Air fryer muffins
Move over oven! The air fryer is here to take over muffin duty. These vanilla-flavoured air fryer muffins bake up beautifully in about 10 minutes, giving you a warm, fluffy treat faster than you would expect. They are exactly what you need whenever a sweet craving strikes or when you want a simple treat to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
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75 g
Butter
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2
Eggs
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130 g
Caster sugar
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120 g
Flour
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1½ tsp
Baking powder
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1 tsp
Vanilla extract
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¼ tsp
Salt
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
You can use both paper and silicone muffin cases in the air fryer. Make sure the paper cases are sturdy and heat-resistant to avoid burning or tearing. They should fit snugly in the basket to allow air to circulate properly, without touching the heating element. Silicone cases are a great reusable option that withstands heat well, ensures even baking, and makes clean-up easy. Place the filled muffin cases in the air fryer basket without overcrowding them, and bake at 165 °C for about 10 minutes.
After baking, let the muffins cool in the air fryer basket for about 10 minutes to firm up, making them easier to remove without breaking. Once they are cool enough to handle, move them to a wire rack to cool for another 5–15 minutes. This allows the steam to escape and prevents the muffins from becoming soggy. Serve the air fryer muffins slightly warm or at room temperature for the best flavour.
This recipe also works perfectly for mini muffins with no need to adjust the ingredients. Fill mini muffin cases or silicone liners about two-thirds full and bake at 165 °C for 6–8 minutes. Start checking if they are done at the 6-minute mark with a skewer. Let the muffins cool slightly before you take them out of the liners to avoid breaking them.
FAQ: Questions about air fryer muffins
Before you start baking our air fryer muffins, take a look below, where we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about them. They should help you avoid any potential pitfalls.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer before baking muffins?
Yes, you need to preheat the air fryer before baking muffins. Set it to 165 °C and let it run empty for about 5–8 minutes. It helps the air fryer reach a stable temperature and makes sure the muffin batter starts baking as soon as you put it in, leading to a consistent bake with a golden top and a soft, fluffy inside.
How do I know when the air fryer muffins are done?
You know your air fryer muffins are done when you insert a skewer or toothpick into the centre of a muffin and it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. The tops should be firm to the touch and spring back when pressed lightly. They should also have a light golden-brown colour on the tops and edges. If the skewer has wet batter after baking for the recommended 10 minutes at 165 °C, keep baking for 1–2 more minutes at a time and check after each extension until they are perfectly baked.
How do I store air fryer muffins?
Store air fryer muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, but make sure they are completely cool first. If it is warm or humid where you are, store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week to avoid mould. For longer storage, wrap each muffin in cling film, then put them in a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 2–3 months. When you are ready to enjoy them, thaw the muffins at room temperature for 1–2 hours or overnight in the fridge. Reheat them in the air fryer for one to two minutes at 175 °C or in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for a freshly-baked feel.
Why are my air fryer muffin tops flat or deformed?
If your air fryer muffin tops turn out flat or deformed, it can be due to several factors. The strong circulating air in the air fryer can cause the muffin cases to wobble, resulting in uneven tops. To fix this, use sturdy metal muffin pans or place silicone moulds in a heavier tray. Also, starting the baking at a slightly higher temperature for the first few minutes can help the tops rise better. Try not to overmix the batter, as this can create too much gluten and result in dense muffins. Letting the batter rest before baking can also improve the rise. Additionally, generously filling the muffin cases can help achieve domed, well-shaped tops.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
1110 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 4.3 gram fibers |
| Protein | 8.5 | 23.3 gram |
| Fat | 58.5 | 73.4 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 33 | 90.2 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
Easy air fryer muffins with vanilla flavour
Who says you need an oven for homemade muffins? An air fryer can do the job just as well, and with much less effort. This recipe uses a classic vanilla batter that is simple but always delicious with that soft, sweet flavour.
The air fryer muffins may look a little plain at first glance, but do not be fooled. The flavour more than makes up for their humble appearance. Best of all, they bake in just about 10 minutes, so you can have a warm, sweet treat ready whenever the craving strikes.
Light and fluffy with a golden crust
One of the big advantages of using an air fryer is how quickly it heats up and circulates hot air. This steady airflow helps the muffins bake in no time, giving them a wonderfully light and fluffy crumb.
At the same time, the tops get that lovely golden crust that makes every bite a little extra satisfying. The trick is to mix the batter gently, so you do not knock out the air. That way, your air fryer muffins stay light instead of turning dense. Fast and fluffy, that is what makes these air fryer muffins so good.
Your smart kitchen gadget has more to offer. Try air fryer candied almonds, air fryer chocolate cake, air fryer scones, and air fryer white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. Then you have a treat for every occasion.
A delicious treat to share
If you are eager for an easy treat that you can share with the family, you need to try these muffins from the air fryer. The recipe makes six muffins, but you can easily double or triple it, depending on how many you need. Just cook them in batches to keep the air fryer basket from overcrowding.
They are ideal for a relaxed weekend breakfast with the family, a quick bake to enjoy with coffee, or even as a surprise drop-off for a friend; nothing says care quite like warm, homemade muffins. And while they are delicious just as they are, you can dress them up with toppings if you like.
Try a spoonful of tangy lemon curd, a drizzle of golden honey, or a swipe of rich chocolate spread or dulce de leche to turn them into a decadent dessert.
Try different flavours
While delicious on their own, these air fryer muffins are also a great base for all kinds of add-ins. Mix in some chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or even swirl in Nutella for a richer bite. Fresh or dried fruit like blueberries, raspberries, diced apples, cherries, cranberries, or mashed bananas contribute natural sweetness and moisture.
For crunch, fold in chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or almonds. You can also spice them up with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, or pumpkin spice in the batter. A sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar on top before baking adds extra sweetness, while citrus zest, shredded coconut, or even toffee bits can elevate the flavour even more.
