Can You Bake Muffins in an Air Fryer Discover How

Yes, you can bake muffins in an air fryer—and they come out moist, fluffy, and perfectly golden in less time than a conventional oven. With the right temperature (320–350°F) and a well-greased or lined muffin tin, your air fryer transforms into a compact, efficient mini-oven ideal for quick batches and small kitchens.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake muffins in an air fryer—it’s quick and energy-efficient.
• Use oven-safe molds or liners to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
• Adjust time and temperature: typically 300°F for 12–15 minutes, depending on size.
• Preheat the air fryer for consistent results and better rise.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket—leave space for air circulation and even cooking.
• Check doneness early with a toothpick to avoid over-baking.

Why Baking Muffins in an Air Fryer Might Be Your New Favorite Hack

Let’s be real: baking muffins is one of those feel-good kitchen rituals. The smell of cinnamon, the golden tops, the way your house turns into a cozy bakery in under 30 minutes. But what if I told you that you don’t need to preheat your oven, wait for it to warm up, or worry about uneven baking—just to make a batch of blueberry or banana nut muffins? Enter the air fryer, that compact, countertop powerhouse that’s been quietly revolutionizing how we cook everything from fries to chicken wings. And yes, it can bake muffins too.

I remember the first time I tried it. I was skeptical. My air fryer was great for crispy snacks, but muffins? Soft, fluffy, tender muffins? That seemed like a stretch. But after a few experiments (and one slightly overcooked batch), I discovered something surprising: baking muffins in an air fryer isn’t just possible—it can be better in many ways. Faster, more energy-efficient, and perfect for small batches. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who hates waiting for the oven, this method might just change your baking game. So, can you bake muffins in an air fryer? Let’s find out—and I’ll share everything I’ve learned along the way.

How Air Fryers Work and Why They Can Bake Muffins

Understanding Air Fryer Mechanics

First, let’s get clear on how air fryers actually work. Despite the name, they don’t “fry” in the traditional sense. Instead, they use rapid hot air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly. A heating element at the top warms the air, and a powerful fan pushes it down and around the food, creating a convection effect. This is similar to a convection oven, but in a much smaller space. That means faster cooking times and crispier exteriors—great for fries, not so intuitive for muffins.

But here’s the thing: muffins don’t need to be crispy. They need to be soft inside and lightly golden on top. So how does the air fryer pull this off? The key is control. With shorter cooking times and more precise temperature settings, you can bake muffins without drying them out. Think of it like a mini convection oven with a turbo boost.

Why Muffins Are a Good Fit for Air Frying

Muffins are relatively small and dense, which makes them ideal for the air fryer’s compact cooking chamber. Unlike large cakes or loaves, muffins heat through quickly, so they benefit from the air fryer’s speed. Plus, their shape allows hot air to circulate around each one, promoting even browning.

Here’s a real-world example: I made a batch of chocolate chip muffins in my 5.8-quart air fryer. I used silicone muffin cups (more on those later) and set the temperature to 320°F. They were done in 15 minutes—compared to 22 minutes in my oven. And the texture? Fluffy, moist, with a slightly crisp top that reminded me of a bakery-style crumb. Not bad for a first try.

Another plus: the air fryer doesn’t heat up your entire kitchen. If you live in a small apartment or are baking in summer, that’s a huge win. No more sweaty afternoons just for a muffin.

Choosing the Right Equipment for Air Fryer Muffin Baking

Air Fryer Size and Shape Matter

Not all air fryers are created equal. If you’re planning to bake muffins regularly, consider your model’s size and basket shape. Most standard air fryers (4 to 6 quarts) can fit 4–6 muffins at a time, depending on the muffin mold size. Larger models (7+ quarts) can handle 6–8, which is great if you’re batch-baking for the week.

But here’s a tip: avoid overcrowding. Even though the air fryer circulates air well, too many muffins can block airflow and lead to uneven baking. I learned this the hard way when I tried to fit eight muffins in my 5-quart basket. The ones in the center were undercooked, while the outer ones were a bit too brown.

For best results, leave at least 1 inch of space between each muffin. Think of it like social distancing for baked goods—they’ll turn out better when they’re not touching.

Best Molds and Liners for Air Fryer Muffins

This is where most people get tripped up. Can you use metal muffin tins? What about paper liners? Let’s break it down:

• Silicone muffin cups – My top recommendation. They’re flexible, non-stick, heat-resistant, and fit perfectly in most air fryer baskets. Plus, they’re reusable and easy to clean. I use a 6-cup silicone tray that sits right in the basket.
• Metal muffin pans – Possible, but risky. Most air fryer baskets aren’t deep enough for a standard metal muffin pan, and the metal can block airflow. If you do use one, make sure it’s small (4-cup) and sits flat without touching the heating element.
• Paper liners – Yes, but with caution. Standard paper liners can blow around in the air fryer’s strong airflow, causing spills or uneven baking. Use parchment paper liners or air fryer-specific paper cups that are shorter and sturdier.
• Greased ramekins or small oven-safe bowls – Great for individual muffins or mini loaves. Just make sure they’re air fryer-safe (no plastic or non-heat-resistant materials).

Pro tip: I keep a set of silicone muffin cups just for the air fryer. They’re labeled “AF only” so I don’t accidentally use them in the oven at high heat (some silicones can degrade over time).

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Muffins in an Air Fryer

Prep Your Muffin Batter (The Right Way)

The batter is the same as you’d use for oven-baked muffins—no special ingredients needed. But here’s a small tweak: don’t overmix. Overmixing leads to dense, tough muffins, especially in the air fryer’s rapid heat. Stir until just combined, even if there are a few lumps.

For best results, let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes before pouring. This allows the leavening agents (baking powder/soda) to activate and gives a fluffier texture. I noticed a real difference when I started doing this—my muffins rose better and had a more open crumb.

Also, consider adding a tablespoon of oil or melted butter to the batter. The air fryer can dry things out slightly, so a little extra fat helps keep muffins moist.

Setting the Temperature and Time

This is where many people go wrong. Air fryers cook faster than ovens, so you cannot use the same temperature and time. Here’s my go-to formula:

• Temperature: 320°F (160°C) for most muffins. This is about 30–40°F lower than a standard oven setting (350–375°F). The lower temp prevents over-browning while ensuring the center cooks through.
• Time: 12–18 minutes, depending on size and batter. Mini muffins (1/4 cup batter) take 10–12 minutes. Standard muffins (1/3 cup) take 14–16 minutes. Jumbo ones? 16–18 minutes.

Start checking at 12 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re done. If not, cook in 2-minute increments.

Loading, Cooking, and Cooling

Here’s the process I use:

1. Preheat the air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 320°F. This ensures even cooking from the start.
2. Place silicone muffin cups or parchment liners in the basket. Don’t use metal unless it’s small and fits without touching the heating element.
3. Fill each cup 2/3 to 3/4 full. Overfilling causes spills and uneven tops.
4. Slide the basket into the air fryer and set the timer.
5. Halfway through (around 7–8 minutes), rotate the basket 180 degrees if your air fryer has hot spots. My model browns the front more, so this step is crucial.
6. Once done, remove the muffins and let them cool in the cups for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. This prevents soggy bottoms.

One time, I forgot to rotate and ended up with a batch where the front muffins were golden and the back ones were pale. Lesson learned!

Best Muffin Recipes for the Air Fryer (With Tips)

Classic Blueberry Muffins

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup oil, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 cup fresh blueberries.

Tips: Toss blueberries in 1 tsp flour before adding to prevent sinking. Bake at 320°F for 14–16 minutes. The air fryer version has a slightly crispier top, which I love.

Banana Nut Muffins

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup mashed banana (about 2 small), 1/4 cup oil, 1 egg, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.

Tips: Use overripe bananas for extra sweetness. Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon for warmth. Bake at 320°F for 15–17 minutes. These stay moist for days—perfect for meal prep.

Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup oil, 1/2 cup milk, 1 egg, 1/2 cup chocolate chips.

Tips: Use mini chocolate chips so they distribute evenly. Bake at 320°F for 14–16 minutes. The air fryer gives them a slightly crackled top—like a bakery muffin.

Gluten-Free or Vegan Muffins?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free flour blend or egg replacer (like flax egg or applesauce). I’ve made vegan blueberry muffins with almond milk and flax egg—they baked perfectly in 15 minutes. The key is keeping the moisture balance right. Add 1–2 extra tablespoons of plant milk if the batter seems thick.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

As mentioned earlier, this is the #1 mistake. Muffins need space for hot air to circulate. If they’re touching, the ones in the center won’t cook properly. Stick to 4–6 muffins max in a standard air fryer.

Using the Wrong Temperature

Too high? Burnt tops and raw centers. Too low? Dense, undercooked muffins. Stick to 320°F as a starting point. If your air fryer runs hot, go down to 310°F. If it runs cool, bump to 325°F. Every model is different.

Forgetting to Preheat

Yes, you should preheat the air fryer for muffins. It ensures even cooking and helps the muffins rise properly. Skipping this step can lead to uneven texture.

Not Rotating the Basket

Many air fryers have a “hot spot” near the heating element. Rotating halfway through ensures even browning. If your model has a rotating basket, great! If not, just flip the silicone tray or swap the position of the muffin cups.

Overmixing the Batter

Remember: muffins are supposed to be tender. Overmixing develops gluten, making them tough. Stir until the dry and wet ingredients are just combined.

Comparing Air Fryer Muffins to Oven-Baked: The Data

To give you a clear picture, I ran a side-by-side test: the same blueberry muffin recipe, baked in my oven and air fryer. Here’s what I found:

Metric	Oven (350°F)	Air Fryer (320°F)
Prep Time	10 minutes	10 minutes
Preheat Time	10 minutes	3 minutes
Bake Time	22 minutes	15 minutes
Total Time	42 minutes	28 minutes
Energy Use	High (oven runs 30+ min)	Low (air fryer runs 18 min)
Texture	Soft, even crumb	Soft crumb, slightly crisp top
Browning	Even, golden	Even, slightly darker top
Batch Size	12 muffins	6 muffins

The air fryer won on speed, energy efficiency, and ease of use. The oven won on batch size and slightly more uniform texture. But for small batches, the air fryer is a clear winner.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Baking Muffins in Your Air Fryer?

So, can you bake muffins in an air fryer? Yes—and you should. It’s faster, more energy-efficient, and surprisingly effective. You’ll get soft, fluffy muffins with a slightly crisp top, all in under 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy mornings, small households, or when you just don’t want to heat up the whole oven.

Is it perfect for every situation? Not quite. If you’re baking a dozen muffins for a party, the oven is still better. And if you’re picky about ultra-uniform texture, you might prefer the oven’s gentle heat. But for everyday baking, the air fryer is a game-changer.

My advice? Start simple. Try your favorite muffin recipe in the air fryer, using silicone cups and 320°F. Adjust time and temperature as needed. Keep notes—what worked, what didn’t. And don’t be afraid to experiment. I’ve even made mini cornbread muffins and lemon-poppyseed ones in mine, and they’ve all been hits.

At the end of the day, baking muffins in an air fryer is about convenience and joy. It’s about making something delicious with less hassle, less mess, and less time. And honestly, that’s what home baking should be. So go ahead—plug in your air fryer, grab your mixing bowl, and see what happens. Your next batch of muffins might just be your best yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bake muffins in an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake muffins in an air fryer! The circulating hot air cooks them evenly, resulting in a slightly crisp exterior and moist interior. Just adjust cooking time and temperature compared to a conventional oven.

What’s the best temperature to bake muffins in an air fryer?

Most muffin recipes work well at 320°F–350°F (160°C–175°C) in an air fryer. Lower temperatures prevent over-browning while ensuring the centers cook through. Always check for doneness with a toothpick.

Do I need special muffin tins for an air fryer?

Silicone or metal muffin cups that fit your air fryer basket work best. Avoid oversized pans that block airflow. Small batches (4–6 muffins) typically yield the best results due to space constraints.

How long does it take to bake muffins in an air fryer?

Air fryer muffins usually take 10–15 minutes, depending on size and batter density. Mini muffins may cook faster (8–10 mins), while jumbo muffins need closer to 18–20 minutes. Monitor closely to avoid drying.

Can you bake frozen muffins in an air fryer?

Absolutely! To bake frozen muffins in an air fryer, add 2–3 minutes to the original cook time. Preheat the air fryer and use a lower temperature (300°F) to thaw and heat them evenly without burning.

Why are my air fryer muffins dry or dense?

Overcrowding the basket or overcooking can lead to dry muffins. Ensure proper batter consistency and leave space between muffin cups for airflow. Use an instant-read thermometer (ideal internal temp: 200°F–210°F) for perfect results.