If the baked oats are browning too quickly on top, cover with aluminium foil.
• To store, wrap the ramekin with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge for up to 2-4 days.
• To reheat, pop in the microwave for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, or reheat in the air fryer or oven at 300°F-350°F for 5-8 minutes.

Variations and toppings for air fryer baked oats

Air fryer baked oats are a fun and tasty way to enjoy a healthy breakfast or snack. The great thing about this recipe is that it is highly customisable, so you can get creative with your toppings and mix-ins. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fruit

Fresh, dried, or frozen fruit can be added to your baked oats to give them a natural sweetness and a boost of vitamins. Try blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, apples, or bananas. You could also add a handful of raisins or coconut flakes for a tropical twist.

Chocolate

Chocolate chips, chunks, or sprinkles can be mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top for a sweet treat. For an extra indulgent touch, try drizzling melted chocolate over your baked oats before serving.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds add a satisfying crunch to your baked oats, as well as a boost of healthy fats and protein. Try walnuts, pecans, almonds, or peanut butter chips. You could also add a spoonful of your favourite nut or seed butter on top.

Spices

While cinnamon is a popular spice to add to baked oats, you could also experiment with other spices like pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or ground ginger.

Sweeteners

If you have a sweet tooth, you can add a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar to your baked oats.

Fillings

For an extra special treat, try filling your baked oats with a spoonful of peanut butter, almond butter, or cookie butter.

Other Mix-ins

Other fun mix-in ideas include M&Ms, dried fruit, or shredded coconut.

So, get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings and mix-ins to find your favourite variation of air fryer baked oats!

Storage and reheating instructions for air fryer baked oats

Air fryer baked oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. For best results, store them in an airtight container.

To reheat, you can use the air fryer at 350°F for 5–8 minutes, the oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes, or the microwave for 1–2 minutes.

Nutritional information for air fryer baked oats

Air fryer baked oats are a healthy breakfast option. They are high in protein and can be made gluten-free and dairy-free. The nutritional content will vary depending on the ingredients used, but here is a general overview of the nutritional information for air fryer baked oats:

Calories:

The calorie content of air fryer baked oats can vary depending on the ingredients used, but on average, they range from 280 to 350 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates:

Air fryer baked oats are a good source of carbohydrates, with 33 to 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Protein:

The protein content of air fryer baked oats can vary depending on the ingredients used and whether protein powder is added. On average, they provide 15 to 27 grams of protein per serving.

Fat:

The fat content of air fryer baked oats can vary depending on the type of milk, nut butter, and other ingredients used. On average, they contain 6 to 10 grams of fat per serving.

Vitamins and Minerals:

Air fryer baked oats also provide various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. The amounts of these nutrients can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Storage and Reheating:

Air fryer baked oats are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer, oven, or microwave for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions