Are you looking for a quick, delightful breakfast that’s not only easy to make but also healthy and customizable? Look no further than our Air Fryer Oatmeal recipe! In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a comforting bowl of baked oatmeal that’s perfect for any season and a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Let’s start with the simplicity of it all. Crafting individual air fryer baked oatmeal is a breeze – just mix the ingredients in a bowl, transfer the goodness into ramekins, and let the air fryer work its magic. No need to pre-blend oats or babysit the oven; it’s a time-saving delight for those hectic mornings.

The beauty lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Everything required for the best air fryer baked oatmeal can be easily found at your local grocery store. Whether you’re following a vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free diet, this recipe has got you covered. And if you’re on a budget, fear not – you can tweak it by substituting dairy-free milk with water and opting for cost-effective sweeteners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a closer look at the lineup of ingredients:

1. Dairy-Free Milk: Choose your favorite – almond, cashew, hemp, oat, walnut, or carton-based coconut milk.
2. Ground Flax (or Ground Chia Seeds): The binding agent that replaces eggs and ensures a cohesive texture.
3. Maple Syrup: The sweet nectar that elevates the flavor. Feel free to experiment with date syrup or honey if that’s more to your liking.
4. Salt: Just a pinch to balance the flavors.
5. Rolled Oats: Also known as old-fashioned oats, providing that chewy texture. Quick oats work too, but steel-cut oats are a no-go for this method.

How to Make Air Fryer Oatmeal

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process:

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix dairy-free milk and maple syrup with ground flax, ensuring a smooth consistency.
2. Add Oats and Salt: Introduce rolled oats and a pinch of salt, stirring thoroughly.
3. Divide Mixture: Distribute the concoction evenly into two ramekins. Feel free to jazz it up with your favorite mix-ins – berries, bananas, nuts, chocolate chips – the possibilities are endless!
4. Air Fryer Magic: Place the ramekins in the air fryer basket and cook at 360°F for a mere 14 minutes.
5. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, allow them to cool a bit before diving in. Top with your preferred toppings and savor the goodness.

Pro Tips for Perfection

1. Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your oats are labeled gluten-free, with sprouted oats offering an easier digestion experience.
2. Variability in Cooking Time: Air fryers may vary, but fear not – this forgiving recipe adapts well to different models.
3. Mix-Ins Placement: Stir in fruits or nuts well, ensuring none are atop the ramekins to prevent burning. Save top-tier toppings for post-baking.

Topping and Mix-In Ideas

Transform your air fryer baked oatmeal into a canvas of flavors with these exciting toppings and mix-ins:

• Fruits: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, bananas, apples, pears, diced pineapple.
• Sweeteners: Jam, jelly, honey, coconut sugar, date syrup, agave, brown sugar.
• Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews, sunflower seeds, hemp hearts, peanuts.
• Nut Butters: Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, sunbutter, coconut butter, tahini.
• Chocolate Delights: Chocolate chips, coconut flakes.

Flavor Combinations to Try

Experiment with these tantalizing combinations:

• Banana Bread: Sliced bananas, chopped pecans, and a hint of cinnamon.
• Peanut Butter and Jelly: Your favorite nut butter with a dollop of jelly or jam.
• Strawberry Walnut: Sliced strawberries paired with chopped walnuts.
• Chocolate Chip: Vanilla extract and a generous serving of chocolate chips.
• Cinnamon Apple: Cooked apple chunks with cinnamon for that apple pie vibe.
• Pumpkin Pie: Reduce dairy-free milk, add pumpkin puree, and a dash of pumpkin spice or cinnamon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Baked Oatmeal?
Baked oatmeal involves baking oats in the oven or air fryer, resulting in a soft, tender texture with a delightful crust.

What Kind of Oats to Use?
Opt for rolled oats for the ideal texture. Quick oats work but may alter the consistency, while steel-cut oats are a no-go.

What Size Ramekin to Use?
This recipe is designed for two 4 oz. ramekins, allowing flavor customization. Adjust cooking times if using an 8 oz. ramekin.

Can You Freeze Cooked Oatmeal?
Absolutely! Freeze in 4 oz. ramekins or portion it out for convenient storage.

How to Add Protein?
Enhance protein content by topping with Greek-style yogurt, incorporating collagen peptides, adding vegan protein powder, or mixing in hemp hearts.

Can You Make Baked Oatmeal in the Oven?
Certainly! Scale up for larger batches and use the oven for a meal prep-friendly option.

Storing Leftovers For optimal freshness, store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating Instructions Microwave for 1-1:30 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions Tailor the recipe to your preferences by substituting dairy-free milk, flax, or maple syrup with alternatives like chia seeds, eggs, date syrup, honey, or various sugars.