Air Fryer Granola

This air fryer granola recipe is a simple, easy way to make a healthy snack that’s the whole family will love. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time and adds a crispy, crunchy texture that works well as a yogurt topping or a stand-alone snack.

As a pediatric dietitian, I look for kid’s snacks that include both protein and fiber—two essentials for keeping kids full. This granola checks both boxes and can be easily adjusted to fit different preferences or dietary needs – even for the pickiest of eaters!

In this post, we’ll cover the steps for making air fryer granola, tips for customizing it, and ideas for serving it.

Homemade Granola vs Storebought

With so many granola brands on the market, why bother making it at home?

Granola often comes with a “health halo,” meaning it’s marketed as healthy but can be loaded with added sugars and saturated fats. 

While there are good store-bought options, they require careful label reading to find the healthiest choices. Making granola at home eliminates that guesswork and puts you in full control.

Homemade granola isn’t just better for your family’s health—it’s also fully customizable to your kid’s taste preferences. It’s an easy way to include nutrient-dense ingredients they might otherwise avoid. 

And once you see how simple it is to make in an air fryer, you won’t want to spend the extra bucks to buy it at the store!

Here’s why homemade air fryer granola is a better choice:

• Higher in fiber
• Higher in protein
• Lower in sugar
• Lower in saturated fat
• Less expensive
• Made with fewer, simpler ingredients

Ingredients for Air Fryer Granola

This recipe is a highly customizable base you can tailor to your family’s favorite flavors and mix-ins. 

Base – Rolled Oats

The foundation of this granola is old-fashioned rolled oats. Avoid quick oats or steel cut oats, as they don’t provide the same hearty texture that works best in granola.

Bindings – Maple Syrup & Nut Butter & Egg White

These semi-liquid ingredients hold the granola together. This recipe uses maple syrup and almond butter, but you can easily swap in honey, peanut butter, sunflower butter, tahini, agave, or any other sweetener or oil you prefer. 

Egg white is the secret ingredient to getting granola that’s super crunchy, just like storebought! 

Flavor & Spices – Cinnamon

Cinnamon adds warmth and enhances the flavor. You can mix it up by using pumpkin spice, allspice, vanilla powder, or any spice blend your family enjoys

Add-ins – Seeds, Dried Fruit & Coconut

Here’s where you can truly make it your own! This recipe includes flax seeds, coconut, and raisins, but you can get creative with your favorite toppings. For the best texture, chop larger add-ins into small pieces.

Topping Ideas:

• Chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
• Dried fruit (e.g., dried cranberries, apricots, or blueberries)
• Flax seeds or chia seeds
• Almonds, cashews, or peanuts
• Sprinkles for a fun touch
• Pumpkin seeds or banana chips
• Freeze-dried fruits (e.g., strawberries or raspberries)

****Wait until AFTER you cook the granola to add toppings like dried fruit, freeze dried fruit, chocolate, or sprinkles. They don’t need to be cooked!

How to Make Air Fryer Granola

Mix the Ingredients

This recipe comes together in minutes! Simply combine all the ingredients (except fried fruit and/or chocolate) in a large mixing bowl until evenly coated. The “batter” will look dry at first, but keep mixing until it becomes firms and sticks together when pressed.

Cook on a Parchment-Lined Air Fryer Tray

Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper—it’s essential to prevent sticking and achieve perfectly crispy granola. Spread the mixture evenly on the tray and cook until golden brown.

Cool the Granola

Don’t worry if the granola isn’t completely crispy right out of the air fryer. Cooling allows it to harden and form those crunchy clusters. Let it cool completely before handling.

Break into Pieces & Store

Use your hands to break the granola into bite-sized pieces, and add in any ingredients like dried fruit or chocolate that didn’t need to be cooked. Store it in an airtight container in a dry cool place. I keep mine in the pantry!

Tips for Serving Air Fryer Granola

Granola is incredibly versatile! It can be added on top of foods, served as a snack, or mixed into a trail mix for an easy, on-the-go option. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• On top of yogurt (My recommended yogurt brands for kids are linked here)
• DIY trail mix: Combine granola with smoothie melts, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, or even a little dark chocolate for a satisfying snack
• In a snack box: Perfect for packing in lunchboxes with a variety of other healthy snacks
• As a cereal: Pour over milk or a dairy-free alternative for a quick breakfast
• With fruit: Sprinkle on top of fresh berries or sliced bananas for extra crunch
• With nut butter: Pair with almond or peanut butter for a protein-packed snack
• As a topping for baked goods: Add a crunchy layer to muffins, oatmeal, or smoothie bowls

Air Fryer Granola FAQ

Why is homemade granola not crunchy?

Granola can lack crunch if the baking temperature is too low or the mixture is too wet. Make sure to cook at the right temperature (around 325°F) and avoid overloading with wet ingredients like syrup or oil. 

If your granola is soft, try cooking it a little longer or increasing the heat slightly, stirring halfway through to prevent burning.

How do you make granola stick in clumps?

To achieve the classic granola clusters, use enough binding ingredients like honey, maple syrup, or egg whites to hold the oats together. Mix everything well, then press the granola mixture down onto the baking sheet or air fryer tray. 

It’s also key to let it cool completely before breaking into clusters. Granola just out of the oven will not form clusters or get crunchy! 

How to store granola so it stays crunchy?

To keep your granola crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure it’s completely cool before sealing it up.

Do I have to use parchment paper for granola?

Highly recommended! It prevents the granola from sticking to the tray, helps it cook evenly, and makes cleanup much easier. If you don’t have parchment paper, a silicone mat or even a well-greased tray can work.

How to tell when homemade granola is done?

Granola is done when it’s golden brown and crisp to the touch. It will harden a bit more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems slightly softer when you pull it out of the oven or air fryer.

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