If you’re craving a sweet, fluffy treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, look no further than these Air Fryer Blueberry Muffin Bites. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, these little muffin bites are packed with juicy blueberries and offer the comforting taste of homemade muffins without all the extra time in the oven. The air fryer makes the process quicker and gives these bites a lovely golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and moist.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen blueberries, you can easily whip up these muffin bites in no time, making it ideal for a busy morning or a lazy weekend. The best part? You can enjoy the warm, homemade goodness without having to preheat your oven. These Air Fryer Blueberry Muffin Bites will quickly become your go-to treat for when you’re in the mood for something sweet and satisfying!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Blueberries: These are the star of the recipe, and fresh or frozen blueberries work equally well. They bring a burst of sweetness and flavor to the muffin bites, making each bite a delightful experience.
Flour: All-purpose flour is your base for the muffin batter, providing structure and texture to the bites. It helps hold everything together and ensures the muffin bites have that classic, soft crumb we all love.
Baking Powder: This is the leavening agent that makes the muffin bites rise, creating a fluffy texture. Just a teaspoon of baking powder will do the trick to give your bites that perfect lift.
Sugar: A touch of sugar is essential to balance the tartness of the blueberries and add sweetness to the muffin bites. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking depending on your preference.
Eggs: Eggs are key to binding the ingredients together and providing moisture to the muffin bites. They also help with structure and contribute to the soft texture inside.
Milk: Use regular milk or a non-dairy alternative for the moisture in the batter. It helps to create a smooth, pourable batter and ensures the muffin bites stay soft and tender.
Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the muffin bites that enhances the overall taste. It pairs perfectly with the blueberries and adds a touch of sweetness.
Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors in the recipe. It helps to bring out the natural flavors of the blueberries and the other ingredients.
Butter: Melted butter is used for richness and flavor, giving the muffin bites a lovely buttery taste and making them extra soft and moist.
Ingredients List
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup melted butter
How to Make Air Fryer Blueberry Muffin Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you’re using frozen blueberries, it’s best to let them thaw a bit and drain excess moisture. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready to go when your batter is mixed.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps in the batter are okay!
Step 3: Fold in the Blueberries
Once your batter is ready, carefully fold in the blueberries. If using frozen blueberries, try to handle them gently to prevent the batter from turning purple. The berries should be evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Scoop and Arrange in the Air Fryer
Scoop spoonfuls of the batter into the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. You can use a mini muffin tin for easier removal or simply spoon them directly into the basket for bite-sized muffin pieces.
Step 5: Air Fry the Muffin Bites
Place the basket in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin bite; it should come out clean when they’re fully baked. If they need more time, continue to cook in 1-minute intervals.
Step 6: Let Cool and Serve
Allow the muffin bites to cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, but they can be stored in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Add-ins: Feel free to customize your muffin bites by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, lemon zest, or a handful of chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Frozen Blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them completely before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent the color from bleeding into the batter.
- Air Fryer Variations: If your air fryer cooks unevenly, you may need to rotate the basket halfway through the cooking time for even results.
- Mini Muffin Tin: If you prefer perfectly round muffin bites, use a mini muffin tin in the air fryer. Just ensure it fits comfortably in your air fryer basket.
- Keep the Batter Light: For fluffier bites, don’t overmix the batter. Gently folding the wet and dry ingredients together will result in lighter muffin bites.
FAQs
Can I use other berries instead of blueberries?
Yes! You can substitute blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a different twist on the recipe.
How long do these muffin bites last?
They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake these muffin bites in a regular oven at 350°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden and fully cooked through.
Can I use almond milk or another dairy-free milk?
Yes, feel free to use your preferred dairy-free milk, such as almond or oat milk, as a substitute for regular milk.
How can I make these muffin bites healthier?
You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup to reduce the sugar content.