Air-Fryer English Muffins: Perfect Toast, Every Time

Toasting English muffins in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve the perfect level of crispiness. The air fryer's hot air circulation cooks the muffins evenly, resulting in a golden-brown crust and a soft interior in just a few minutes. This method offers several advantages over traditional toasting, including efficiency, consistency, and the ability to toast multiple muffins at once.

How to toast English muffins in an air fryer

Toasting English muffins in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve perfect results every time. The air fryer can also toast multiple muffins at once, making it a more efficient option than a traditional toaster. In this guide, you'll learn the step-by-step process for toasting English muffins in an air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure the best results.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. Whether or not your specific model requires preheating, this step is recommended for even crispier results. Check your air fryer's manual to determine if preheating is necessary.

Step 2: Prepare the English Muffins

The recommended tool for splitting English muffins is a fork. Insert the fork into the small pre-cut slice to gently pry the two halves apart. Using a knife is not advised, as it can flatten the nooks and crannies that give English muffins their unique texture.

Step 3: Place Muffins in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the split English muffins into the air fryer basket, ensuring that the cut side is facing up. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as proper air circulation is essential for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to toast around three muffins at a time.

Step 4: Air Fry the Muffins

Air fry the English muffins for 3 to 5 minutes at 400°F. The exact cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. For a light toast, aim for 3 minutes, 4 minutes for a medium toast, and 5 minutes for a well-done, crispy muffin. Keep in mind that all air fryers are different, so it's important to keep an eye on your muffins to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve

Once your English muffins have reached the desired level of toastiness, remove them from the air fryer and serve with your favorite toppings. Butter, jam, honey, peanut butter, and cream cheese are all popular choices. You can also get creative and use your toasted muffins as a base for mini pizzas or sandwiches.

Tips and Tricks

• Experiment with flavors: Brush your English muffins with flavored oils, such as garlic-infused or truffle oil, before air frying. You can also add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or paprika for an extra punch of flavor.
• Check for doneness: All air fryers cook differently, so it's important to keep an eye on your muffins to avoid overcooking. Start checking for doneness around the 3-minute mark.
• Don't overcrowd the basket: Ensure proper air circulation by leaving enough space between the muffins in the air fryer basket. This will help achieve even cooking and prevent uneven toasting.
• Use frozen English muffins: You can air fry English muffins directly from frozen. Simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Toasting English muffins in an air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to achieve perfect results. By following the steps outlined above, you'll be able to enjoy crispy, golden-brown muffins with a soft interior in just a few minutes. So, the next time you're craving a toasted English muffin, give your air fryer a try!

How long to toast English muffins in an air fryer

Toasting English muffins in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve the perfect level of crispiness. The process is simple and allows you to toast multiple muffins at once, making it a convenient option for breakfast or a snack. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to toast English muffins in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the English muffins

Use a fork to split the English muffins in half. This method helps to preserve the texture and those delicious "nooks and crannies" that English muffins are known for. If you use a knife, you may flatten those pockets meant for melting butter.

Step 2: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Some models may not require preheating, so be sure to check your air fryer's manual. Preheating ensures that you get crispy edges on your muffins.

Step 3: Arrange the muffins in the air fryer basket

Place the split English muffins in the air fryer basket with the cut side facing up. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to toast around two to three muffins at a time.

Step 4: Air fry the muffins

Now, it's time to air fry your English muffins! The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. For a light toast, air fry for 2-3 minutes. For a medium toast, go for 4 minutes, and for a well-done, crispy muffin, aim for 5 minutes. Keep in mind that all air fryers are different, so it's a good idea to start checking on your muffins around the 3-minute mark to ensure they don't burn.

Step 5: Add your favourite toppings

Once your English muffins are toasted to perfection, it's time to add your favourite toppings. Butter and jam are classic choices, but you can also get creative with cream cheese, peanut butter, or even hummus. If you're feeling savoury, top your muffin with cheese, breakfast sausage, or a fried egg for a hearty breakfast sandwich.

Tips for the perfect air-fried English muffin:

• Keep a close eye on your muffins during the cooking process, as air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking time.
• Experiment with flavours by brushing your muffins with flavoured oil or adding dried herbs before air frying.
• You can also add toppings like cheese or bacon to your muffins before air frying, creating a delicious, melty treat.
• If you're making multiple batches, keep the first batch warm by placing them in an oven set to a low temperature or in a toaster oven.

By following these simple steps, you'll be able to enjoy perfectly toasted English muffins with a golden-brown crust and a soft interior, all thanks to the convenience of your air fryer!

Why toast English muffins in an air fryer

There are several reasons why you should consider toasting English muffins in an air fryer. Here are some of the most compelling advantages:

Health Benefits

Air fryers use hot air to toast English muffins, requiring no oil. Traditional methods involve toasting the muffins on a griddle with butter or fat, which can add unnecessary calories and fat to your meal. With an air fryer, you can achieve a golden-brown crust with a soft interior in just a few minutes, all while keeping it healthy.

Efficiency

Most air fryer baskets can toast multiple English muffins simultaneously. Traditional toasters typically limit you to toasting two slices of bread or muffin halves at a time. With an air fryer, you can prepare more muffins in less time, making it ideal for breakfast for a larger group.

Consistency

Once you've dialed in your preferred settings on your air fryer, you can expect perfectly toasted English muffins every time. You won't have to worry about adjusting settings or dealing with uneven toasting. Consistency is key, especially when preparing breakfast for a large family or group of friends.

Ease of Use

Air fryers allow you to quickly check on the progress of your muffins by simply pulling out the air fryer basket. This is far more convenient than constantly monitoring a traditional toaster and potentially burning your muffins. The ability to check on your food without interrupting the cooking process gives you greater control over the final result.

English muffin toppings

English muffins are a versatile food that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. They are the perfect vessel for a variety of toppings and can be transformed into sandwiches, pizzas, or even used as a side. Here are some mouth-watering topping ideas to elevate your English muffin game:

Classic Combinations

Start your day with some classic combinations like butter and jam, or take it up a notch with butter and candied kumquats. For a savoury option, try spreading some cream cheese on your muffin and topping it with smoked salmon or scrambled eggs, or even a fried egg. If you're feeling indulgent, go for the full English breakfast experience by adding bacon, sausage, and a fried egg.

Sweet Treats

For those with a sweet tooth, there are endless possibilities. Try peanut butter and honey, or peanut butter and banana slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also spread chocolate-hazelnut spread (similar to Nutella) on your muffin for a chocolatey treat. For an extra indulgent option, go for butter, brown sugar, and a slice of grilled pineapple—it's like having a pineapple upside-down cake for breakfast!

Savoury Delights

If you're looking for something more savoury, look no further. Try avocado with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chilli flakes and sea salt. Or, for a more substantial option, top your muffin with tuna salad and cheese, and pop it under the grill until the cheese melts. You can also use English muffins as a base for mini pizzas—simply add some pizza sauce, your favourite toppings, and cheese, and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Creative Combinations

Get creative with your English muffin toppings! Try hummus with sliced tomatoes and fresh basil, or cream cheese with jelly or chutney. For a unique combination, spread cream cheese on your muffin, top it with sliced tomatoes, and sprinkle on some white cheese like Havarti. Then, pop it under the grill until the cheese melts. Another interesting option is to spread peanut butter on your muffin and add sriracha sauce—a combination inspired by Thai cuisine.

How to split an English muffin

To split an English muffin, you should use a fork, not a knife. Using a fork preserves the nooks and crannies that characterise English muffins, whereas a knife would flatten them.

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.

If you don't have a fork to hand, you can also use your hands to split the muffin. Simply roll the muffin in your hands, squeeze the sides, and it will come apart.

Frequently asked questions