Granola in the Air Fryer
Homemade granola usually means 30 minutes in a hot oven, a tray to stir and a good chance of burning the edges. In the air fryer a small batch toasts in about 10 minutes, with the hot air browning the oats evenly. The one thing to know is that air fryer granola crisps up as it cools, so take it out while it is still golden and do not wait for it to feel hard.
- Temperature
- 150°C
- Total time
- 35min
- Prep
- 5min
- Servings
- 8
- Per serving
- 160kcal
Why the air fryer works for granola
Making air fryer granola is a good choice for small batches. A full oven takes a long time to heat for one tray, while the air fryer reaches 150 °C in a few minutes and toasts the oats in around 10. The moving air browns the oats evenly, so you get a light golden colour and a nutty smell without the long wait. A 4–6 litre basket makes about 8 portions in one go.
The air fryer does brown fast, though. Thin oats near the edge colour well before those in the middle, so the secret to this air fryer granola is a low temperature and plenty of stirring. Take it out when it is just golden, as it will keep crisping as it cools. Dried fruit goes in only at the end, because it burns easily.
How to make granola in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Mix the dry ingredients In a large bowl, mix the oats, nuts, seeds, cinnamon and salt. Keep the dried fruit aside, as it burns if it is baked.
- Add the wet ingredients Warm the honey and oil together for 15 seconds in the microwave to loosen them. Pour over the oat mixture and stir until every piece is lightly coated.
- Spread out Preheat the air fryer to 150 °C for . Line the basket with a perforated sheet of baking paper or a foil tray with edges. Spread the granola in a thin, even layer.
- Toast and stir Cook at 150 °C for , stirring every , until the oats are light golden brown and smell toasted. Watch it closely in the last , as the thin edges brown fast.
- Cool Tip the granola onto a tray and press it down lightly if you like clusters. Leave it to cool for , until crisp, then stir in the raisins. Store in an airtight jar.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Granola | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Classic oat granolaStir every 3 minutes | 150 °C | 8–10 min |
| No-oil granolaUse extra honey or apple sauce | 150 °C | 8–10 min |
| Granola barsPress into a lined tin | 150 °C | 10–12 min |
| Chocolate granolaAdd chocolate chips when cooled | 150 °C | 8–10 min |
| Double batchCook in two layers, stir often | 150 °C | 12–14 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
Tips
- Keep the layer thin. Granola that is piled in the basket steams instead of toasting. A layer about 1 cm deep is right; make two batches if you need more.
- Add the fruit after cooking. Raisins and other dried fruit turn hard and bitter in the hot air.
- Store it airtight. Once cool, keep the granola in a jar at room temperature, where it stays crisp for up to 2 weeks.
Serving
Serve the granola with Greek yoghurt and fresh fruit, over porridge, or with cold milk. It is also good scattered over pancakes or sprinkled over stewed fruit for a quick dessert. For more ideas, see our breakfast recipes. An air fryer granola jar also makes a handy homemade gift.
Storing and reheating
Keep the granola in an airtight jar or tin for up to 2 weeks. If it softens in a damp kitchen, crisp it up in the air fryer at 140 °C for 2–3 minutes, then let it cool again. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Variations
- Coconut and almond: Replace the mixed nuts with flaked almonds and add 2 tbsp of unsweetened coconut flakes for the last 3 minutes of toasting.
- Granola bars: Add an extra tablespoon of honey and 1 tbsp of nut butter, press into a lined 15 cm tin and cook at 150 °C for 10–12 minutes. Cool fully before cutting.
- Chocolate and orange: Add the grated zest of an orange to the mix, and stir in 30 g of dark chocolate chips only once the granola is cold.
Troubleshooting
- The granola is soft and chewy
- It has not cooled yet, or it was spread too thickly. Granola crisps as it cools, so leave it for 20 minutes untouched. If it is still soft, return it to the air fryer for 2 minutes.
- The edges are burnt
- The oats around the edge of the basket cook faster. Stir from the edges to the middle every 3 minutes, and lower the heat to 140 °C if your machine runs hot.
- The granola does not form clusters
- Use a little more honey or oil, press the mixture down on the tray after cooking, and do not stir it while it cools.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make granola in an air fryer?
Yes. A small batch of oats, nuts and honey toasts in 8–10 minutes at 150 °C. Stir often, because air fryers brown quickly.
What temperature should I toast granola at in the air fryer?
150 °C is a safe starting point. A lower heat such as 140 °C gives more time to stir, which is useful if your machine runs hot.
Can you make air fryer granola without oil?
Yes. Replace the oil with an extra tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, or use apple sauce. The granola will be slightly less crisp but still toasts well.
Can you make granola bars in an air fryer?
Yes. Press the sticky mixture into a lined tin and cook at 150 °C for 10–12 minutes, then cool and cut. See the variants.
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