Air fryer muffins 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Muffin Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, combine the milk, oil (or melted butter), egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. If you’re adding any optional mix-ins like berries or chocolate chips, gently fold them in now. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.

2. Prepare the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). This ensures that the muffins cook evenly.
• Grease your muffin pan with cooking spray or line it with paper muffin liners. If you don’t have a muffin pan that fits in your air fryer, you can use silicone muffin cups or create small parchment paper liners.

3. Fill the Muffin Cups

• Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them about 2/3 of the way. This will allow space for the muffins to rise without overflowing.

4. Air Fry the Muffins

• Place the muffin pan into the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes at 320°F (160°C). Start checking the muffins around the 8-minute mark. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the muffin — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• If your muffins need a little more time, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until they’re fully set and golden brown on top.

5. Cool and Serve

• Once your muffins are done, carefully remove the muffin pan from the air fryer and let the muffins cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
• Enjoy your air fryer muffins warm, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Muffins:

• Don’t Overfill the Muffin Cups: To prevent batter from spilling over while baking, be sure to fill the muffin cups about two-thirds full.
• Even Cooking: Air fryers can vary in temperature, so if you’re making multiple batches or using a smaller air fryer, check the muffins in the first batch and adjust the cook time accordingly.
• Experiment with Flavors: You can easily customize these muffins by adding cinnamon, lemon zest, or different extracts (like almond) to the batter. For savory muffins, try adding cheese, herbs, or cooked bacon.
• Use Silicone or Parchment Paper Cups: If you’re concerned about the muffins sticking, use silicone muffin cups or line your pan with parchment paper muffin liners.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.

Air Fryer Muffin Flavor Variations:

1. Blueberry Muffins: Add 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a classic breakfast treat.
2. Banana Muffins: Replace some of the milk with 1/2 mashed banana for a naturally sweet and moist muffin.
3. Chocolate Chip Muffins: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet, indulgent muffin. You can also add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for some crunch.
4. Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Add 1/2 cup of diced apples and 1 tsp cinnamon to the batter for a fall-inspired muffin.
5. Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins: Stir in zest from one lemon and 1 tbsp poppy seeds for a zesty, refreshing flavor.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Muffins:

1. Quick and Easy: With a preheated air fryer, these muffins take less than 15 minutes to cook, making them perfect for a last-minute breakfast or snack.
2. Moist and Fluffy: The circulating hot air in the air fryer cooks muffins evenly and locks in moisture, leaving them fluffy and soft on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior.
3. Customizable: Air fryer muffins are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them with your favorite flavors, fruits, or mix-ins.
4. No Need to Preheat the Oven: Unlike a conventional oven, most air fryers don’t require preheating, so you can save time while baking.
5. Healthier Option: Air frying typically requires less fat than traditional baking, making these muffins a slightly healthier option than their oven-baked counterparts.

Conclusion:

Air fryer muffins are the perfect solution when you want to enjoy a homemade treat without the long bake time or hassle. They’re quick, customizable, and yield delicious results every time. Whether you’re making a batch for breakfast, snack time, or a special occasion, the air fryer will help you bake muffins with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Give this easy air fryer muffin recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you!