Toasting English Muffins In An Air Fryer

Yes, you can toast an English muffin in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to achieve a perfectly toasted English muffin with a golden-brown crust and a soft interior. Plus, you can toast multiple English muffins at the same time, making it a convenient option for breakfast or a snack. The process is simple: split the English muffin in half, place it in the air fryer basket, and cook for 2-5 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also brush the muffins with butter or oil for a golden-brown colour. So, if you're looking for a delicious and crispy English muffin, give your air fryer a go!

How to toast an English muffin in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the English muffins

Use a fork to split the English muffin in half. If you use a knife, you may flatten the nooks and crannies that hold the butter or jam. Place the split muffin, cut-side up, in the air fryer basket.

Step 2: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Whether or not you need to preheat your air fryer depends on the model, so check the manual.

Step 3: Toast the muffins

Air fry the muffins for 3-5 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. The exact time will depend on your desired level of doneness.

Step 4: Add toppings

English muffins can be served with butter, jam, or other toppings, such as scrambled eggs and cheese, avocado, hummus, or different meats. They can also be used as a base for pizzas or mini pizzas, or as a sandwich bread.

Tips:

• If you want to add extra flavour to your muffins, brush them with a flavoured oil, such as garlic-infused, truffle, or spicy oil, or add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or paprika.
• To make an English muffin pizza, top the muffins with pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese, or your favourite toppings, and cook in the air fryer until crispy and delicious.
• If you are toasting multiple muffins, be sure to place them in an even layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• If you hear loud noises, like the air fryer is struggling, shake the basket a few times to dislodge the muffin, as it may be stuck in the upper portion of the air fryer.

How to serve an English muffin

There are many ways to serve an English muffin, and they are a versatile food that can be eaten at any time of the day. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

As a Toast

English muffins can be toasted in an air fryer or a traditional toaster. To do so, split the muffin in half using a fork or a knife and place it in the air fryer basket or toaster with the cut side facing up. Toast for 2-4 minutes at 400°F or until the muffin reaches your desired level of doneness.

With Sweet Toppings

English muffins go well with a variety of toppings, including butter, jam, honey, peanut butter, cream cheese, or hummus. For a healthier option, top it with smashed avocado, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You can also get creative and make French toast with an English muffin!

With Savory Toppings

For a savory breakfast option, top your English muffin with scrambled eggs and green onions, or make an egg sandwich with bacon, cheese, and spinach. You can also add turkey pepperoni, sausage, or bacon for some extra protein. For a healthier option, try adding guacamole, tomato, and cilantro, or cream cheese, tomato, and turkey sausage.

As a Sandwich

English muffins make a great substitute for bread in sandwiches. Try making a BLT, a tuna melt, or a breakfast sandwich with bacon, egg, and cheese. You can also use them as a hamburger bun or as a base for mini pizzas.

As a Side

English muffins can also be used as a side dish. Try using them as a side of garlic bread on pasta night, or as an appetizer instead of crackers.

As a Meal

For a more substantial meal, try making an English muffin breakfast melt, or a loaded breakfast sandwich with everything bagel seasoning. You can also get creative and make an English muffin pizza or a croque monsieur.

So, there you have it! English muffins are a versatile food that can be served in a variety of ways. Get creative and experiment with different toppings and combinations to find your favorite.

How to split an English muffin

To split an English muffin, you should use a fork instead of a knife. By gently inserting the tines of a fork around the circumference of the muffin, you can break up the delicate network of gluten and flour, and the muffin will fall apart with ease. This method preserves the bubbled, jagged texture that makes up the muffin’s famous nooks and crannies, optimising the amount of surface area that can be browned, giving the muffin texture. Using a knife, on the other hand, deflates the nooks and flattens the crannies, defeating the purpose of this particular bread product.

To split the muffin, insert a fork into the small pre-cut slice to pry the two sides away from each other. You can also use your hands to split the muffin, as per the instructions on the Thomas English Muffin packaging.

Once your muffin is fork-split, you can pop it in the toaster, griddle it in some bacon grease, or put it in an air fryer.

Why toast an English muffin in an air fryer

There are several reasons why you might want to toast an English muffin in an air fryer. Here are some of the most compelling advantages:

Speed and Efficiency:

Toasting English muffins in an air fryer can be just as quick, if not quicker, than using a traditional toaster. This is especially true if you're making multiple batches, as most air fryers can toast several muffins at once, while standard toasters can usually only handle two slices of bread at a time.

Ease of Use:

The air fryer offers a more convenient way to check on the progress of your toast. Instead of having to cancel the toasting cycle and risk burning yourself on hot toast, you can simply open the air fryer basket to inspect your muffins. This feature also helps you achieve the perfect level of doneness without fiddling with settings.

Consistency:

Once you've found the right settings for your air fryer, you can expect consistent results every time. No more worrying about whether your English muffin will be too burnt or not crispy enough. This is because air fryers circulate hot air to cook or toast your food evenly, resulting in a golden-brown crust and a soft interior.

Health Benefits:

Air fryers require little to no oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional toasting methods, which often involve butter or fat. This means you can enjoy your English muffins with less guilt, knowing they've been toasted in a more nutritious way.

Versatility:

English muffins toasted in an air fryer provide a versatile base for a variety of toppings and dishes. You can enjoy them with a simple spread of butter or jam, or get creative and make breakfast sandwiches, eggs benedict, mini pizzas, or even savory toppings like avocado or hummus.

Why you should toast an English muffin in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to toasters when it comes to toasting English muffins. Here are some reasons why you should consider using an air fryer to toast your English muffins:

Health Benefits

Air fryers use hot air to toast English muffins, requiring no oil. Traditional methods of toasting English muffins involve using butter or fat on a griddle, which can add extra calories and fat. With an air fryer, you can enjoy a healthier version of your favourite breakfast treat.

Efficiency

Most air fryer baskets can toast multiple English muffins at once, saving time and energy. Traditional toasters usually only allow for toasting two slices of bread or one English muffin at a time, which can be inefficient if you're preparing breakfast for a larger group.

Consistency

Once you've found the perfect setting for your air fryer, you can enjoy perfectly toasted English muffins every time. No more worrying about whether your muffin will be too burnt or not toasted enough. Simply set the temperature and time, and let the air fryer do its magic.

Ease of Use

Air fryers offer the convenience of being able to check on the progress of your toast without interrupting the toasting process. With a traditional toaster, it can be challenging to check on the doneness of your toast without cancelling the cycle and starting over.

Customisation

Air fryers allow you to experiment with different flavours and toppings. You can brush your English muffins with flavoured oils, such as garlic-infused or truffle oil, or add dried herbs like rosemary or thyme. The possibilities are endless, and you can create unique and delicious combinations.

Frequently asked questions