Toasting English Muffins In An Air Fryer: Quick And Easy?

You can definitely toast English muffins in an air fryer! In fact, some people prefer it to using a toaster, as it can be quicker, easier to check on the progress, and can toast several muffins at once. The key to getting the perfect level of crispiness is to preheat your air fryer to 400°F, split your muffins with a fork to preserve their texture, and then cook them for 2-5 minutes, depending on how toasted you like them. You can also brush them with oil or butter for a golden-brown finish.

How to toast English muffins in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the English muffins

Use a fork to split the English muffin in half. This will help to preserve the texture of the muffin. If you use a knife, you will lose all the yummy pockets meant for the butter to melt into.

Step 2: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for around 5 minutes.

Step 3: Place the muffins in the air fryer basket

Place the English muffins in the air fryer basket, cut-side up. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping, or they will cook unevenly. You can toast about three muffins at a time.

Step 4: Cook the muffins

Air fry the English muffins for 2-5 minutes, depending on how well-done you like them. Check on the muffins regularly to make sure they don't burn. They are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Add toppings and serve

Remove the muffins from the air fryer and add your desired toppings. Butter is a popular choice, as it melts wonderfully on the hot bread. You could also try jam, peanut butter, honey, cream cheese, or hummus.

Tips:

• You can brush the muffins with melted butter or spray them with oil before cooking to make them extra golden and crispy.
• If you are cooking frozen English muffins, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• All air fryers are different, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature depending on your model.
• If you are toasting multiple muffins, make sure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, or they will not cook evenly.

The benefits of using an air fryer over a toaster

English muffins can be toasted in an air fryer, and doing so has several benefits over using a toaster. Here are some advantages of using an air fryer over a toaster:

Health Benefits

Air fryers use hot air to toast English muffins, requiring little to no oil. Traditional toasters, on the other hand, often require butter or fat to toast bread products. This makes the air fryer a healthier option as it reduces the amount of fat and calories in your meal.

Efficiency

Most air fryer baskets can toast multiple English muffins at once, whereas traditional toasters can usually only toast two slices of bread at a time. This makes the air fryer a more efficient option, especially when cooking for a larger group.

Consistency

Once you've found the perfect settings for your air fryer, you can expect consistent results every time. This can be more challenging with a toaster, as the browning can be uneven, and you may need to adjust the settings depending on the number of slices.

Ease of Use

Air fryers allow you to quickly check on the progress of your English muffins by pulling out the air fryer basket. With a traditional toaster, it can be challenging to monitor the browning of your toast without cancelling the toasting cycle.

Versatility

Air fryers offer more versatility in terms of the types of food you can cook. While toasters are typically limited to bread products, air fryers can handle a wider range of foods, including meats, vegetables, and frozen foods.

Speed

Air fryers often cook food faster than toaster ovens due to the hot, rapidly circulating air. This can be a significant advantage when you're short on time or cooking multiple dishes.

While both appliances have their pros and cons, these benefits of air fryers over toasters might convince you to give it a try the next time you're craving a toasted English muffin!

How to serve English muffins

English muffins are a versatile food that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

As a Toast

English muffins can be toasted in an air fryer, a toaster, or an oven. They come out light, fluffy, and tender every time. When toasting, it is recommended to split the muffins with a fork instead of a knife to preserve the pockets that are meant to melt butter. You can serve them with toppings such as butter, jam, or preserves, honey, peanut butter, cream cheese, or hummus.

As a Sandwich

English muffins can be used as a replacement for bread in sandwiches. You can make a breakfast sandwich with eggs, cheese, and bacon, or a classic eggs benedict topped with hollandaise sauce. For a vegetarian option, try a sandwich with melted cheese, or marmite, or both!

As a Burger Bun

English muffins can be used instead of hamburger buns. Try a grilled shrimp burger or a turkey patty burger with bacon and cheese.

As a Side

English muffins can be served as a side with pasta instead of garlic bread.

As an Appetizer

English muffins can be used as a base for appetizers instead of crackers. Top them with crab meat and cheese for a tasty canapé.

As a Panini

English muffins can be used to make panini sandwiches.

As a Pizza Base

English muffins can be used as mini pizza bases. Top them with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings, and cook them in the air fryer or oven until crispy and melted.

As a French Toast

English muffins can be used instead of brioche in a French toast recipe. For a fruity twist, try a baked peach French toast topped with cream cheese.

Other Creative Recipes

English muffins can be used in a variety of creative recipes, such as gruyere open-face with bacon and apple, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, fruit pizzas, hazelnut s'mores, and more!

Tips for buying English muffins

English muffins are a versatile food that can be used for a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dinner. Here are some tips to help you buy the best English muffins:

• Know your preferences: English muffins come in a variety of flavours, including traditional, whole wheat, sourdough, gluten-free, and even cinnamon raisin. Choose the flavour that best suits your taste and the dish you plan to make.
• Check the ingredients: If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, be sure to read the ingredient list carefully. Some English muffins may contain allergens or ingredients that you want to avoid.
• Look for freshness: Check the "best before" date on the package to ensure you are buying fresh English muffins. Fresh muffins will have a softer texture and better flavour.
• Consider the size: English muffins come in different sizes, and the right size for you will depend on your intended use. For example, if you plan to use them for mini pizzas or sandwiches, you may want a larger muffin.
• Compare prices: English muffins can vary in price depending on the brand, size, and quality. Compare prices at different stores or online to find the best deal.
• Read reviews: If you're buying English muffins for the first time, it can be helpful to read reviews from other customers. This can give you an idea of the taste, texture, and overall quality of the product.

By following these tips, you can make an informed decision when purchasing English muffins and ensure that you get a product that meets your needs and expectations.

How to split an English muffin

To split an English muffin, you should use a fork rather than a knife. This is because using a knife can deflate the nooks and crannies of the muffin, defeating the purpose of this particular bread. Using a fork helps to get better nooks and crannies.

To split the muffin, gently insert the tines of the fork around the circumference of the muffin. This will break up the delicate network of gluten and flour, and the muffin will fall apart with ease. Then, follow these steps to make an air fryer English muffin:

Step One:

Split the English muffins in half using a fork. You can also use a kitchen knife or a paring knife, but be aware that this may cause the muffin to fall apart.

Step Two:

If you are preparing multiple English muffins, complete this step with the remaining muffins.

Step Three:

Add the English muffin halves to the air fryer basket with the cut side facing up.

Step Four:

Air fry for 2-5 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the English muffin has reached your desired level of doneness. If your air fryer runs hot, try checking after 2 minutes to ensure the muffin doesn't burn.

Step Five:

Add your favourite toppings. Butter, jam, honey, peanut butter, and cream cheese are all popular options. You can also use the English muffin as a base for mini pizzas, quiches, or frittatas.

Frequently asked questions