Air-Fried Muffins: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Making muffins in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that can be done in under 20 minutes. The air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses convection to rapidly circulate hot air around food to cook and crisp it up. It is a great alternative to using an oven, especially in hot weather. You can use a variety of recipes to make muffins in an air fryer, including banana muffins, chocolate muffins, and blueberry muffins. The basic ingredients include flour, butter, sugar, egg, and milk. The batter is then poured into muffin cases or a muffin tin and placed in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes.

Choosing the right ingredients

Flour

The type of flour you use can impact the texture and rise of your muffins. For most recipes, all-purpose flour is a good choice as it has a moderate protein content that helps provide structure without making the muffins tough. If you are in the US, note that self-raising flour contains salt, so it may make your muffins too salty. Instead, use all-purpose flour and add baking powder to help your muffins rise.

Leavening Agents

Baking powder and baking soda are common leavening agents used in muffin recipes. They help the muffins rise and give them a light and fluffy texture. Make sure your baking powder is fresh, as it loses potency over time.

Sweeteners

Sugar is the most common sweetener used in muffins and can be granulated, brown, or caster sugar. Honey and vanilla extract can also be used to add sweetness and flavour to your muffins.

Liquids

Milk, buttermilk, olive oil, and yogurt are commonly used liquids in muffin recipes. These ingredients contribute to the moisture and tenderness of the muffins.

Eggs

Eggs are a key ingredient in muffins, as they help with leavening, add moisture, and bind the ingredients together.

Mix-Ins

This is where you can get creative! Chocolate chips, blueberries, bananas, strawberries, carrots, zucchini, and dried fruit are all great options to mix into your muffin batter. Just be mindful of the moisture content of your mix-ins, as too much moisture can affect the texture of your muffins.

Baking Cups

While not technically an ingredient, choosing the right baking cup is important. Silicone muffin cups are recommended as they are sturdy, reusable, and stand up well in the air fryer. If using paper muffin cups, it is best to double them up to make them extra sturdy, or place them in a muffin tin for support.

Preparing the batter

To prepare the batter, you will need a medium-sized bowl and a larger bowl or a stand mixer. In the medium-sized bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside. In the larger bowl or stand mixer, combine the wet ingredients: milk, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. You can also add mashed bananas, brown sugar, olive oil, and cinnamon if you want to make banana muffins. Alternatively, you can add applesauce, yogurt, honey, and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a morning glory muffin.

Once the wet ingredients are combined, slowly add in the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense muffins. Finally, fold in your choice of mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, blueberries, bananas, carrots, apples, raisins, or pecans.

Using the right cases

Muffin cases come in a variety of materials, including paper, silicone, and even aluminium. However, not all of these materials are suitable for air frying.

Paper muffin cases can be used in an air fryer, but they are less sturdy than silicone cases and may not hold their shape. If you are using paper cases, it is recommended to double up the cases to make them extra sturdy, or to place them in a muffin tin.

Silicone muffin cases are a good alternative to paper cases as they are sturdier, reusable, and can hold their shape without the need for a muffin tin. They are also heavy, which means they can be easily filled and transferred to the air fryer without spilling.

Aluminium foil or aluminium cases should not be used in an air fryer as they can potentially catch fire.

It is also important to note that the type of muffin case you use may affect the cooking time and temperature of your muffins. For example, silicone cases may require a higher temperature than paper cases. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check your muffins regularly while they are cooking to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for muffins in an air fryer will depend on the type of muffin you are making, the quantity, and the model of your air fryer. However, there are some general guidelines that you can follow.

Firstly, it is important to note that air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens, so you will need to reduce the cooking time and temperature compared to a standard muffin recipe. As a rule of thumb, a temperature of around 350°F (177°C) is recommended for most muffin recipes.

For the cooking time, you should aim for around 12 to 15 minutes in the air fryer. However, it is important to check on your muffins periodically to ensure they are not overcooking. Check your muffins at the 10-minute mark by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the centre of a muffin. If it comes out clean, your muffins are done. If not, return them to the air fryer and check again in 2-minute increments until they are cooked through.

It is also worth noting that some air fryers may cook muffins unevenly, especially if the air is blown directly onto the tops of the muffins. To avoid this, try arranging them in the basket so that the air does not blow directly onto them. For example, place them along the sides of the basket to avoid the centre if your air fryer has a hot spot in the middle.

Additionally, some recipes suggest preheating your air fryer to 300°F or 400°F (204°C) before adding the muffin batter, while others recommend heating the air fryer to 160°C for 2 minutes before adding the batter.

Finally, if you are using paper muffin cases, it is recommended to double them up or place them in a muffin tin to ensure they hold their shape, as silicone cases are sturdier and less likely to spill.

Storing and serving

Storing:

• Room Temperature: Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 3-5 days.
• Refrigerator: Depending on the ingredients used, you may want to store your muffins in the refrigerator. For example, if you add fresh fruit, the shelf life can be reduced to 2 days.
• Freezer: You can also freeze your muffins for longer-term storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap individually and place them in a freezer bag or container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serving:

• Thawing: If you have frozen your muffins, allow them to thaw by unwrapping and letting them sit on the counter for 1-2 hours before serving.
• Reheating: If you prefer your muffins warm, there are a few ways to reheat them. You can place them in the air fryer for a few minutes, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, or even use a conventional oven to reheat a larger batch.

Remember, the key to maintaining freshness is proper storage. By using airtight containers and following the recommended storage times, your muffins will stay delicious and ready to serve!

Frequently asked questions