If you’re craving a fun twist on your usual sweet treats, Duffins might just become your new baking obsession. Imagine the rich, cake-like texture of a muffin meeting the indulgent sweetness of a donut, finished off with a gooey surprise center of jam or Nutella. This easy, homemade duffin recipe brings bakery-style results right to your kitchen, especially when baked in the air fryer.

Duffins have surged in popularity thanks to social media food trends and because they’re easy enough for beginners, yet impressive enough to wow guests. Whether you call them jam duffins, Nutella duffins, or donut muffins, the idea remains the same: a soft, fluffy muffin filled with something sweet and rolled in sugar for that classic donut feel.

Why You’ll Love This Duffin Recipe

• ✅ Quick & easy: Simple ingredients and a no-fuss mixing method.
• ✅ Air fryer friendly: Saves energy and time – no need to preheat.
• ✅ Versatile: Fill with strawberry jam, raspberry jam, chocolate spread, or even lemon curd.
• ✅ Perfect for any occasion: Breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or dessert.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (Plus a Few Extras)

Basic batter:

• 1 large egg (at room temperature works best for fluffiness)
• 60ml milk (you can use whole, semi-skimmed, or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk)
• 40ml vegetable oil (sunflower oil or canola oil work too)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for classic bakery aroma)
• 75g caster sugar (superfine sugar helps keep the texture light)
• 100g self-raising flour (you can sift it to avoid lumps)

For filling & topping:

• Jam (strawberry or raspberry are popular)
• Nutella (or any chocolate hazelnut spread)
• 20g melted butter (unsalted preferred)
• 20g granulated sugar (for rolling)

Optional authentic additions:

• Pinch of salt (enhances sweetness)
• Zest of half a lemon or orange (for a fresh citrus note)
• Cinnamon sugar instead of plain sugar for rolling (adds warmth)

🍰 Step-by-Step Method to Bake Perfect Duffins

Step 1: Prepare your cases

Start by lining six silicone muffin cups with paper cases. You can also skip the paper liners and use silicone cases alone, which makes unmolding easier.

Step 2: Mix wet ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, add your egg, milk, vanilla extract, and oil. Using a hand whisk or electric hand mixer, whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy.

Step 3: Add dry ingredients

Sprinkle in the caster sugar and self-raising flour. Mix just until combined – don’t overmix. Overmixing develops gluten, which makes the duffins dense instead of airy.

Step 4: Layer batter and filling

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each cupcake case. Add a generous teaspoon of your chosen filling (jam or Nutella). Keep it centered to avoid leakage.

Cover the filling with another tablespoon of batter. The cups should be about ¾ full.

Step 5: Air fry the duffins

Place the cases in your air fryer basket. Select the bake function and set the temperature to 160°C (320°F). Bake for 17 minutes. Avoid opening the air fryer drawer during baking; sudden changes in temperature can cause the duffins to sink.

Step 6: Finish with sweet topping

While still warm, brush each duffin top with melted butter and sprinkle generously with granulated sugar. This gives them a delightful donut-like crunch.

Let them cool slightly before serving – the filling stays very hot!

✨ Pro Tips for Fluffy & Flavorful Duffins

1️⃣ Use room temperature ingredients: Especially the egg and milk, which blend better and create lighter batter.

2️⃣ Keep filling centered: This prevents it from seeping out and keeps the duffin shape neat.

3️⃣ Don’t overfill: Stick to about ¾ full to avoid overflow.

4️⃣ Customize your filling: Try:

• Seedless raspberry jam
• Biscoff spread
• Lemon curd
• Dulce de leche

5️⃣ Add a crunchy twist: Roll in cinnamon sugar or crushed nuts after brushing with butter.

🍓 Fun Variations You Should Try

Nutella & Banana Duffins: Add a thin banana slice over Nutella before topping with batter.

Lemon Curd Duffins: Use lemon zest in the batter and lemon curd as filling.

PB&J Duffins: Drop half peanut butter and half jam in the center.

Cinnamon Apple Duffins: Fold tiny apple cubes into the batter and use apple butter as filling.

🥣 Make Ahead & Storage Tips

• Storing: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Briefly warm in the microwave for 10 seconds to refresh the texture.
• Freezing: Freeze (without sugar topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw and roll in butter and sugar before serving.

☕ Serving Suggestions: Beyond Breakfast

Duffins aren’t just a breakfast treat! Serve them as:

• Afternoon tea snacks
• Brunch table highlight
• Picnic desserts
• Bake sale bestsellers
• Cozy movie-night sweets

Pair with hot coffee, chai, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

✅ Why Bake Duffins in the Air Fryer?

Using an air fryer:

• Speeds up baking without preheating
• Creates a light, golden crust
• Keeps the center moist and fluffy
• Saves energy compared to the oven

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 17–20 minutes.

📝 Final Thoughts: The Joy of Homemade Duffins

Baking duffins at home proves that you don’t need fancy tools or complicated recipes to enjoy bakery-quality treats. With a few pantry staples, a playful filling, and a sprinkle of sugar, you can turn ordinary muffins into something unforgettable.