Air Fryer Muffins – Light & Fluffy

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If you’re looking for a quick and easy muffin recipe with a light and fluffy texture, this air fryer version is perfect! Using basic ingredients, you can whip up soft, delicious muffins in no time. With the magic of the air fryer, they turn out perfectly golden and moist on the inside. Here’s the full recipe, along with some frequently asked questions!

Ingredients

8 oz unsalted butter, softened
8 oz caster sugar
8 oz self-raising flour
4 large eggs
100 ml milk

Instructions

Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the butter and caster sugar until light and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate them fully.
- Gradually add the self-raising flour to the mixture, followed by the milk, and continue whisking until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
Prepare the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes.
- Line your muffin tray or silicone muffin cups with cupcake liners or just lightly grease the silicone cases with a bit of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
Scoop the Batter:
- Carefully spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin cases, filling each about two-thirds full. This allows room for the muffins to rise.
Air Fry the Muffins:
- Place the muffin cases in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s enough space around them for air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the muffins in batches.
- Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for about 12 minutes, but start checking after 10 minutes using a cake tester or a toothpick. Insert it into the middle of a muffin—if it comes out clean, they’re ready! If it comes out wet, give them a couple more minutes.
Cool and Serve:
- Once the muffins are golden and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer.
- Let them cool for a few minutes in the silicone cases before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy:
- Once cooled, serve the muffins as a delicious snack or breakfast. They’re perfect with tea or coffee.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Muffins:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
Don’t Overfill Muffin Cases: Fill the silicone muffin cups about two-thirds full to give the muffins enough space to rise without overflowing.
Check Early: Since air fryers vary in performance, it’s a good idea to start checking your muffins around 10 minutes using a cake tester. This will prevent overcooking and ensure they stay light and fluffy.
Add-ins: Feel free to add extras like chocolate chips, berries, or a handful of nuts into the batter for extra flavor. Just fold them in gently after you’ve mixed the batter.
Air Fryer Variations: Different air fryers may cook at slightly different rates. If your air fryer runs hotter, you may need to reduce the temperature by 5-10 degrees and reduce the cook time slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q/A)

Q1: Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of silicone cases?
A: Yes, you can use a regular muffin tin. Just make sure to grease it well to avoid sticking. If you’re using a metal muffin tin, the cook time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.

Q2: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-raising flour?
A: Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but you’ll need to add baking powder to help the muffins rise. For every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder.

Q3: Can I freeze these muffins?
A: Yes, these muffins freeze well. After they’ve cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours, or heat them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.

Q4: Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free option like margarine or coconut oil, and use almond milk or another plant-based milk instead of regular milk. Make sure to check the flavor and consistency of the batter before baking, as plant-based substitutes may alter the texture slightly.

Q5: Why are my muffins not rising well?
A: If your muffins aren’t rising, it could be due to a few reasons:

Expired self-raising flour: Make sure your flour is fresh and contains enough baking powder to help the muffins rise.
Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can cause muffins to be dense. Mix until just combined.
Too much batter in each cup: Ensure that each muffin cup is only two-thirds full to allow for proper rising.

Q6: How can I make these muffins even fluffier?
A: To make them even fluffier, try using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour, or sift the flour before adding it to the batter. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense muffins.

Enjoy Your Fluffy Air Fryer Muffins!

These air fryer muffins are incredibly easy to make and yield a light, fluffy result every time. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they’ll be a family favorite in no time!