Perfect Air Fryer Muffins: Quick Fluffy Muffin Recipe

Did you know you can bake muffins in an air fryer? These Air Fryer Muffins are soft, tender and studded with plenty of chocolate chips, finished with an irresistible crunchy sugar topping. The recipe is adapted from a simple overnight oatmeal muffin base using rolled oats, whole wheat flour and no dairy. Soaking the oats for at least 30 minutes helps keep the muffins moist and tender.

Why you’ll love these air fryer chocolate chip muffins

• Made without butter or cow’s milk when using plant-based chocolate chips, so they can be dairy-free.
• Soaking the oats in non-dairy milk keeps the crumb soft and tender.
• A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top creates a sweet, crispy muffin crown.
• Easy to customize—swap chocolate chips for nuts, seeds or fresh or frozen berries.

Details on the ingredients

• Oats: Rolled oats add texture and heartiness. Large flake rolled oats are used, but quick oats will work in a pinch.
• Almond milk: Unsweetened non-dairy milk soaks the oats and provides moisture. Any non-dairy or dairy milk can be used.
• Egg: One large egg supplies structure, moisture and lift.
• Oil: A little oil keeps the crumb tender; extra virgin olive oil or neutral oils like canola work well.
• Flour: Whole wheat flour adds nuttiness and structure. You can substitute all-purpose flour measure-for-measure if preferred.
• Coconut sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight caramel note. Granulated or brown sugar are acceptable swaps.
• Coarse sugar: Optional turbinado or coarse sugar sprinkled on top creates a crunchy finish.
• Baking powder, vanilla, salt: Standard ingredients for leavening and flavor balance.
• Chocolate chips: Plant-based chips keep the muffins dairy-free; any chocolate variety or mix-ins can be used.

How to bake muffins in the air fryer

Place the oats and almond milk in a bowl and soak for 30–60 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the oats are softened.

In a large bowl, whisk the soaked oats with oil, egg and vanilla until combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.

Fold in the chocolate chips.

Divide the batter into nine silicone muffin cups, filling each cup to the top to encourage domed tops.

Sprinkle turbinado sugar on each muffin and press a few extra chocolate chips on top if desired.

Arrange the cups in the air fryer basket and bake at 300°F for 14–16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove the basket and allow the muffins to rest in it for about 10 minutes, until cool enough to handle. Transfer the muffins from the silicone cups to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe variations

• Swap chocolate chips for fresh or frozen berries, chopped nuts, or dried fruit.
• Use steel-cut oats soaked overnight if you prefer a chewier texture.
• Change the sweetener to granulated, cane or brown sugar—each will slightly alter the flavor.
• Try different milks: oat, cashew or whole dairy milk all work well depending on your needs.

Storage

Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. Note that the crunchy sugar topping will soften over time. For longer storage, freeze muffins for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.

Frequently asked questions

Key recipe tips

• This was tested in a 5.8-quart air fryer which fits nine silicone cups. Smaller air fryers will require batch baking.
• Silicone cups are recommended for easy release and cleanup.
• If your cups are larger than the ones used here, increase the bake time slightly and test with a toothpick.
• To achieve domed tops, fill the cups to the rim and avoid overmixing the batter.
• Air fryer models vary—check doneness with a toothpick and adjust temperature/time as needed.
• Let muffins rest in the basket for 10 minutes before removing so they firm up and are easier to handle.

More muffin recipes

• Spelt Flour Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
• Banana Nut Muffins with Steel Cut Oats
• Banana Blackberry Oatmeal Muffins
• Almond Flour Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Muffins

If you make this recipe, leave a comment to share how it went—I’d love to hear your feedback.

📖 Recipe