Air Fryer Muffins: Baking Time And Temperature Guide

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that uses hot air convection to cook and crisp up food. They can be used to make a variety of dishes, from tater tots and whole chickens to muffins and other baked goods. When it comes to baking muffins in an air fryer, the cooking time varies depending on the model of the air fryer and the desired level of doneness. On average, muffins baked in an air fryer take between 11 to 15 minutes at a temperature of around 350°F (177°C). It is important to note that air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens, so adjustments may be needed to prevent overcooking. Additionally, some air fryer models may cause uneven cooking due to the direct flow of air, resulting in deformed muffins. To avoid this issue, it is recommended to arrange the muffins in the basket so that the air does not blow directly on them.

Silicone vs paper muffin cases

Muffins are a popular choice for air fryer enthusiasts, with many recipes available online. But what about muffin cases? Can you use silicone or paper muffin cases in an air fryer?

The short answer is yes, you can use both silicone and paper muffin cases in an air fryer. However, there are some important things to consider when choosing between the two.

Silicone muffin cases are a popular choice for air fryer users as they are ovenproof and can withstand temperatures up to 400°F (204°C). They are also sturdier than paper cases, meaning they can hold the shape of the muffin batter without any additional support. This makes them a good option for those who want to avoid using a metal pan or tin. Some people find silicone muffin cases a bit tricky to clean, as they can retain grease and oil, but this may be a non-issue if you have a dishwasher.

Paper muffin cases, on the other hand, are not as sturdy and will need to be placed in a metal pan or tin to hold their shape. They can also be a fire hazard if they come into contact with the heating element of the air fryer, so it is important to be careful when using them. However, some people prefer paper cases as they are disposable and require less cleanup than silicone cases.

So, which type of muffin case is the best option for air frying muffins? It really depends on your personal preference and the specific model of your air fryer. If you want to avoid using a metal pan or tin, silicone cases may be the best choice due to their sturdiness and heat resistance. However, if you are concerned about cleanup and don't want to invest in a dishwasher, paper cases might be a more convenient option. Ultimately, both types of cases can be used successfully in an air fryer, so it may be worth trying both to see which you prefer.

How to prepare the batter

To prepare the batter for muffins in an air fryer, you'll need to combine your dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, and then mix them together.

For a basic vanilla muffin recipe, you will need the following dry ingredients:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

And the following wet ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons of mild vegetable or canola oil
• 1/3 cup of buttermilk
• 1/4 cup of sour cream
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 egg

You can whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl and set aside. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the butter and oil until combined, then whisk in the egg. Add the buttermilk, sour cream, and vanilla, and stir to combine. Finally, whisk in the sugar until well combined.

For chocolate chip muffins, you can add 1/2 a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter. For banana muffins, replace the sour cream with mashed bananas, and add 1 large chopped banana. Blueberry muffins can be made by folding in 1/2 a cup of blueberries, fresh or thawed.

Once you have mixed together your batter, you can spoon it into silicone muffin cups until almost full.

Air fryer temperature

It is worth noting that air fryers may have different settings, but the only factors that truly matter are time and temperature. You can adjust the temperature according to your air fryer model to ensure optimal results.

Additionally, it is important to monitor the muffins closely during the baking process. Check on them after about 10 minutes, and if they are not done, increase the baking time in small increments of 1-2 minutes until they are cooked through.

The recommended temperature range for baking muffins in an air fryer is generally between 320°F and 350°F (160°C to 177°C). This temperature range will allow you to bake a variety of muffin recipes, from vanilla muffins to banana muffins, while ensuring they are cooked evenly and thoroughly.

Bake time

The bake time for muffins in an air fryer will vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the recipe you are using. However, on average, muffins in an air fryer will take between 11 and 15 minutes to bake at a temperature of around 350°F (177°C).

It is important to note that air fryers tend to 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 general rule of thumb, you can expect muffins in an air fryer to take about 30% less time to bake than they would in an oven.

When baking muffins in an air fryer, it is recommended to use silicone muffin cups or paper muffin liners placed inside a silicone muffin tin or cake tin. This is because silicone cups are sturdier and can hold thick muffin batter better than paper cups, resulting in less spilling. If using paper liners, it is best to double them up to make them extra sturdy.

To check if your muffins are done, insert a toothpick or skewer into the centre of a muffin. If it comes out clean, your muffins are ready. If not, return them to the air fryer and increase the baking time in 1-2 minute increments until they are done.

Additionally, some air fryer models blow air directly onto the top of the muffins, which can cause them to form a crust too early and become deformed. To avoid this, arrange the muffins 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.

Now, let's look at some specific examples of bake times for different muffin recipes in an air fryer:

• Air fryer banana muffins: Bake at 160°C/320°F for 15 minutes or until golden and a skewer comes out clean.
• Air fryer blueberry muffins: Bake at 350°F for 11-15 minutes.
• Basic vanilla muffins: Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 4 minutes, then lower the heat to 325°F (163°C) and bake for another 11-13 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Morning glory muffins: Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 12-15 minutes.

So, to summarise, the bake time for muffins in an air fryer will depend on your specific air fryer model and the recipe you are using. Be sure to keep an eye on your muffins and adjust the temperature and timing as needed to ensure perfect results.

How to store the muffins

Muffins cooked in an air fryer will be ready in 12-15 minutes, but it's important to keep an eye on them as the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer. Now, let's get into how to store your freshly baked muffins:

How to Store Muffins

The first step to storing your muffins is to let them cool down. Place the muffins on a wire rack and let them sit for no more than 5-10 minutes in the pan. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This step is crucial because storing warm muffins will result in more condensation, leading to soggy treats.

Once your muffins are completely cool, you can choose to store them at room temperature or in the freezer, depending on how long you want to keep them.

Room Temperature Storage

If you plan on enjoying your muffins within a few days, storing them at room temperature is a good option. Here's how to do it:

• Line the bottom of an airtight storage container with a layer of paper towel. This will help absorb excess moisture.
• Place the muffins in a single layer on the paper towel.
• Place another sheet of paper towel on top of the muffins.
• Secure the lid on the container and store it in a dry place.

Your muffins will stay fresh for up to 4 days using this method. However, check for any signs of mold before consuming them if they have been sitting for longer.

Freezer Storage

If you want to keep your muffins for longer than a few days, the freezer is your best bet. Here's how to store muffins in the freezer:

• Place the muffins on a sheet pan and put them in the freezer to flash freeze for about 2 hours. This step is important to secure their shape and prevent them from sticking together.
• After flash freezing, place the muffins in an airtight container or freezer bags.
• When you're ready to eat, take out the desired number of muffins and place them on a microwave-safe plate.
• Reheat the muffins in the microwave in 20-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature.

Your muffins will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions