As someone who loves experimenting with different cooking methods, I was thrilled when I discovered how easy it is to make English muffins in an air fryer. If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy the golden-brown, perfectly toasted texture of English muffins without turning on the oven, this recipe is for you. The air fryer gives these muffins a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy – it’s like magic! Whether you’re making breakfast for yourself or whipping up a batch to share, these muffins are sure to impress.
I love how versatile this recipe is too. You can enjoy these muffins with your favorite toppings, from butter and jam to poached eggs or even homemade egg sandwiches. The best part? They take less time than baking, and you get that wonderful, freshly made flavor that you crave in a homemade breakfast. Let’s dive into the details and get these golden muffins ready!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
English Muffins: The base of this recipe, English muffins, are light, airy, and slightly crunchy on the outside. They’re perfect for splitting and toasting, which makes them ideal for an air fryer. You can use store-bought muffins or homemade, whichever you prefer.
Butter: A little bit of butter adds richness and flavor to the English muffins. It also helps them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Cooking Spray: This helps to ensure the muffins don’t stick to the basket or tray of the air fryer. A light coat will do the trick to keep the surface from sticking and create a nice, crisp texture.
Optional Toppings: You can customize your muffins with various toppings like jam, honey, peanut butter, or avocado. If you’re making savory muffins, scrambled eggs, cheese, or smoked salmon work wonderfully.
Ingredients List
- 4 English muffins (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
- Optional toppings (jam, butter, cheese, etc.)
How to Make Air Fryer English Muffins
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Before you start, it’s important to preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your English muffins cook evenly and develop a crispy crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffins
Split the English muffins in half and lightly butter the cut sides. You can either melt the butter and brush it on, or spread it directly onto the muffins with a knife. Make sure the butter covers the entire surface for a golden-brown finish.
Step 3: Place Muffins in the Air Fryer
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, place the muffin halves in the basket with the cut sides facing up. Make sure they’re not overcrowded so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Air Fry the Muffins
Air fry the English muffins for about 3 to 4 minutes at 350°F (175°C). After the time is up, check for a crispy, golden-brown texture on the top. If they need more time, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the muffins are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy the perfectly toasted, buttery goodness of homemade English muffins!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give the muffins enough space in the air fryer for air to circulate around them, ensuring an even cook.
- Use a light coat of butter: Too much butter can cause the muffins to become soggy. A thin, even layer is all you need for that crispy texture.
- Experiment with toppings: While these muffins are great for classic breakfast toppings, feel free to get creative with savory toppings like avocado, bacon, or eggs.
- Try different flavors: If you want to elevate your muffins even more, consider adding herbs or garlic powder to the butter before spreading it on the muffins.
FAQs
Can I use homemade English muffins for this recipe? Absolutely! Homemade English muffins work great in the air fryer. Just make sure they are split in half before cooking.
How long do I need to air fry the muffins for? It typically takes 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C), but depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the time slightly. Always check for a golden-brown texture.
Can I freeze English muffins after making them in the air fryer? Yes! Once the muffins are cooked, let them cool and then store them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag in the freezer. Reheat them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
What’s the best way to store leftover English muffins? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe with gluten-free muffins? Yes! You can make this recipe with gluten-free English muffins. The air fryer will still give them a crispy texture, but be mindful of the cooking time as gluten-free products may cook faster.