Today I’ll show you how to make homemade granola. Granola is basically a crunchy version of muesli that is typically toasted in the oven with added sugars and fats. I didn’t add fats or even sugar — only a little maple syrup. This makes it very light and also vegan. I also cooked it in the air fryer. If you don’t have one you can use the oven, but it definitely takes less time in the air fryer.
I was surprised that even being fat-free it turned out nicely crispy. At home I make it often now — I make 10 servings at a time so it’s always fresh, and it only takes a few minutes to make more. Just store it in well-sealed jars in the pantry and it will be ready to use. Also, making it at home is very economical; the commercial versions are not only less wholesome but also very expensive.
I’ve indicated the amounts of nuts and seeds I used, but of course you can use other nuts and seeds — just remember to check that the Weight Watchers points remain the same if you’re following that system. If you are gluten intolerant make sure the oat flakes you use are certified gluten-free or use buckwheat flakes, which are equally delicious. Let’s see how I prepared this light granola.
Some similar recipes:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Budget-friendly
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 10
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 300 g rolled oats (or buckwheat flakes)
- 30 g almonds (about 1 oz (≈1/4 cup))
- 20 g pumpkin seeds (about 2 tbsp (≈0.7 oz))
- 20 g sunflower seeds (about 2 tbsp (≈0.7 oz))
- 15 g maple syrup (or agave, 1 measuring tablespoon)
- 10 g raisins (about 1 tbsp)
- Total points = 50 WW points
- Points per 40g serving = 5 WW points
- Points per 30g serving = 4 WW points
- Points per gram = 0.13 WW points
Tools
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Air fryer tray
- Baking tray
- Air fryer
- Jars
Preparation
The most important thing to remember is to keep the raisins aside because they are added after baking.
First, prepare all the ingredients and weigh them carefully. This way you won’t risk making mistakes with the WW points.
Chop the almonds and the raisins separately.
In the tray mix the oat flakes, the broken almonds and the seeds. Then add the maple syrup and mix very well. Keep the raisins aside!
Finally, lightly compact the mixture without pressing too much.
Cook at 320°F (actual time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so adjust a little as needed).
Bake for a total of 16 minutes in 3 stages:
– 6 minutes then stir and compact
– 6 minutes then stir and compact
– another 4 minutes
The same applies if you use the oven, but you’ll need to preheat the oven and bake at 356°F for a few minutes longer. It depends a lot on the type of oven you have.
Remove the granola from the fryer/oven and, while still hot, add the broken raisins.
Stir very well to distribute them evenly.
Pour everything onto a cold baking sheet or a large tray and spread the granola evenly so it can cool quickly. After 30 minutes it will be ready.
Put the homemade granola into clean jars, screw the lids on tightly and store them in the pantry. The granola will stay good for months but the fresher it is the crunchier it will be!
You can use granola as you prefer: in milk, with yogurt, or just as a snack. I take it in a small bag when I go for long walks. It’s very nourishing and an ideal snack for athletes.
Here is the granola made with this recipe: Granola with Yogurt and Chocolate Sauce, truly a delight!
Try making it and then tell me if you liked it here in the comments or on Facebook. See you soon for the next recipe.
Enjoy!
by Giovanna Buono
Storage
I store the granola in well-sealed jars in the kitchen pantry, away from light. It never lasts more than 3 months at my house because we eat it, but I think the real shelf life depends on the almonds, which are the ingredient most likely to deteriorate first.
If you notice it has lost crunchiness you can revive it in the air fryer at 392°F for just 2 minutes (no more because of the raisins).
Can I use other ingredients?
Of course you can. The base muesli uses oat flakes but, to avoid gluten, you can use buckwheat flakes. For dried fruit and nuts you can use walnuts, cashews, pecans, dried cranberries. Keep in mind you’ll need to recalculate the WW points as they may change.
