Air-Fried Blueberry Muffins: A Quick, Easy Treat

Blueberry muffins are a classic, but baking a whole batch in the oven can be a hassle. With an air fryer, you can make a small batch of delicious, fluffy muffins in no time! This article will teach you how to make light and airy muffins with a crispy exterior and a juicy, fruity burst. We'll cover the ingredients, method, and tips for success so you can enjoy perfect air fryer blueberry muffins every time.

Preheat the air fryer to 320-350°F (160-175°C)

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in the muffin-making process. It ensures that your muffins cook evenly and that you get consistent results.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the temperature to between 320°F and 350°F (160°C and 175°C). You can preheat it for around 5 minutes, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This will ensure that your air fryer is nice and hot, ready to cook your muffins to perfection.

Different air fryer models may have slightly different preheating requirements, so it's always a good idea to check your specific model's instructions. However, preheating is generally a quick and easy process, and it's an important step to ensure your muffins turn out light, fluffy, and evenly cooked.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can move on to the next steps of mixing your dry and wet ingredients, folding in the blueberries, and filling your muffin cups. Remember to spray your muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray or use silicone cups for easy removal and cleanup.

By preheating your air fryer to the correct temperature, you'll be well on your way to making delicious, perfectly cooked blueberry muffins that your family and friends will love!

Combine wet ingredients

To combine the wet ingredients for blueberry muffins in an air fryer, you will need a separate large bowl. The wet ingredients typically include an egg, milk, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract. You may also add lemon zest for a subtle citrusy flavour.

Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. It is important to whisk thoroughly at this stage, as the butter and water can be difficult to combine. Once combined, you are ready to add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients.

It is also important not to overmix the batter at this stage, as this can result in tough muffins. A few lumps in the batter are okay.

Whisk dry ingredients

To make blueberry muffins in an air fryer, you'll need to whisk the dry ingredients in a separate bowl from the wet ingredients. This is an important step, as it ensures that your muffins will have the right consistency and won't be tough or dense. Here's a detailed guide on whisking the dry ingredients for blueberry muffins in an air fryer:

Use the Right Tools:

Use a whisk or a Danish Dough Whisk to mix your dry ingredients. A Danish Dough Whisk is an excellent choice for muffin batters as it creates a well-mixed batter without over-mixing.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a small bowl, combine the dry ingredients. The specific ingredients may vary depending on the recipe, but typically include all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder or self-rising flour, cinnamon (optional), and salt. You can also add lemon zest for a subtle citrusy flavour. Make sure to mix these ingredients well.

Measure Accurately:

Accurate measuring is crucial for consistent results. Use measuring cups and spoons designed for dry ingredients to ensure you're adding the right amount of each ingredient.

Avoid Overmixing:

When whisking the dry ingredients, avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to tough and dense muffins. It's okay if the mixture is a bit lumpy; a few lumps will actually help create tender, fluffy muffins.

Create a Well-Mixed Batter:

Mix the dry ingredients until they are well combined and uniform in colour and texture. This ensures that your muffins will have an even distribution of ingredients and consistent results.

Adjust as Needed:

Depending on your recipe and personal preferences, you may want to adjust the amounts of certain ingredients. For example, if you like your muffins sweeter, you can add a bit more sugar. Or, if you want a stronger cinnamon flavour, you can increase the amount of cinnamon.

Prepare for Wet Ingredients:

Once your dry ingredients are well-combined, you'll be ready to add the wet ingredients. Have your wet ingredients measured out and ready to go so you can add them to the dry mixture and continue with the next steps of making your delicious blueberry muffins in an air fryer!

Combine wet and dry mixtures

Now that you have whisked the wet and dry ingredients in their respective bowls, it's time to combine them. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture until it is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough muffins. A few lumps are okay.

If you are adding blueberries to the batter, gently fold them in now. You can also add other berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. If you are using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the batter.

Your batter is now ready to be scooped into the muffin cups or liners.

Add blueberries

Adding the blueberries is a crucial step in making blueberry muffins in an air fryer. This step brings the fruity burst of flavour and colour to your muffins. Here is a detailed guide on how to add blueberries to your muffin batter:

Firstly, choose your blueberries. Fresh blueberries are ideal, but frozen blueberries can also be used. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the batter. You can also experiment with other types of berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries.

Before adding the blueberries, prepare the muffin batter by combining the wet and dry ingredients in separate bowls. Then, mix the wet and dry mixtures until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough muffins. A few lumps in the batter are completely fine and even desirable for a tender, fluffy texture.

Now it's time to add the blueberries. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be gentle to avoid smashing the blueberries. This step ensures that the berries are evenly distributed throughout the batter without turning it purple. You can also add other mix-ins at this stage, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or spices, to customise your muffins.

If you want to create a "bursting berry" effect on top of your muffins, place 3-4 extra blueberries on top of each muffin before baking. This will create a beautiful presentation and an even fruitier experience.

Once you have incorporated the blueberries, your batter is ready to be scooped into the prepared muffin cups or liners. Fill each cup about two-thirds full, leaving room for the muffins to rise and expand during baking.

Finally, place the muffin-filled cups in the preheated air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to bake the muffins in batches. Now, you are ready to air fry your delicious blueberry muffins!

Frequently asked questions