Air Fryer Baking: Muffin Tins

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to conventional ovens, and they can be used to make muffins. You can use a variety of materials in an air fryer, including glass, ceramic, metal, and silicone. Paper muffin cups can be used in an air fryer, but they may not hold their shape and can blow around, so it is recommended to use them in combination with a metal or silicone muffin pan. Silicone moulds are a good option as they are reusable, hold their shape, and can withstand high temperatures.

Silicone moulds are safe to use in an air fryer

Firstly, it is important to note that not all silicone cookware is oven-safe, so always check the manufacturer's instructions before using it in your air fryer. Silicone is generally heat-resistant, but it should not be placed directly on the air fryer's heating element or left in the appliance for an extended period. It is best to place the mould on a baking sheet or rack to ensure the hot air can circulate evenly.

Secondly, silicone moulds tend to have more surface area and may not have as precise a shape compared to metal moulds, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. Silicone also does not conduct heat as well as metal, so your food may take longer to cook. Keep a close eye on your food and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Finally, while silicone is durable and non-stick, it is important to use silicone moulds specifically designed for baking, as these will be more durable.

By following these simple tips, you can successfully use silicone moulds in your air fryer.

Paper muffin cups can be used in an air fryer, but they may blow around or melt

Paper muffin cups can be used in an air fryer, but there are a few things to be cautious of. Paper muffin cups are best used in conjunction with a muffin or cake tin, as they are less sturdy than silicone cases and may blow around or melt. Regular white paper liners are too weak to hold the hot muffin batter without the support of a tin or silicone cups, which can cause the batter to run out.

If you do choose to use paper muffin cups in an air fryer, it is recommended to purchase a metal tin or use a silicone muffin pan to avoid the paper getting caught in the heating element and causing a fire. This will also help to keep the paper cups in place.

To avoid the paper cups melting and sticking to the muffins, it is also advised to use silicone cups, as silicone can withstand high temperatures without melting.

Overall, while it is possible to use paper muffin cups in an air fryer, it is not the best option due to the potential issues with stability, melting, and the risk of fire.

Ovenproof materials such as glass, ceramic, metal, or silicone can be used in an air fryer

When using glassware, it is crucial to verify with the manufacturer that the item is oven-safe, as some glass items are not suitable for high temperatures.

Air fryer accessories, such as metal cake pans, can be used for baking in the air fryer. These accessories are more readily available for oven-style air fryers than basket-style air fryers.

Additionally, paper muffin cups can be used in an air fryer, but they should be placed inside a metal or silicone muffin pan to prevent them from blowing around or melting.

When using ovenproof materials in an air fryer, it is important to adjust the temperatures and times accordingly. The general rule of thumb is to reduce the temperature by 25°F and the cooking time by 15-25%.

Air fryer muffins are quick and easy to make

To make muffins in an air fryer, you can use silicone muffin cups, a metal pan, or silicone, glass, ceramic, or metal ovenproof moulds. If you are using a pan or moulds, spray them with non-stick cooking spray first. If you are using silicone cups, you can place them directly in the basket of the air fryer.

To make the muffin batter, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the centre and add the wet ingredients: butter, milk, and eggs. Stir to combine, then fold in any additional ingredients, such as chocolate chips or fruit.

Place the cups or moulds in the air fryer basket and fill each cup about two-thirds full of batter. Bake for 8-15 minutes, until a toothpick or skewer inserted into the centre of the muffins comes out clean. You may need to cook the muffins in batches.

Once cooked, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Air fryers cook foods faster than a conventional oven

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook food faster than a conventional oven. They are a countertop appliance that can usually cook one dish at a time, while an oven is a full-sized appliance that can handle multiple dishes or larger portions. Air fryers are ideal for small batches and cooking for one or two people.

One of the main advantages of air fryers is their rapid cooking time. They circulate heated air to cook food, whereas conventional ovens use still air, which takes longer. Air fryers also have a shorter pre-heating time, taking around 2-3 minutes to heat up, compared to 5-20 minutes for an oven. This makes air fryers more energy-efficient and convenient, especially when cooking smaller portions.

The cooking method of air fryers also creates a crispy exterior on food, making them ideal for frying and baking. The perforated basket in an air fryer exposes all sides of the food to the circulating hot air, creating an even, crispy finish. This is particularly effective for foods like chicken, bacon, salmon, and vegetables, which can be cooked to a golden brown in a fraction of the time of a conventional oven.

Air fryers are versatile and can be used for a range of cooking methods, including frying, baking, roasting, and dehydrating. They are a convenient size for preparing single batches of food and are easy to clean. However, for larger quantities of food or multiple dishes, a conventional oven may be more suitable.

Overall, air fryers are a fast and efficient way to cook, particularly for smaller portions. They offer a convenient alternative to conventional ovens, with their rapid cooking times and ability to create crispy, fried foods without submerging them in oil.

Frequently asked questions