Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed banana)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds) for extra texture
Instructions:
- Prep the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce (or mashed banana), maple syrup (or honey), egg, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the blueberries (and nuts if using), ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Most air fryers don’t require preheating, but it can help achieve even cooking.
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Grease or line 4-6 silicone muffin cups (or a silicone muffin tray) with cooking spray. Spoon the batter evenly into the cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Cook the Muffins: Place the muffin cups in the air fryer basket. Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to check at the 10-minute mark to ensure they don’t overcook.
- Cool and Serve: Once the muffins are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a healthy snack, breakfast, or treat.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Muffin)
This recipe makes about 6 muffins, and the nutritional breakdown below is based on using unsweetened applesauce and maple syrup as sweeteners.
Nutrition per Muffin:
- Calories: 130–150 kcal
- Protein: 3–4 g
- Carbohydrates: 25–28 g
- Fiber: 3–4 g
- Sugars: 10–12 g (from fruit and maple syrup)
- Fat: 2–3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 25–30 mg
- Sodium: 80–100 mg
- Potassium: 150–200 mg
- Vitamin A: 2–4% DV
- Vitamin C: 3–5% DV
- Calcium: 4–6% DV
- Iron: 5–6% DV
Key Nutritional Benefits:
- High in Fiber: The oats and whole wheat flour provide fiber, which supports digestive health and helps keep you feeling full longer. This can be especially helpful for weight management or stabilizing blood sugar levels.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which are known to support heart health and may help reduce inflammation.
- Natural Sweeteners: By using maple syrup and applesauce (or banana), these muffins offer natural sweetness without the added refined sugars found in many store-bought treats. The applesauce also adds moisture, keeping the muffins soft and tender.
- Balanced Nutrition: With a good balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats (if you add nuts), these muffins make a filling and satisfying snack or breakfast. They provide sustained energy without the blood sugar spikes and crashes often associated with sugary baked goods.
Air Fryer Benefits:
Using the air fryer for these oatmeal-blueberry muffins is a game changer for busy mornings or quick snack prep. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time, usually making these muffins in under 20 minutes, while giving them a perfectly golden-brown exterior. Because the air fryer uses less oil than traditional baking methods, these muffins are lower in fat compared to deep-fried or butter-heavy versions. The air fryer also helps maintain the moisture of the muffins, making them soft and tender inside. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this method will quickly become a favorite for easy, homemade baked goods.
Air fryer oatmeal-blueberry muffins are a great option for anyone looking for a healthier, quick breakfast or snack. They’re packed with whole grains, fruit, and natural sweeteners, offering a delicious, nutrient-dense treat with minimal effort. Perfect for meal prep, you can store them in an airtight container and enjoy them throughout the week, making them a perfect grab-and-go option.
