Banana muffins have always been a go-to comfort food in my kitchen, but when I discovered how easy it is to make them in the air fryer, I was hooked! If you’re looking for a way to bake muffins without the fuss of heating up the oven, these air fryer banana muffins will change your baking game forever. The air fryer makes them incredibly moist on the inside, with a perfectly golden, slightly crisped top. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making these muffins all the time!
Baking in the air fryer not only saves time but also gives your muffins that amazing fluffy texture we all crave. The recipe is super simple, and the results are nothing short of delightful. Whether you’re using overripe bananas or just want a quick snack, these muffins will satisfy your cravings. So, let’s dive in and get started on these delicious banana muffins!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential for this recipe. The more ripe they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be. Overripe bananas work best as they add natural sweetness without needing extra sugar.
Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure for the muffins, giving them the right balance of fluffiness and texture. If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent is key to making the muffins rise and become light and fluffy. Don’t skip this ingredient – it helps achieve that perfect texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. You can adjust the amount based on how sweet your bananas are, but I recommend sticking with the given amount for optimal flavor.
Egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the batter. It’s essential for achieving the soft texture of these muffins.
Milk: Adding a bit of milk helps with the consistency of the batter and gives the muffins a rich, moist texture. You can use any type of milk you prefer, including almond or oat milk.
Butter: Melted butter provides a rich, indulgent flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the bananas. It also adds a slight crispness to the muffin tops when air fried.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the muffins, giving them that extra depth of taste.
Ingredients list
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk (any kind)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Air Fryer Banana Muffins
Step 1: Prepare the Bananas
Begin by mashing the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to break them down into a smooth, lump-free mixture. The bananas should be well-mashed to ensure they mix evenly into the muffin batter.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until fully combined. The wet ingredients will create a smooth base for the dry ingredients to come together.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sugar. Once the dry ingredients are well-mixed, slowly add them to the banana mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix – you want to keep the batter light and fluffy.
Step 4: Air Fry the Muffins
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Grease your muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Pour the muffin batter into the cups, filling each about halfway. Place the muffin tin in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Let Them Cool
Once the muffins are done, carefully remove the muffin tin from the air fryer. Let the muffins cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm for a comforting snack or breakfast treat!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the better. Overripe bananas are perfect because they’re sweeter and easier to mash.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on how sweet your bananas are, you can reduce the amount of sugar. If your bananas are extremely ripe, you may want to cut back slightly.
- Use Muffin Liners: Using muffin liners makes cleanup much easier and ensures the muffins come out of the tin without sticking.
- Add-ins: For extra flavor, consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or cinnamon to the batter. These will complement the banana flavor beautifully.
- Check for Doneness: Air fryers vary in temperature, so always check the muffins with a toothpick a few minutes before the suggested cooking time to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the bananas completely before using them. You may need to drain off any excess liquid.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer? Yes, preheating your air fryer ensures that the muffins cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden top.
Can I make these muffins without eggs? Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg or another egg replacement to make the muffins vegan-friendly.
Can I store the muffins? Absolutely! Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe. Just be sure to cook the muffins in batches, as your air fryer might not fit two muffin tins at once.