Air Fryer Banana Muffins
Air fryer banana muffins are the quickest way to use up bananas that have turned spotty in the fruit bowl. Two ripe bananas, a little butter and self-raising flour make a soft, moist batter, and 15 minutes at 160°C bakes six muffins with golden tops. The cooling time takes longer than the baking, but you will have them ready to eat in about 45 minutes in total.
- Total
- 43 min
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 18 min
- Serves
- 6
- Per serving
- 200kcal
Step-by-step air fryer banana muffins
The riper the bananas, the better the muffins. Fruit with plenty of brown spots is sweeter and mashes smoothly, so the muffins need less sugar. Frozen bananas also work: defrost them and use the liquid that comes out too.
Silicone cases are the easiest option in an air fryer because they do not blow about in the fan. A 5 litre basket usually takes six; in a smaller one, bake four and then two.
Step-by-step air fryer banana muffins
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 160°C for .
- Mash the bananas Mash the bananas in a large bowl with a fork until mostly smooth. Whisk in the egg, melted butter and vanilla until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients Stir in the sugar, then sift over the flour, cinnamon and salt. Fold gently with a spoon until no dry flour is visible. Stop there, because overmixing makes the muffins heavy.
- Fill the cases Stand the silicone cases on a tray and spoon in the batter until each is about three-quarters full, which leaves room to rise.
- Air fry Place the cases in the basket with a little gap between them. Cook at 160°C for , until risen and golden and a skewer pushed into the middle comes out clean. If your basket holds only four, cook the muffins in two batches.
- Cool Leave the muffins in their cases for , then move them to a wire rack and cool for at least more.
Mix-ins and serving
Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped walnuts to the batter, or press a few slices of banana onto the tops before baking. Serve the muffins warm with butter, or pack them for a snack. If you would like a loaf-style bake, see air fryer banana cake, or for a chocolate version try air fryer chocolate muffins.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Banana Muffins
- The muffins are heavy and dense.
- The batter was overmixed. Fold the flour in with a spoon, only until it disappears, and do not use an electric whisk once the flour is added.
- The tops are dark but the middles are doughy.
- The temperature is too high for your model. Lower it to 150°C and add 3–4 minutes. If the tops brown early, cover loosely with a piece of foil.
- The muffins stick to the paper cases.
- Banana batter is moist and sticks to paper. Use silicone cases, or put paper cases inside a silicone mould, and let the muffins cool for a few minutes before peeling.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Banana Muffins
How long do banana muffins take in the air fryer?
15 minutes at 160°C after a 3-minute preheat. They are done when a skewer comes out clean.
Can I use paper cases?
Yes, but put them inside a silicone mould or small ramekins, because light paper cases can lift in the fan. Weigh them down with the batter.
Do I need self-raising flour?
Yes, or use plain flour with 1½ tsp baking powder for 100g. Without a raising agent the muffins would be dense.
How long do they keep?
They keep for 2 days in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze for up to 3 months and defrost on the worktop for about an hour.
How did you like the recipe?
4.7 / 5 · 65 ratings
