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Air Fryer Protein Granola Recipe


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3.8 from 32 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Air Fryer Protein Granola recipe offers a quick and healthy way to enjoy a crunchy, protein-packed snack or breakfast topping. Combining rolled oats, protein powder, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners, this granola is easy to prepare using an air fryer for a perfectly toasted texture without the need for an oven. Customize it with your favorite dried fruits and enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or on its own.


Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups Rolled Oats (or substitute with quick oats or quinoa flakes)
  • 1/2 cup Protein Powder (whey, plant-based, or collagen peptides)
  • 2 tablespoons Chia Seeds (or substitute with flax seeds or hemp seeds)
  • 1/2 cup Nuts (almonds, walnuts, or other nuts; or substitute with pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version)
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (or substitute with pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt (or omit or use a pinch of sea salt)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Nut Butter (almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter)
  • 1/4 cup Honey (or substitute with agave syrup, stevia, maple syrup, or coconut sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (or substitute with almond extract, or omit if needed)

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/3 cup Dried Fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.)


Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, chia seeds, and your choice of nuts or seeds. Stir well to distribute all the dry components evenly.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the nut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated to form a sticky granola mixture.
  3. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  4. Cook Granola: Transfer the granola mixture to the air fryer basket in an even layer. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking or stirring the granola halfway through the cooking time to promote uniform browning and crispiness.
  5. Cool Granola: Once the granola turns golden brown and crispy, remove it from the air fryer. Let it cool completely on a plate or tray; this step helps the granola become crunchier as it sets.
  6. Add Dried Fruit: After the granola has cooled, stir in your dried fruit of choice for added sweetness and texture, if desired.
  7. Store and Serve: Store the cooled granola in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Enjoy it as a delicious snack, mixed into yogurt, or with milk for breakfast.

Notes

  • You can substitute rolled oats with quick oats or quinoa flakes depending on your preference.
  • Choose protein powder based on dietary needs, including whey, plant-based, or collagen peptides.
  • Nut butters and sweeteners can be swapped according to taste or dietary restrictions.
  • If you prefer a nut-free version, use pumpkin or sunflower seeds in place of nuts.
  • Shaking the granola halfway during air frying ensures even toasting and prevents burning.
  • Allow the granola to cool completely to maximize crunchiness before storing.
  • Store granola in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crisp texture for up to two weeks.
  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American