Effortless Air Fryer Banana Muffins

Are you ready to transform your baking routine? Forget preheating the conventional oven and step into the world of air fryer baking! These Air Fryer Banana Muffins are a game-changer, offering soft, moist, and incredibly flavorful results in a fraction of the time. Made with simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have, you can whip up a batch of these delightful muffins in under 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or a quick snack.

Most of us associate air fryers with crispy tater tots, perfectly cooked whole chicken, or even delicious fries. But did you know this versatile countertop appliance is also a secret weapon for bakers? When the mercury rises and the thought of turning on a hot oven sends shivers down your spine – a common occurrence for at least six months of the year here in sunny Australia – the air fryer becomes your best friend for indulging in delicious baked goods without breaking a sweat. It’s truly a revelation for summer baking!

Our Air Fryer Banana Muffins recipe is designed for ultimate convenience and speed. The entire process, from mixing to baking, takes less than 20 minutes. If you have a compact air fryer, you might need to bake in two small batches. But honestly, that’s hardly a drawback when you can enjoy a couple of warm, fluffy muffins while the second batch bakes to perfection!

And if you haven’t yet joined the air fryer revolution, don’t worry! This recipe is inspired by our classic mini banana muffins, which are baked in a conventional oven. You can easily adapt the recipe by heading over to that post for traditional oven baking instructions. Whichever method you choose, you’re in for a treat.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE AIR FRYER BANANA MUFFINS

These aren’t just any banana muffins; they’re the easiest, most convenient banana muffins you’ll ever make. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Effortlessly Quick: From prep to plate, these muffins are ready in under 20 minutes, making them ideal for impromptu baking sessions or a last-minute breakfast treat.
• Simple Ingredients: You won’t need any fancy items. This recipe uses common pantry staples that are easy to find.
• Perfect for Ripe Bananas: Say goodbye to food waste! This recipe is the ultimate solution for using up those overly ripe, spotty bananas sitting on your counter. The riper, the better for maximum flavor and sweetness!
• Bake in Any Season: Enjoy freshly baked goods without heating up your entire kitchen, especially during warmer months. The air fryer contains the heat, making it a comfortable baking method year-round.
• Moist & Flavorful: Despite the quick cooking time, these muffins turn out incredibly soft, moist, and bursting with natural banana flavor, complemented by a hint of warm cinnamon.
• Kid-Friendly: A simple recipe that even beginner bakers can master, and a delicious treat that kids will adore!

New to the world of air frying? Get ahead with our free printable Air Fryer Cooking Chart! It’s packed with essential cooking times, temperatures for popular foods, and expert tips and tricks to help you master your air fryer in no time.

WHAT IS AN AIR FRYER? YOUR COUNTERTOP CONVECTION OVEN

An air fryer is a highly popular kitchen appliance that leverages the power of convection cooking to rapidly circulate hot air around food. Think of it as a miniature, super-efficient convection oven that conveniently fits on your countertop. This intense, even heat distribution cooks food quickly and effectively, often creating a deliciously crispy exterior reminiscent of deep-frying, but with significantly less oil.

While often celebrated for its ability to “fry” foods like chicken wings and French fries, the air fryer’s convection technology makes it remarkably adept at a variety of cooking methods, including roasting, grilling, and yes, even baking! Its compact size and powerful heating element mean it preheats much faster than a conventional oven and uses less energy, making it an excellent choice for smaller households or when you simply don’t want to heat up your entire kitchen.

MUFFIN CASES IN THE AIR FRYER: PAPER OR SILICONE?

Absolutely, you can use paper muffin cases in your air fryer! They work perfectly fine and are great for easy cleanup. However, for an even better baking experience and sustainability, I personally lean towards silicone muffin cases. Silicone cases are fantastic because they hold their shape beautifully, preventing the muffins from spreading too much, and they are reusable, which is a win for the environment and your wallet.

If silicone cases aren’t on hand, and paper is your only option, a quick tip is to double up on the paper cases. This provides extra sturdiness, ensuring your muffins maintain their perfect shape during the air frying process. Regardless of your choice, ensuring your muffin cases fit comfortably in your air fryer basket without touching the heating element is key to even baking.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS FOR AMAZING MUFFINS

One of the best aspects of these Air Fryer Banana Muffins is that they call for basic, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. No special trips to the store required! This recipe truly shines a spotlight on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need (full measurements are provided in the comprehensive printable recipe card below):

• Ripe Bananas: This is non-negotiable! The darker and spottier your bananas are, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be. As bananas ripen, their starches convert to sugars, intensifying their natural sweetness and making them easier to mash.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold the muffins together and contributing to their structure and moisture.
• Olive Oil: Provides essential moisture and a tender crumb. Its subtle flavor complements the bananas beautifully. You can substitute with other neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil, or even melted coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the muffins moist thanks to its molasses content.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer that deepens the overall taste of the muffins.
• Cinnamon: A warming spice that pairs perfectly with banana, adding an extra layer of cozy flavor.
• Self-Raising Flour: This flour already contains leavening agents (baking powder and often a touch of salt), making the recipe even simpler.
• *Important Note for US Bakers: If you’re in America, please be aware that US self-raising flour often contains salt specifically for biscuits, which can make these muffins too salty. Instead, we recommend using all-purpose flour combined with baking powder. Refer to the recipe card notes for the precise ratio to ensure your muffins rise beautifully and taste balanced.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR PERFECT MUFFINS

Making these Air Fryer Banana Muffins is incredibly straightforward, even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps for a batch of perfectly baked, golden-brown treats:

1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, start by mashing your very ripe bananas until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and add texture. Then, add the egg, brown sugar, olive oil, and vanilla extract. Stir these wet ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and uniform.



2. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the self-raising flour (or your all-purpose flour + baking powder mixture, if in the US) and cinnamon directly over the wet mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are acceptable, as overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
3. Fill Muffin Cases: Divide the prepared muffin batter evenly among your chosen muffin cases (silicone or double-layered paper works best). Fill each case about two-thirds full to allow for proper rising. Carefully place the filled muffin cases into your air fryer basket, ensuring there’s enough space between them for air to circulate efficiently. Avoid overcrowding the basket.



4. Air Fry to Perfection: Slide the basket into your air fryer. Bake the muffins at 160°C / 320°F for approximately 15 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them. The muffins are done when they are golden brown on top, and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.



5. Cool & Enjoy: Once baked, carefully remove the muffins from the air fryer basket and transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool in their cases for a few minutes before removing them entirely. This helps them set and prevents them from sticking. Serve warm for the best experience, or let them cool completely for later.

Looking for even more incredible Air Fryer recipes? Make sure you join our vibrant Facebook Group – Air Fryer Fun. Share your creations, get tips, and discover new favorites!

EXPERT TIPS FOR BAKING THE BEST AIR FRYER BANANA MUFFINS

Achieving perfectly moist and flavorful banana muffins in your air fryer is simple with these pro tips:

• Embrace Dark Bananas: The riper your bananas, the better! Look for bananas with abundant brown spots or even entirely brown peels. These bananas are naturally sweeter and softer, contributing to an incredibly moist muffin with a rich banana flavor. Underripe bananas won’t yield the same sweetness or texture.
• Mind the Browning: Air fryers are known for their powerful convection, which can lead to more rapid browning on the tops of baked goods compared to a conventional oven. Don’t be alarmed if your muffins appear darker on top; this doesn’t impact their delicious taste or texture. If you notice them browning too quickly, you can loosely tent them with a small piece of aluminum foil during the last few minutes of cooking.
• American Flour Adjustment: For our friends in the USA, a crucial note on flour: commercial self-raising flour in America typically contains added salt, primarily for making biscuits. For this sweet muffin recipe, using it might result in an overly salty taste. Instead, we recommend substituting with ¾ cup of all-purpose flour combined with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder to achieve the perfect rise and flavor balance.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, chewy muffins instead of light and tender ones. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
• Creative Add-Ins: Elevate your muffins with delicious additions! Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white), chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, or even a handful of dried cranberries for a tart counterpoint.
• Choose Your Muffin Cases Wisely: Silicone muffin cases are highly recommended as they hold their shape beautifully and are reusable. If using paper cases, double them up to provide extra stability and prevent the muffins from spreading outwards during baking.
• Avoid Overcrowding: For even cooking and optimal air circulation, do not overcrowd your air fryer basket. Bake the muffins in batches if you have a smaller air fryer. This ensures each muffin gets consistent heat and browns evenly.
• Storing Your Muffins: Once completely cooled, store your banana muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they freeze wonderfully! Place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave or air fryer.
• Oven Baking Option: If you prefer to bake these muffins in a traditional oven, you absolutely can! Simply follow the instructions provided in our Mini Banana Muffins recipe post for precise oven temperatures and baking times.

MORE DELICIOUS WAYS TO USE UP RIPE BANANAS

Never let those ripe bananas go to waste again! If you have an abundance of them, here are more fantastic recipes to turn them into delightful treats:

• 12 Ripe Banana Recipes to Use Up Your Bunch
• Easy Banana Cake
• Buttermilk Banana Bread

EXPLORE MORE AIR FRYER AND DESSERT RECIPES

The air fryer’s versatility extends far beyond savory dishes. Discover new ways to satisfy your sweet tooth with these amazing dessert and snack recipes:

• Air Fryer Apple Turnovers
• Air Fryer Baked Apples
• Air Fryer Granola
• Air Fryer Scones
• Air Fryer Roasted Almonds
• Lemon Brownies
• OR see all Air Fryer Recipes

If you’ve given these amazing Air Fryer Banana Muffins a try, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please take a moment to leave a comment and a star rating below to share your feedback. Your reviews help other home cooks discover and enjoy these delicious recipes!

You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to keep up to date with more delicious recipes, cooking tips, and inspiration for your kitchen adventures.

Are you still on the hunt for the perfect kitchen gadget? Air fryers have become an indispensable tool for countless home cooks, offering speed, convenience, and healthier cooking options. But with so many models on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge.

Discover the Best Air Fryer of 2024 👇

📋 RECIPE

Air Fryer Banana Muffins

Yield:
10

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
20 minutes

Looking to try some baking in your air fryer?  Make these Air Fryer Banana Muffins.  There’s no need to turn on the oven to make these soft, moist and flavourful banana muffins.  Made with simple everyday ingredients and ready in under 20 minutes, you’ll love these air fryer muffins! 

Ingredients

• 2 very ripe Bananas
• ⅓ cup Olive Oil
• 1 Egg
• ½ cup Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• ¾ cup Self Raising Flour (see notes)

Instructions

1. Mash bananas in a large mixing bowl, then add egg, brown sugar, olive oil and vanilla extract.  Stir well to combine.
2. Sprinkle flour and cinnamon on top and fold together until just combined.
3. Divide the mixture evenly into muffin cases (silicone or paper) and carefully place into the air fryer basket.
4. Slide the basket into the air fryer and bake on 160C / 320F for 15 minutes or until muffins are golden and a skewer comes out clean.  If you have a smaller air fryer you may need to do two batches. 
5. Move to a wire rack and allow the muffins to cool in the cases.   

Notes

TIPS FOR MAKING AIR FRYER BANANA MUFFINS

• The air fryer tends to brown muffins more than the oven, but this does not effect the taste at all.  
• Only use very ripe bananas, otherwise you won’t get that sweet banana flavour.  
• If you’re in America, don’t use Self Raising Flour as the recipe directs.  Store bought American self raising flour contains salt (as it’s commonly used for biscuits).  Instead, use ¾ cup of all purpose flour and 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder.  
• Try these muffins with chocolate chips for an extra treat!
• Use either silicone muffin cases or double up paper cases for this recipe.  
• If you have a smaller air fryer you may need to cook the muffins in two seperate batches.
• Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.  You can also freeze your muffins in an airtight container for a few months.  
• Want to make these in the oven instead?  Use the instructions in this Mini Banana Muffins post.    

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 10
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 161Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 122mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 1gSugar: 12gProtein: 2g