Air-Fryer English Muffins: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

English muffins are a type of bread that originated in England and are now enjoyed worldwide. They are typically split in half and toasted before being topped with butter, jam, or other toppings. One convenient way to toast English muffins is by using an air fryer, which can achieve the perfect golden-brown crust while keeping the interior soft and fluffy. This method is also quick, efficient, and allows you to toast multiple muffins at once. Here's a simple guide on how to make English muffins in an air fryer.

Choosing the right English muffins

English muffins are a delicious breakfast option, and can be used in a variety of ways, from simply toasting them and spreading butter or jam on them, to making breakfast sandwiches or even mini pizzas. If you're looking to make English muffins in an air fryer, here are some tips to help you choose the right ones.

Firstly, it's important to understand the different types of English muffins available. They come in a variety of flavours and ingredients, such as traditional, whole wheat, sourdough, or gluten-free. You can choose the type that best suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.

When selecting English muffins, it's crucial to consider their size and shape. They typically come in individually sized portions, but you can also find larger ones that can be cut into desired sizes. If you're using muffin rings, ensure that the size of the muffins fits well within the rings.

The texture of English muffins is an important factor to consider. Look for ones that have a soft and chewy texture with a crispy exterior. The interior should have the characteristic "nooks and crannies" that are perfect for holding melted butter, jam, or other toppings. A sticky dough is essential to achieving these nooks and crannies.

In terms of ingredients, English muffins typically contain flour, butter, yeast, milk, sugar, salt, and semolina or cornmeal for sprinkling. When choosing English muffins, consider the quality and freshness of these ingredients. Freshly baked muffins with high-quality ingredients will have a better taste and texture.

Lastly, if you're particular about the level of doneness you prefer, opt for English muffins that are slightly under-baked. That way, you can air fry them to your desired level of crispiness without overcooking them.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right English muffins that will taste delicious when toasted in your air fryer and be perfect for any meal or snack!

Splitting the muffins

The first step to making English muffins in an air fryer is splitting the muffins. This is best done with a fork, rather than a knife. Using a fork helps to preserve the texture of the muffin. If you use a knife, you will flatten the nooks and crannies that make English muffins so special. These nooks and crannies are what hold your butter or jam. So, use a fork to pierce holes around the English muffin and then pull it apart.

If your English muffins are a little resistant to splitting, you can use a paring knife to gently split them in half. Or, you can try prying the halves apart with a fork.

Once you've split your muffins, place them in the air fryer basket, cut-side up. Make sure they are laid flat and not overlapping or crowded. This will ensure they toast evenly.

Placing them in the air fryer

Placing the muffins in the air fryer is a simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure perfect results. Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This step may be skipped if your air fryer model does not require preheating, but it is generally recommended to ensure even cooking. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the muffins.

The next step is to split the English muffins in half. It is best to use a fork or your hands to gently pull the muffins apart, preserving the texture and those signature nooks and crannies. If you use a knife, it will flatten the surface of the muffins. You can also use a paring knife or a butter knife to carefully split the muffins, but be gentle to avoid tearing them apart.

Now you are ready to place the muffins in the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, cut-side up, making sure they are not overcrowded. This is important to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may fit about two to three muffins at a time.

At this point, you can brush the muffins with melted butter or spray them with oil to enhance the golden-brown colour and crispiness. This step is optional, but it adds a nice touch if you want a richer flavour.

Finally, place the basket into the air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on your desired level of doneness, but it typically ranges from 3 to 5 minutes for a light to medium toast. If you prefer your muffins very toasted and crispy, you can air fry for up to 8 minutes. Keep a watchful eye on the muffins, as all air fryers are different, and you don't want them to burn.

Cooking time and temperature

To cook English muffins in an air fryer, you should preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If you want a lighter toast, 2-3 minutes in the air fryer should be enough. For a medium toast, leave the muffins in for 4 minutes. If you prefer your muffins very toasted, 5 minutes should do the trick. If you want to achieve an even toastier result, you can leave the muffins in the air fryer for up to 8 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model. Therefore, it is recommended to keep an eye on the muffins after the 3-minute mark to ensure they are toasted to your liking.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air-fried English muffins. Here are some suggestions:

Sweet Variations

You can serve the muffins with a variety of toppings, such as butter, honey, or jam. For a sweeter option, try topping them with peanut butter, cream cheese, or Nutella, accompanied by fresh fruit.

Savory Variations

For a more savory take, you can top the muffins with scrambled eggs and cheese, avocado, hummus, or different types of meat like smoked salmon, roast beef, or ham.

Breakfast Sandwiches

English muffins are a popular choice for breakfast sandwiches. Fill them with ingredients such as scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and cheese. You can also make an egg sandwich with a fried egg and hollandaise sauce, or top with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce for an eggs benedict.

Mini Pizzas

English muffin pizzas are a fun option, especially for kids. Simply top the muffins with pizza sauce and cheese and your favorite pizza toppings, then cook in the air fryer until crispy.

Appetizers and Side Dishes

For a bite-sized appetizer, cut the English muffins into small pieces, toast them, and serve with dips or spreads like cheese, salsa, or pesto. English muffins can also be toasted and served as a side dish alongside soups, stews, or salads.

Desserts

For a sweet treat, toast the English muffins with butter and top them with Nutella, peanut butter, or other sweet spreads. You can also add fresh fruits and whipped cream.

Frequently asked questions