Air-Frying Instant Oatmeal: A Quick, Healthy Breakfast Option

Air fryers are a convenient way to make a warm, hearty breakfast in just a few minutes. You can make instant oatmeal in an air fryer by combining oats, liquid, and your desired toppings in an air fryer-safe dish and cooking it for around 4-15 minutes, depending on the recipe.

Air fryer oatmeal is a quick, easy, and versatile breakfast option that can be customised with various ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences. It's a great alternative to cooking oatmeal on the stovetop or in the microwave, as it requires less stirring and doesn't bubble over.

You can use different types of oats, such as old-fashioned, quick, or rolled oats, and choose from various liquids like water, milk, or plant-based milk. You can also add sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice.

Additionally, air fryer oatmeal can be served with a variety of toppings, such as fresh or dried fruit, nuts, yogurt, or chocolate chips, making it a fun and tasty breakfast option.

Customising your instant oatmeal with toppings like honey, berries, bananas, nuts, or yoghurt

Customising your instant oatmeal with toppings is a great way to add extra flavour and texture to your breakfast. Honey, berries, bananas, nuts, and yoghurt are all popular choices, and for good reason! Here are some tips and tricks to elevate your oatmeal with these toppings:

Honey

Honey is a natural sweetener that can add a subtle floral note to your oatmeal. Drizzle a small amount of honey over your oatmeal for a touch of sweetness without overpowering the other flavours. You can also stir honey into your oatmeal to create a more cohesive, sweet dish. Honey pairs well with cinnamon, nuts, and fruit toppings, so consider adding a small amount to your oatmeal along with some of these other toppings.

Berries

Berries are a nutritious and tasty addition to oatmeal. Fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries will add a burst of flavour and a vibrant pop of colour to your bowl. Frozen berries are also a great option and can be stirred into your oatmeal while cooking to create a syrupy sauce. Try adding some honey or cinnamon to your berry oatmeal for a delicious, sweet breakfast.

Bananas

Bananas are a versatile fruit that can be used in oatmeal in a variety of ways. Sliced bananas make a great oatmeal topping, adding natural sweetness and a creamy texture. For an even more indulgent option, cook your oatmeal with sliced bananas to allow the flavours to meld together. Bananas also work well in blended oatmeal recipes, acting as a natural sweetener and binder.

Nuts

Nuts are a fantastic way to add some crunch and extra flavour to your oatmeal. Try chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or peanuts for a boost of protein and healthy fats. You can also add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to your oatmeal to enhance the nutty flavour. For a more indulgent option, stir in a spoonful of nut butter, such as peanut butter or almond butter.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt provides a creamy, tangy contrast to the warm, hearty oatmeal. Try plain yoghurt or a flavoured variety like vanilla or strawberry for a sweeter option. Yoghurt pairs well with almost any oatmeal topping, but it goes especially well with honey, berries, and nuts. For a true breakfast feast, serve your oatmeal with a generous dollop of yoghurt and a mix of your favourite toppings.

How to cook instant oatmeal in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Rolled oats or quick oats
• Milk (dairy or plant-based) or water
• Sweetener (optional): brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or another sweetener of your choice
• Salt
• Toppings of your choice (optional): fruit, nuts, yogurt, etc.

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Pan or ramekin that fits inside your air fryer
• Measuring tools (if needed)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F.
• Prepare the oatmeal mixture: In a pan or ramekin, combine the oats, milk or water, sweetener (if using), and salt. Stir the mixture until well combined.
• Cook the oatmeal: Place the pan or ramekin into the air fryer basket and cook for 7-15 minutes, depending on your air fryer's power and the desired consistency of your oatmeal.
• Stir and serve: Once the oatmeal is cooked to your liking, carefully remove the hot pan or ramekin from the air fryer. Stir the oatmeal and let it cool down slightly before serving. Top with your choice of toppings and enjoy!

Tips:

• Oatmeal consistency: For a thicker oatmeal, use a ratio of 2 parts liquid to 1 part oats. For a thinner consistency, adjust the ratio to your preference.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste preferences. You can also omit the sweetener and use fruit to sweeten your oatmeal naturally.
• Customise your oatmeal: Air fryer oatmeal is highly customisable. You can add various spices like cinnamon, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice. You can also make it savoury by adding a pinch of salt.
• Toppings: Oatmeal goes well with a variety of toppings like honey, berries, bananas, nuts, and yogurt. You can also serve it with a side dish like a smoothie or scrambled eggs.
• Vegan and gluten-free options: To make the recipe vegan, use plant-based milk or water instead of dairy milk. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free oats.

The benefits of using an air fryer to cook instant oatmeal

Air fryers are a convenient and effective way to cook instant oatmeal, offering several benefits over traditional stovetop or microwave methods. Here are some advantages of using an air fryer to prepare your oatmeal:

Time-saving and convenient

Oatmeal in an air fryer is a quick and easy option for a healthy breakfast. You simply combine the ingredients, and the air fryer does the rest, cooking it perfectly every time. There's no need for constant stirring or worrying about milk boiling over, as is the case with stovetop cooking.

Customizable

Air fryer oatmeal is highly customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs. You can modify it to be vegan by using plant-based milk or water, and you can choose to include or omit sugar. It can be topped with a wide range of ingredients, from fruit to nuts, honey, and yogurt.

Healthy

Air fryer oatmeal is a nutritious breakfast option, offering a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. It's a great way to start your day with a warm, comforting meal without the guilt.

Versatile

In addition to breakfast, air fryer oatmeal can be served as a snack or dessert. It can be paired with a variety of sides, such as a strawberry smoothie, scrambled eggs, or a mixed berry almond smoothie.

Easy to prepare

Preparing air fryer oatmeal is a simple process that only requires a few basic pantry ingredients and an air fryer. You combine the ingredients in a pan that fits inside the air fryer, and let the air fryer do the rest.

Kid-friendly

Air fryer oatmeal is a great option for families as it is kid-friendly and can be customized to suit different tastes. It's a quick and healthy breakfast option for busy weekday mornings.

The best types of oats to use for instant oatmeal in an air fryer

When making instant oatmeal in an air fryer, the type of oats you use is important to achieve your desired consistency. Old-fashioned and quick-cooking oats are the most commonly used types of oats for air fryer oatmeal because they produce a smooth and creamy texture. These oats are steamed and rolled, and they cook faster than other types of oats.

Instant oats are pre-cooked, making them a convenient option for air fryer oatmeal as they are quick and easy to prepare. However, they may become a little mushy. Steel-cut oats, on the other hand, are not recommended for air fryer oatmeal as they have a longer cooking time and are harder to achieve a creamy texture.

Therefore, for the best results and a creamy, smooth oatmeal, old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats are the ideal choices for your air fryer oatmeal.

How to store and reheat instant oatmeal cooked in an air fryer

Instant oatmeal is a quick and easy breakfast option, and cooking it in an air fryer is even faster. If you're making a big batch of air-fried oatmeal and want to store and reheat it, here's how to do it right:

Storing Air-Fried Instant Oatmeal:

• Cool it down: Before storing your cooked oatmeal, let it cool to room temperature. Placing hot oatmeal in the fridge can cause condensation, affecting its texture.
• Use the right container: Transfer the oatmeal to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure the container is clean and dry to prevent moisture buildup.
• Refrigerate promptly: Store the oatmeal in the refrigerator, preferably in the main body, where temperatures are more consistent. Avoid leaving it on the counter or in the fridge door.
• Label and date: Always label the container with the date it was prepared. This helps you keep track of freshness and avoid confusion.
• Freeze for longer storage: If you want to store your oatmeal for more than a few days, consider freezing it. Divide it into individual portions, place them in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to four months.

Reheating Air-Fried Instant Oatmeal:

• Add some liquid: When reheating oatmeal, it's a good idea to add a bit of milk, water, or another liquid to prevent it from drying out and to achieve your desired consistency.
• Reheat gently: You can reheat your oatmeal in the microwave or on the stovetop. For better results, use the stovetop, as it allows for slower and more even heating.
• Stir and add more liquid as needed: During the reheating process, stir your oatmeal occasionally and gradually add more liquid (milk or water) until you're happy with the consistency.
• Avoid overcooking: Be careful not to overheat or overcook the oatmeal, as this can affect its texture and taste.
• Check for spoilage: Before consuming stored oatmeal, always check for any signs of spoilage, such as unusual odours, visible mould, or an off-putting taste or texture.

Frequently asked questions