1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Mash Bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 1 cup of mashed bananas.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 330°F (165°C). This ensures that your muffins bake evenly and achieve a perfect texture.
2. Mix the Batter
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Fold in Extras: If you’re adding chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them into the batter.
3. Prepare for Air Frying
- Line Muffin Molds: Place muffin liners in your air fryer basket or use silicone muffin molds. If you’re not using liners or molds, lightly grease the basket to prevent sticking.
- Fill Muffin Molds: Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
4. Air Fry the Muffins
- Arrange Muffins: Arrange the muffin cups in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching to allow for proper air circulation.
- Cook: Air fry the muffins at 330°F (165°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your muffins and your air fryer model.
- Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the molds for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Serve
- Enjoy: Serve the muffins warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, or simply as a tasty treat on their own.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Banana Muffins
- Banana Ripeness: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Overripe bananas work particularly well.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid dense muffins. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
- Check for Doneness: The baking time can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early. Muffins are done when they spring back to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Banana Muffins are a quick and delightful way to enjoy a homemade treat with minimal fuss. They’re soft, flavorful, and the perfect way to use up ripe bananas. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or as a snack, these muffins are sure to be a hit.
Enjoy baking with your air fryer and savor the warm, comforting goodness of these Air Fryer Banana Muffins!