Banana Oatmeal Muffin Cups

Equipment

• Air Fryer: Any standard model (basket or oven-style).
• Mixing Bowls: One large, one medium.
• Fork or Potato Masher: For the bananas.
• Silicone Muffin Cups or Ramekins: Crucial. Do not use paper liners alone in an air fryer; they will blow around. You need silicone liners or ceramic ramekins that fit inside your air fryer basket.
• Cooking Spray: Avocado or coconut oil spray.

Ingredients

The Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Do not use instant oats or steel-cut oats. Rolled oats provide the best texture and structure.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder: This helps the cups rise slightly and become fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the banana.
• ¼ teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Optional Add-ins: 2 tablespoons chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp hearts for extra protein and omega-3s.

The Wet Ingredients

• 2 Large Ripe Bananas: The spottier the bananas, the sweeter the muffins. Mash them thoroughly.
• 1 Large Egg: Acts as the binder. (See Vegan option below).
• ¼ cup Milk: You can use dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
• ¼ cup Maple Syrup or Honey: Pure maple syrup is preferred for flavor, but honey works well. If you want a sugar-free version, use a monk fruit sweetener blend.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: For flavor depth.
• 2 tablespoons Melted Coconut Oil or Butter: This ensures the muffins don’t stick and adds moisture.

Optional Mix-ins

• ⅓ cup Dark Chocolate Chips
• ⅓ cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans
• ⅓ cup Raisins or Dried Cranberries

Instructions

Step 1: The Prep (Intensity: Low)

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. While it preheats, spray your silicone muffin cups or ramekins generously with cooking spray. If you are not using silicone, ensure they are well-greased to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas (Intensity: Medium)

1. In a large mixing bowl, peel your ripe bananas. Mash them with a fork until they reach a smooth, pudding-like consistency. Some small lumps are fine—they add texture.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients (Intensity: Low)

1. Add the egg, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil to the mashed bananas. Whisk vigorously until everything is fully combined and the mixture is bubbly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients (Intensity: Low)

1. In a separate medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to ensure the baking powder is distributed evenly.

Step 5: Bring it Together (Intensity: Medium)

1. Pour the dry oat mixture into the wet banana mixture. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix. If you are adding chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins, fold them in now.

Step 6: Fill the Cups (Intensity: Low)

1. Spoon the mixture into your prepared silicone cups or ramekins. Fill them about ¾ of the way full . The mixture will not rise dramatically like a flour muffin, but it will puff up slightly.

Step 7: Air Fry (Intensity: High – Heat)

1. Place the filled cups into the air fryer basket. Important: Leave a little space between the cups for air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in two batches.
2. Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
3. Time: 12 to 15 minutes.
4. Check at 12 minutes: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If it comes out wet, add 2–3 more minutes.

Step 8: Cool and Serve (Intensity: Low)

1. Carefully remove the hot cups from the air fryer. Let them cool in the silicone cups for 5 minutes. They will be very hot. Once cooled slightly, pop them out. Serve warm with a drizzle of nut butter or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Nutrition

Calories: 165 kcal · Protein: 4g Vitamin C: 4mg Calcium: 40mg Iron: 1mg Potassium: 250mg admin Content published under this byline is · Fat: 6g Saturated · Carbohydrates: 25g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 4g Cholesterol: 31mg · Fiber: 3g · Sugar: 9g (includes natural banana · Sodium: 95mg