Air Fryer Banana Muffins Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) for about 5 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher.
- Add the oil and granulated sugar to the mashed bananas. Mix well until combined.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- If using optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them into the batter.
- Grease or line the muffin cups of the air fryer basket with parchment paper liners.
- Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Place the muffin-filled basket in the preheated air fryer. Cook at 325°F (160°C) for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Once done, carefully remove the muffins from the air fryer and allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes:
- Air Fryer Settings: The cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer. Adjust the time and temperature accordingly. It’s recommended to start with a lower time and check for doneness before adding more time.
- Banana Ripeness: Ripe bananas with brown spots on the skin are best for this recipe. They are sweeter and easier to mash.
- Optional Add-ins: Feel free to customize your muffins by adding chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of oats on top before baking.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the muffins during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent over-baking. The toothpick test (inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin to check for doneness) is a reliable indicator.
- Muffin Cups: Using parchment paper liners helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. If you don’t have liners, you can lightly grease the muffin cups.
- Cooling: Allow the muffins to cool before removing them from the air fryer basket. This helps them set and prevents them from falling apart.
- Storage: Once completely cooled, store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
- Reheating: To reheat muffins, you can use the air fryer at a lower temperature for a few minutes or use a microwave.
Enjoy your delicious air fryer banana muffins!
Certainly! Here are some additional tips and variations to enhance your air fryer banana muffin experience:
Tips:
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavorings such as nutmeg, ginger, or even a touch of cardamom for unique and aromatic muffins.
- Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier twist, you can replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Buttermilk: Substitute some or all of the oil with buttermilk for a lighter texture and a subtle tangy flavor.
- Yogurt: Greek yogurt can be added to the batter for added moisture and a creamy texture.
- Overripe Bananas: If you have overly ripe bananas that you can’t use right away, peel and freeze them for later use in baking. Thaw them before mashing.
- Toppings: Consider adding a streusel topping made with oats, brown sugar, and butter for a crunchy element.
- Nut Butter: Swirl a spoonful of your favorite nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter) into the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a hint of brightness and a citrusy aroma.
Variations:
- Double Chocolate Banana Muffins: Add both cocoa powder and chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, chocolatey treat.
- Nutty Banana Muffins: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
- Fruit-Filled Muffins: Mix in dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for bursts of sweetness.
- Banana Nutella Muffins: Swirl a spoonful of Nutella into each muffin before baking for a delightful gooey surprise.
- Banana Coconut Muffins: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Create a cream cheese filling by placing a dollop of sweetened cream cheese in the center of each muffin before baking.
- Oatmeal Banana Muffins: Substitute some of the flour with rolled oats for a heartier texture.
- Banana Muffin Parfait: Crumble the muffins and layer them with yogurt and fresh fruit for a delicious breakfast parfait.
Remember, baking is all about experimentation and making the recipe your own. Feel free to get creative and tailor the muffins to your taste preferences. Enjoy your air fryer banana muffins in various ways and share them with family and friends!
