Air-Fryer Oatmeal: A Quick, Easy Breakfast Option

Oatmeal is a breakfast staple, but can you make it in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer oatmeal is a quick, easy, and healthy breakfast option that can be customised to your taste. Whether you're a fan of traditional oatmeal or like to mix things up with different toppings and ingredients, the air fryer is a great way to cook your morning oats.

Customisable toppings and ingredients

Oatmeal made in an air fryer is highly customisable and can be modified to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. You can adjust the recipe by adding different spices, nut butters, or even chocolate chunks for a sweet treat.

For example, if you're craving something sweet, you can add honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, coconut sugar, or plain white sugar to your oatmeal. You can also top it with fresh or dried fruits such as bananas, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raisins.

If you prefer a more savoury oatmeal, you can add spices like ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cardamom, or pumpkin spice. For extra protein, you can mix in nut butter such as almond or peanut butter, or even stir in chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, or peanuts.

Additionally, if you're feeling indulgent, you can add some decadent mix-ins such as chocolate chips, grated dark chocolate, whipped cream, Nutella, or sprinkles. The possibilities are endless!

Time-saving and convenient

Making oatmeal in an air fryer is a time-saving and convenient way to prepare a healthy breakfast in a matter of minutes. Here's why:

Quick and Easy

Oatmeal in an air fryer is a simple and quick process. All you need are basic pantry ingredients, such as oats, milk, and your choice of sweetener or toppings. The preparation is straightforward: mix the ingredients, put them in the air fryer, and let the air fryer do the rest. This hands-free method eliminates the need for constant stirring or monitoring, as you might do on a stovetop.

Customizable

Air fryer oatmeal can be easily customised to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. You can use plant-based milk or water instead of dairy milk to make it vegan, or choose gluten-free oats to accommodate gluten intolerance. You can also adjust the sweetness to your liking and add various toppings, such as fruits, nuts, or spices. This versatility makes it a great option for families with diverse dietary needs and preferences.

Time-Saving

One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer for oatmeal is the time it saves. Unlike traditional stovetop or microwave methods, there is no need to preheat the air fryer, and the cooking time is significantly shorter. Simply combine the oats and liquid, set the temperature, and let it cook for around 15 minutes. This makes it perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick and nutritious breakfast.

Make-Ahead Option

Air fryer oatmeal also offers the convenience of being a make-ahead dish. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a few days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat the oatmeal in the air fryer or microwave, and you'll have a delicious and healthy meal ready in no time. This option is excellent for meal prep and busy individuals who want a nutritious breakfast without the morning prep work.

Easy Serving and Portioning

The air fryer oatmeal can be easily portioned into bars or squares, making it a convenient breakfast on the go. You can cut it into perfectly portioned servings, making it easy to grab a quick breakfast in the morning. This is especially useful for those who want a nutritious meal but are short on time or need something portable to eat during their commute or at work.

Nutritional value

Oatmeal is a nutritious and versatile breakfast option that can be easily prepared in an air fryer. Here is a detailed overview of the nutritional value of air-fried oatmeal:

Calories and Macronutrients:

The calorie content of air-fried oatmeal can vary depending on the ingredients used and portion size. A serving of air-fried oatmeal made with milk and sweeteners can range from 209 to 273 calories. The majority of these calories come from carbohydrates, with a single serving providing 32 to 40 grams of carbs. It also offers a good amount of protein, ranging from 8 to 11 grams per serving. The fat content can vary depending on the type of milk and additional ingredients used, typically contributing 6 to 9 grams of fat per serving.

Vitamins and Minerals:

Air-fried oatmeal is a good source of various vitamins and minerals. It provides a decent amount of vitamin A, with 148 IU in a serving. It also offers calcium, with 247 mg in a serving made with milk. Additionally, oatmeal is a source of iron, providing approximately 2 mg per serving.

Fiber:

Oatmeal is well-known for its high fiber content, and air-fried oatmeal is no exception. A serving of air-fried oatmeal can provide around 4 grams of fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health and can aid in lowering cholesterol levels.

Sugar:

The sugar content of air-fried oatmeal will depend on the type and amount of sweeteners added. Natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or fruit can be used, or artificial sweeteners for those watching their sugar intake. A serving of air-fried oatmeal with added sweeteners can contain around 5 to 13 grams of sugar.

Customizable Options:

The nutritional profile of air-fried oatmeal can be further enhanced or modified by adding various ingredients. For example, fresh or dried fruit, such as bananas, berries, or raisins, can boost the vitamin and mineral content, especially vitamin C and antioxidants. Nuts and seeds can be added for healthy fats and additional protein, while spices like cinnamon can provide antioxidant benefits.

In summary, air-fried oatmeal is a nutritious breakfast option that can be tailored to suit individual preferences and dietary needs. It offers a good balance of macronutrients, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, with the flexibility to customize and enhance its nutritional profile.

Health benefits

Yes, you can make oatmeal in an air fryer. It is a great way to save time and make a healthy breakfast in a matter of minutes. You can top it with honey, berries, bananas, nuts, yogurt, or anything you like. It can be made with or without sugar and eaten as is or topped with anything you like, from fruit to nuts.

Put the quick oats, milk, and brown sugar into a pan that will fit inside your air fryer. You can also use plant-based milk or water if you prefer. The amount of sugar used is up to you. Put the pan into the air fryer basket. Then place the basket into the air fryer and cook the oatmeal for 7 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. When the air fryer is done cooking, carefully remove the hot pan and serve the creamy cooked air fryer oatmeal with your favourite toppings.

Now, let's look at the health benefits of oatmeal:

• Nutritious and filling: Oats are incredibly nutritious, providing a good balance of carbs, fibre, and high-quality protein. They are loaded with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Oatmeal is very filling and may help with weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing calorie intake.
• Lower blood sugar: Oats have been shown to lower blood sugar levels, especially in people with obesity or type 2 diabetes. This effect is attributed to beta-glucan, a type of soluble fibre found in oats, which forms a thick gel that delays stomach emptying and glucose absorption.
• Improve cholesterol levels: Oats are effective in reducing both total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, thanks to their beta-glucan fibre content. Beta-glucan may increase the release of cholesterol-rich bile, reducing circulating cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Promote gut health: Oatmeal contains beta-glucan, which forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, coating the stomach and promoting the growth of good bacteria. This can contribute to a healthy gut and may help manage irritable bowel syndrome and other intestinal problems.
• Reduce asthma risk: Research suggests that introducing oats early in a child's diet may protect them from developing asthma. A study found that children who ate oats as one of their first foods were less likely to develop asthma by the age of five.
• Relieve constipation: The fibre in oatmeal helps keep waste moving in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby relieving and preventing constipation. Oat bran, in particular, has been shown to aid in digestion and reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Provide antioxidants: Oatmeal is rich in antioxidants, especially a unique group called avenanthramides, which are almost solely found in oats. These antioxidants improve blood flow by increasing nitric oxide production and exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties.
• Improve skin health: Finely ground oats, or "colloidal oatmeal," have long been used to treat itch and irritation in various skin conditions, such as eczema. Oat-based skincare products can improve uncomfortable skin symptoms.
• Support brain health: Oats have been linked to managing and reducing the risk of conditions like Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Easy to make

Yes, you can make oatmeal in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to make a healthy breakfast in a matter of minutes. Here's a simple recipe for air fryer oatmeal that's easy to make and can be customised with your favourite toppings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of rolled oats
• Milk (or plant-based milk/water)
• Sweetener of choice (optional) e.g. brown sugar, honey, maple syrup
• Salt
• Toppings of choice e.g. fruit, nuts, cinnamon, chocolate chips

Method:

• Grease a 6-inch round cake pan with non-stick spray.
• Add the oats, milk, water, salt, and sweetener (if using) into the pan and stir to combine.
• Transfer the pan into the air fryer and cook at 300-400°F for 15 minutes. There's no need to stir!
• Once cooked, carefully remove the hot pan using kitchen towels or oven mitts and place on a wire rack.
• Stir in any additional sweetener and cinnamon, cover the pan with a plate, and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the oats to soften and thicken.
• Top with your choice of fresh fruit and chopped nuts, then serve.

Tips:

• Use rolled or old-fashioned oats for the best results.
• A pinch of salt enhances the flavour.
• You can use gluten-free oats to make gluten-free oatmeal.
• A 6-inch baking pan is ideal for cooking one cup of oats. A smaller pan may overflow, while a larger one may result in drier oatmeal.
• You can customise your oatmeal by adding mix-ins such as berries, nuts, chocolate chips, or spices.

So there you have it! A simple and easy way to make oatmeal in an air fryer, perfect for a quick and tasty breakfast. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions