If you are someone who loves a sweet or savoury muffin with your morning coffee but you are looking for a healthier alternative without breaking the bank, then these air fryer oat cupcakes are the perfect solution. Not only do they taste fantastic, but they are also super easy to make. Using just a few simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you can have a delicious breakfast ready in no time, one that rivals any coffee shop treat but at a fraction of the cost and with far fewer calories. Plus, they are much better for your body, making them a guilt-free way to start your day.
These oat cupcakes are versatile enough to cater to different tastes. You can easily customize them with your favourite add-ins, such as nuts, dried fruits, or even a dollop of yogurt on top to create a breakfast that’s as unique as you are. This makes them perfect for anyone who loves variety and enjoys experimenting with new flavours. Whether you like to keep it simple with just oats and honey or go all out with a fruit and nut mix, these cupcakes can handle it all.
One of the best things about this recipe is how convenient it is. You can bake them in batches and freeze them for future use, making your busy mornings even easier. Just thaw them overnight or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, and you’re good to go.
I had the pleasure of making this recipe with Alexis Conran on the Channel 5 TV show Air Fryers: An Easy Way to Lose Weight, which first aired on 28th February 2024.
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 12 – 15 minutes
MAKES 6 small cup cakes.
KIT you will need an air fryer and silicone moulds.
Ingredients for air fryer oat cupcakes
60g of rolled oats
1 large egg
1/2 a ripe banana
50 ml of almond milk
1/2 a teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 a teaspoon of baking powder
Half a teaspoon of cinnamon
15g of 70% dark chocolate Keeping some to grate on the top
1 teaspoon of chia seeds
Method
These air fryer oat cupcakes are a delicious, wholesome treat that’s perfect for breakfast on the go or a mid-afternoon snack. Packed with nutritious ingredients and just the right touch of sweetness, they’re quick to make and even easier to enjoy.
Start by placing all your ingredients – such as oats, banana, eggs, milk, baking powder, a little maple syrup or honey, and most of your dark chocolate – into a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Reserve a small handful of the chopped dark chocolate to sprinkle on top after baking for an extra burst of indulgence.
Next, pour the mixture into silicone cupcake moulds, filling each one about two-thirds full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing. Then carefully place the moulds into your air fryer basket in a single layer. If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook them in batches.
Set your air fryer to 140°C and cook the oat cupcakes for 12 to 15 minutes. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so it’s a good idea to check them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’ve risen and are firm to the touch with a slightly golden top.
Once cooked, gently remove the cupcakes from the silicone moulds and place them on a cooling rack. Sprinkle the remaining dark chocolate over the warm cupcakes so it melts slightly – pure bliss!
These air fryer oat cupcakes are best enjoyed warm but are just as tasty cold. So store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for a few days. They’re a nutritious, satisfying option for busy mornings, packed lunches, or healthy snacking. With their soft texture and rich chocolatey flavour, they’re sure to become a regular favourite in your kitchen!
Tips for Air Fryer Oat Cupcakes
Air fryer oat cupcakes are a wholesome, lightly sweetened treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or a healthier dessert. Here’s how to get fluffy, moist results every time:
1. Use rolled oats or oat flour
If you’re blending oats into flour, use rolled oats for the best texture. Alternatively, mix whole oats and oat flour for a slightly chewy bite.
2. Don’t skip the resting time
After mixing your batter, let it sit for 5–10 minutes. This allows the oats to absorb moisture and softens them for a more tender cupcake.
3. Sweeten naturally
Use ripe bananas, applesauce, honey, or maple syrup for a natural touch of sweetness. These also help with moisture and flavour.
4. Add flavour boosters
Cinnamon, vanilla extract, or a pinch of nutmeg pair beautifully with oats. Fold in extras like raisins, blueberries, chopped nuts, or dark chocolate chips if desired.
5. Use silicone or paper cases
Silicone cupcake liners work wonderfully in the air fryer and release easily. If using paper liners, lightly spray them with oil to prevent sticking.
6. Don’t overfill
Fill each liner no more than ¾ full as these cupcakes rise a bit during cooking, and you want to avoid overflow.
7. Preheat your air fryer
Preheat to 160°C (320°F) for even baking. It helps the cupcakes cook consistently from the start.
8. Check doneness with a skewer
Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on size. Insert a skewer and if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re ready.
9. Let them cool before removing
Allow cupcakes to cool slightly in the liners before lifting them out to prevent breakage.
10. Store or freeze for later
These oat cupcakes stay moist for a few days and freeze well, so are great for prepping ahead!
Similar recipes
So if you love these easy air fryer oat cupcakes, you might also like my simple air fryer banana cupcakes or the air fryer Victoria sponge.
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