The soft and light apple muffins in the air fryer are a simple and wholesome treat, perfect to prepare in a few minutes using the air fryer. This recipe is ideal for those who love homemade desserts but want to avoid using butter, yet still achieve soft, fragrant, and light muffins. The apples naturally make the batter moist and sweet, while the oil provides fluffiness and a texture that stays soft longer than traditional versions.
Making muffins in the air fryer is a true ally in the kitchen: no oven on for too long, quick cooking, and always perfect results. With a few ingredients that we all have in the pantry, you can bring to the table delightful treats that win over both kids and adults, ideal for breakfast with a coffee or a cup of tea, or as a healthy and wholesome snack.
Another advantage is versatility: you can enrich the apple muffins with cinnamon, raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts, creating a different variant each time.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 7 muffins
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons, Fall, Winter
Ingredients for the Soft and Light Apple Muffins in Air Fryer:
- 1 apple (approximately 150 grams)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup erythritol
- 1 teaspoon vanilla baking powder
- 1 pinch fine salt
- 1 medium egg (at room temperature)
- 3 1/2 tbsps vegetable oil (sunflower, corn, or rice)
- 3 1/2 tbsps milk (dairy or plant-based)
- to taste vanilla extract
- to taste ground cinnamon (optional)
- to taste lemon juice
- to taste powdered sugar
Tools for Soft and Light Apple Muffins in Air Fryer:
- 1 Air Fryer Cecotec
- 2 Bowls
- 7 Molds silicone or disposable muffin molds
Steps for Preparing and Cooking Soft and Light Apple Muffins in Air Fryer:
Peel the apple, core it, and cut it into small pieces, sprinkle with lemon juice and stir well to prevent the apple from browning.
In a bowl, combine the egg with the erythritol and a pinch of salt and whisk well with an electric mixer, then add the oil and milk and vanilla extract (alternatively, you can use orange or lemon zest or just cinnamon) and mix them into the mixture.
Add the sifted flour with the vanilla baking powder and ground cinnamon slowly to the mixture (continuing to use the electric mixer).
Gently fold the apple pieces into the prepared mixture with a spatula.
Pour the mixture into silicone molds up to 2/3 full, if using disposable ones, oil and flour them first (they are larger than silicone ones, and you will get 6 muffins).
Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes.
When the air fryer is hot, place the molds on the rack and bake at 320°F (160°C) for about 16 minutes, always do the toothpick test.
For oven cooking 340°F (170°C) for about 20 minutes, do the toothpick test.
Let the muffins cool and before serving, dust them with powdered sugar if desired.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I replace the oil with butter?
Yes, if you prefer you can replace the oil with melted butter (the same amount in grams). However, with oil, the muffins stay lighter and softer for longer.
How long do apple muffins last?
They keep for 2-3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also freeze them already cooked and warm them briefly in an air fryer or microwave.
Can I enrich the muffins with other ingredients?
Yes! Raisins, walnuts, hazelnuts, or chocolate chips are excellent for making them even more delicious.
Can I use granulated sugar instead of erythritol?
Of course, you can use the same amount of sugar.
