Air-Fryer English Muffins: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to make English muffins. They are versatile, allowing you to make a quick breakfast, sandwich, or snack. The best temperature to set your air fryer to is 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the muffins should be cooked for 3-5 minutes, depending on how toasted you like them.

How to get the perfect level of crispiness

The key to achieving the perfect level of crispiness when air-frying English muffins is finding the right balance between a golden-brown crust and a soft interior. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you master this technique:

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Prepare the English Muffins: Start by splitting the English muffins in half. It is recommended to use a fork instead of a knife to preserve the texture and those delicious nooks and crannies that are perfect for melting butter.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: For more even crispiness, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Not all air fryers require preheating, so be sure to check your specific model's instructions.
• Arrange the Muffins in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the split English muffins in the air fryer basket with the cut side facing up. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
• Air Fry: Set the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and air fry for 2-5 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. For a lighter toast, aim for 2-3 minutes. If you prefer a medium toast with some crispiness, go for 4 minutes. If you like your muffins very toasted and crispy, air fry for 5 minutes. Keep in mind that all air fryers are different, so it's a good idea to check on your muffins around the 3-minute mark to ensure they don't burn.
• Add Toppings: Once your English muffins have reached your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and add your favourite toppings. Butter, jam, honey, peanut butter, cream cheese, and hummus are all popular choices. You can also get creative and use them as a base for mini pizzas or sandwiches.

Additional Tips:

• Adjust Cooking Time: Remember that cooking times may vary depending on your specific air fryer model and the size of your English muffins. Always keep an eye on your muffins during the cooking process and adjust the time as needed.
• Experiment with Flavours: You can enhance the flavour of your air-fried English muffins by brushing them with flavoured oils, such as garlic-infused, truffle, or spicy oil. You can also add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or paprika.
• Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: Make sure to leave enough space between the muffins in the basket to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to toast 2-3 muffins at a time.
• Check for Doneness: To determine if your English muffins are done to your liking, look for a golden-brown colour and a crispy texture. You can also gently press on them; if they feel firm, they're ready!

How to split English muffins without losing their texture

English muffins are a common bread product often used as a base for breakfast dishes like eggs Benedict or as a crispier alternative to brioche hamburger buns. They are beloved for their crispy crusts and airy interiors, filled with nooks and crannies that are perfect for holding condiments and spreads.

The unique texture of English muffins can sometimes be compromised when they are sliced with a knife, which can deflate the nooks and flatten the crannies. Here are some tips to help you split English muffins while preserving their signature texture:

Using a Fork

The recommended way to split an English muffin is by using a fork. Insert the tines of a fork into the small pre-cut slice around the circumference of the muffin to gently pry the two sides away from each other. This method helps to preserve the bubbled, jagged texture that makes up the muffin's famous nooks and crannies, giving the muffin more surface area to brown and crisp up.

Using Your Hands

Another option is to use your hands to split the muffin. Simply squeeze the muffin gently while rotating it in your hands. Since the edges of store-bought English muffins are already perforated, applying gentle pressure to the sides will separate the two halves while keeping the pockets intact.

Other Tips

• Be gentle when splitting the muffin, whether using a fork or your hands.
• Avoid using a knife, as it can compromise the delicate network of gluten and flour, causing the muffin to crumble and lose its texture.
• If you are toasting multiple English muffins in an air fryer, ensure they are in a single layer in the air fryer basket to avoid uneven toasting.
• Check your English muffins early, as air fryers can vary in temperature and your muffins may be done sooner than expected.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy perfectly split English muffins with all their delightful nooks and crannies intact!

How to make English muffin pizzas in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• English muffins
• Pizza sauce
• Cheese (mozzarella is recommended)
• Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, sausage, veggies, pineapple, etc.)
• Butter (optional)

Instructions:

Start by splitting your English muffins in half using a fork. This helps to keep the nooks and crannies intact, which are perfect for catching all that melted butter or sauce. Place the split muffins into the air fryer basket, cut-side up, and air fry for 2-4 minutes at 400°F.

While the muffins are toasting, gather your toppings. You can spread sauce, sprinkle cheese, and add toppings like you would with any pizza. Just remember, the more toppings you add, the longer it will take to cook and the more likely it is that things will slide off or blow away.

Once your muffins are toasted, it's time to build your pizzas. Spread a thin layer of sauce over each half—not too much, or your pizzas will become soggy. Then, sprinkle with cheese and add your desired toppings.

Place the pizzas back into the air fryer in a single layer. Cook at 390°F for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy English muffin pizzas, perfect for a quick snack, lunch, or even a fun dinner for the whole family.

The benefits of using an air fryer over a toaster

Air fryers and toasters are both countertop kitchen appliances, but they have some key differences. Here are the benefits of using an air fryer over a toaster:

Perfectly Crispy and Golden Brown Results

Air fryers circulate hot air around food to achieve a crispy texture. This hot, rapidly circulating air makes for crispier food and faster cooking times. You can get crunchy edges on the outside and a soft inside, creating the perfect English muffin.

No More Guessing the Right Setting

With a toaster, you often have to figure out the right setting to get the desired crispness without burning your bread. Air fryers, on the other hand, toast English muffins to perfection every time. No more trial and error to get that perfect shade of golden brown!

Versatility

Air fryers can toast several English muffins at once, and you can experiment with different types of English muffins, such as regular, whole wheat, multigrain, or cinnamon raisin. You can also get creative with toppings, turning your English muffins into mini pizzas, quiches, or frittatas.

No Mess and Crumb-Free Counters

Toasters tend to leave crumbs on the counter and can be messy. Air fryers, on the other hand, keep your counters crumb-free and are easier to clean, thanks to their non-stick interior linings.

Free Up Counter Space

Air fryers can replace your toaster, freeing up valuable counter space. No need for two appliances when one can do the job perfectly!

Reheat Leftovers

The hot circulating air in an air fryer is great for reheating leftovers and making them crispy again. Say goodbye to soggy leftovers and hello to hot, crispy food that tastes just as good as the day before.

Faster Cooking Times

Air fryers cook food faster than toaster ovens, so you can enjoy your English muffins or other dishes in less time.

Healthier Option

Air fryers use minimal oil, making them a healthier option for crisping and browning foods compared to other cooking methods.

So, the next time you're debating whether to use a toaster or an air fryer, consider the benefits that an air fryer can bring to your cooking experience and the perfect results it can deliver for your English muffins!

How to make sure your English muffins don't burn

To make sure your English muffins don't burn in the air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature seems to be the sweet spot for achieving the desired crispiness while keeping the inside soft.

Secondly, the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, the size of the muffins, and your desired level of doneness. Start by air frying for 2-4 minutes and then check on them. If they need more time, you can always add it, in 1-2 minute increments. Checking early and often is a good way to prevent burning.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that your English muffins are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overlapping muffins may result in uneven toasting, with some parts less toasted than others.

If you are toasting multiple muffins, it is also crucial to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave enough space between the muffins to allow for even cooking.

Lastly, some air fryers may require preheating, while others do not. Refer to your air fryer's manual to determine if preheating is necessary for your model. Preheating can help achieve even crispier results.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your English muffins come out perfectly toasted, avoiding any unwanted burning.

Frequently asked questions