Air-Fried Muffins: Baking Perfection Without An Oven

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, but can you bake muffins in them? The answer is yes! Air fryers can be used to bake delicious, fluffy muffins in a short amount of time. They are a great alternative to using a conventional oven, especially in hot weather. Muffin batter can be placed directly into silicone moulds or paper cases inside the air fryer, and cooked at around 300-350°F for 10-20 minutes. Air fryers can cook muffins faster than a conventional oven, so it is important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. You can make a variety of muffins in your air fryer, including banana, blueberry, and chocolate chip muffins. So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to bake muffins, give your air fryer a go!

Using silicone muffin cups

To use silicone muffin cups in an air fryer, simply prepare your muffin batter as usual and pour the batter into the silicone cups. Place the filled cups directly into the air fryer basket. No need to preheat! Set the temperature to 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of a muffin comes out clean.

The cook time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on your muffins to ensure they don't overcook. If you find that the tops of your muffins are browning too quickly, you can lower the temperature or cover the cups with foil.

Once the muffins are done, carefully remove the silicone cups from the air fryer and place them on a cooling rack. Allow them to cool before removing the muffins from the cups. Enjoy your freshly baked treats!

Paper muffin cups

To prevent the muffins from browning too quickly on top without fully baking inside, some recipes recommend using paper muffin cups in combination with silicone muffin cups or oven-safe ramekins. Another option is to double up on paper muffin cups to make them extra sturdy.

Air fryer temperature

Some recipes recommend a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit for baking muffins in an air fryer. This temperature setting allows the muffins to bake evenly and achieve a golden brown colour. It is important to monitor the muffins closely as air fryers tend to cook faster than conventional ovens.

For example, one recipe for air fryer banana muffins suggests a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Similarly, a recipe for air fryer blueberry muffins recommends baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 17 minutes.

However, it is important to note that air fryer temperatures may vary depending on the model and brand. Therefore, it is advisable to adjust the temperature according to your specific air fryer. For instance, another recipe suggests baking muffins at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes in a 3.2-quart air fryer.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that some air fryers may not have a temperature control feature. In such cases, it is recommended to adjust the cooking time to ensure the muffins are baked thoroughly.

Furthermore, when baking muffins in an air fryer, it is essential to use appropriate bakeware. Silicone muffin cups or liners are highly recommended as they are sturdy, non-stick, and reusable. Paper muffin cups can also be used, but it is advisable to double them up to make them extra sturdy.

In conclusion, the ideal temperature for baking muffins in an air fryer is between 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, adjustments may be necessary depending on the specific air fryer model and brand. Using suitable bakeware, such as silicone muffin cups, is also crucial for achieving the best results.

Baking time

Muffins baked in an air fryer typically take between 10 to 17 minutes to bake. The time varies depending on the type of air fryer you have, the temperature set, and the number of muffins being baked.

For instance, if you are using a 5.8-quart Cosori Air Fryer, it will take about 10 minutes to bake banana muffins at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you are using a Philips HD9630 Air Fryer, you can bake three blueberry muffins at 350F for 15 to 17 minutes.

It is important to note that air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens, so you will need to shorten the recommended cooking time. Additionally, some air fryers may not have a bake setting, so you can use the air fry function instead, which may require a slightly shorter cooking time.

When baking muffins in an air fryer, it is recommended to use silicone muffin cups or liners as they are sturdy, non-stick, and reusable. You can also use paper muffin cups, but it is advised to double them up to make them extra sturdy, or use them with an oven-safe ramekin.

To check if your muffins are done, insert a toothpick or skewer into the centre of a muffin. If it comes out clean, without any batter stuck to it, your muffins are ready.

Storing muffins

Let the Muffins Cool Down

First, let the muffins cool down completely before storing them. Leaving them in the pan for too long can make them soggy, as the steam released by the hot muffins will be trapped. Instead, transfer them to a wire rack to cool down for no more than 5 to 10 minutes, then move them to your chosen storage container.

Use Airtight Containers

To keep muffins fresh for a few days, store them in an airtight container or a zip-lock bag at room temperature. Placing a paper towel at the bottom of the container and another on top of the muffins will help absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess. It is best to store the muffins in a single layer and not stack them.

Refrigeration

It is not recommended to store muffins in the refrigerator, as the cooler temperatures can dry them out and alter their texture and flavour. However, if your muffins contain perishable ingredients like meat or cheese, they should be refrigerated and will stay fresh for up to six days.

Freezing Muffins

If you want to keep your muffins for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the muffins individually in plastic and place them in a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or use your microwave's thaw setting. You can also heat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about ten minutes.

Frequently asked questions