Air Fryer Muffins: Light and Fluffy Cake Style
These air fryer muffins are irresistibly light and fluffy, perfect for a quick snack or a sweet breakfast treat. With a tender crumb and a burst of flavor in every bite, they’re sure to become a household favorite. Plus, they’re quick to make, thanks to the convenience of the air fryer!
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional Mix-ins: Chocolate chips, berries, or nuts (about ½ cup)
Instructions
Prepare the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 330°F (165°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Lightly grease silicone muffin cups or use paper liners suitable for air fryers.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, mix the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until well blended.
Combine and Fold:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently fold until just combined.
- If using mix-ins (chocolate chips, berries, or nuts), fold them in now. Don’t overmix.
Fill the Muffin Cups:
- Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling them about ¾ full.
Air Fry the Muffins:
- Place the muffin cups in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
- Cook at 330°F (165°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow them to cool in the cups for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes and Tips
- Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick but spoonable. If it seems too thick, add a splash more milk.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can make the muffins dense. Mix just until combined for the best fluffy texture.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month.
- Reheating: To refresh the muffins, reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes.
Servings
This recipe makes about 6 medium-sized muffins.
Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)
- Calories: ~180
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
Benefits
- Quick Cooking Time: Air frying reduces baking time significantly compared to a traditional oven.
- Light and Fluffy Texture: Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack without feeling too heavy.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different mix-ins like fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips.
Q&A
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. To maintain fluffiness, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with any plant-based alternative and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
3. Why did my muffins turn out dense?
Overmixing the batter can result in dense muffins. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but air fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket, ensuring even cooking.
Enjoy your light and fluffy air fryer muffins! Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. If you try them, let me know how they turned out or if you made any fun variations!