Tempted by the lure of healthful indulgence? These air fryer oatmeal breakfast bars might just be your new culinary obsession!
Unlike other recipes, these bars bring a delectably crispy exterior to a normally soft treat, all thanks to the transformative power of the air fryer. I prefer this recipe for its simplicity and the unmatched flavor combination it delivers.
It's time to redefine breakfast decadence, one air-fried oatmeal bar at a time. Buckle up, food adventurers!
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Video Tutorial
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon chopped roasted salted peanuts
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon raisins
- 2 tablespoons dried dates
- 2 tablespoons dried apricots
- â…“ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl or container
- Fork
- Spoon
- Silicone molds for bars
- Serving dish
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl or container, mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth. Add maple syrup and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Chop the nuts and dried fruits and mix them into the mashed banana mixture.
Preheat your air fryer to 320ÂşF (160ÂşC). I'm using the Instant Vortex Plus XL.
Divide the mixture into 6 portions and carefully fill the silicone mold.
Place the mixture-filled mold into the air fryer basket. Air fry for around 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
Once the oatmeal bars are ready, carefully remove them from the molds and let them cool before serving.
Enjoy your healthy homemade oat bars!
Note: Every air fryer model can vary slightly in terms of temperature and cooking time, so it's important to keep an eye on your oat bars as they cook.
Start with the recommended cooking time and temperature provided in the recipe, but be prepared to make adjustments as needed.
For a softer and chewier texture, you can reduce the cooking time slightly. On the other hand, if you prefer a crispier texture, you can increase the cooking time or temperature slightly.
Serving Recommendations
These homemade oat bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Below are a few of my tested suggestions to enhance your snacking experience:
- Standalone snack: They're perfect. Ideal for a quick pick-me-up during a busy day, they also shine as a take-along treat for those on-the-go moments.
- Classic pairing: Try these bars with a hot cup of tea or coffee. This duo creates a comforting haven, perfect for those cozy, lazy mornings.
- Paired with Greek yogurt or a smattering of nut butter: This combo introduces a creamy, flavor-rich aspect that takes the experience up a notch.
- Crumbled over a bowl of yogurt or swimming in milk: This nutritious option imparts a delightful crunch, creating a dish both delicious and wholesome.
Recipe Variations
If you want to mix things up a bit, these oat bars are prime candidates for customization. Here are some of the exciting variations I’ve tried and loved:
- Replace dried fruits with chocolate chips or shredded coconut for a fun twist. This sweet adjustment creates a dessert-like snack, satisfying those sugary cravings.
- Adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can change the game. This simple tweak lends a warm, aromatic flavor that makes the bars even more irresistible.
- For a nutritional boost, consider adding chia or flaxseeds. These power-packed additions not only enhance the texture but also ramp up the nutritional profile of your bars.
Storing and Freezing Leftovers
Store the cooled oat bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, individually wrap the bars in plastic wrap or place them in a sealed freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen bars, thaw them at room temperature until they're ready to eat, or reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to enjoy them warm.
Expert Tips for Success
Every great recipe has its secrets. Here are some expert tips to guarantee your success when making air fryer oatmeal breakfast bars:
- Always use rolled oats for the best texture. They retain their shape during the cooking process and add a delightful crunch.
- Be patient and let the bars cool down before cutting them. This will prevent them from crumbling and maintain their shape.
- Ensure the bars are evenly spread in the air fryer for uniform cooking. Overlapping might result in some areas being undercooked or overcooked.
- To check if the bars are ready, insert a toothpick or a knife into the center of one bar. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If the toothpick has wet batter clinging to it, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Air Fryer Oatmeal Breakfast Bars FAQs
Yes, oatmeal bars can be quite healthy. They are often packed with fiber and essential nutrients from oats and can be further enhanced with wholesome additions like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Do take note, though, that the overall nutritional value can vary based on the ingredients used and the amount of added sugars.
Oatmeal bars can become crumbly if the binding ingredients, like eggs, honey, or mashed bananas, are not sufficient. To add, cutting into the bars while they're still warm can lead to crumbling. It's best to allow them to cool completely before slicing.
Your baked oats might turn out dry if they're overcooked or if there’s not enough moisture in the mixture. To avoid this, add enough liquid ingredients, such as milk or yogurt, and keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent overbaking.
In the world of breakfast, my air fryer oatmeal breakfast bars truly are groundbreaking. Packed with nutritious ingredients, boasting an irresistible crunch, they make healthy eating an absolute delight.
I encourage you to try this recipe, and I'd love to hear how it turned out for you. Don't forget to leave a comment sharing your experience!
And while you're here, do browse around for more ingredient substitutes, exciting recipes, and air fryer hacks. Cooking is a journey, so let's explore, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy every bite along the way.
Happy cooking, fellow food adventurers!
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Air Fryer Scrambled Eggs Recipe
Recipe
Air Fryer Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing bowl or container
- Fork
- Spoon
- Silicone molds for bars
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon walnuts chopped
- 1 tablespoon roasted salted peanuts chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon raisins
- 2 tablespoon dried dates
- 2 tablespoon dried apricots
- â…“ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl or container, mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth. Add maple syrup and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Chop the nuts and dried fruits and mix them into the mashed banana mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 320ÂşF (160ÂşC).
- Divide the mixture into 6 portions and carefully fill the silicone mold.
- Place the mixture-filled mold into the air fryer basket. Air fry for around 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Once the oatmeal bars are ready, carefully remove them from the molds and let them cool before serving.
- Enjoy your healthy homemade oat bars!
Notes
You can find the video in the post above. If you don't see a video, please check your browser settings.
Laura
I want to make this but dont have that mold is there anyway to do it without a silicone mold?