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How to Use Up Leftover Muffins: Make Air Fryer Bakes or Puffs

Leftover muffins can often end up stale or forgotten at the back of the pantry, but with a little creativity and the help of an air fryer, they can be transformed into delightful bakes or puffs. This guide will introduce you to a delicious way to repurpose your leftover muffins, ensuring nothing goes to waste while creating a scrumptious treat.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

The air fryer is an excellent kitchen appliance that circulates hot air, resulting in crispy exteriors and moist interiors — a perfect combination for baked goods. Not only does it save time, but it also requires less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier option for preparing snacks.

Preparing Your Leftover Muffins

Before diving into the air fryer magic, assess the condition of your leftover muffins. If they are only slightly stale, they are perfect for this recipe. If they are really dry, you might want to consider reviving them with a splash of milk or cream. Here’s a simple step-by-step approach to creating air fryer bakes or puffs.

Ingredients

• Leftover muffins (any flavour)
• 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream (optional, depending on staleness)
• 1 egg (for binding)
• A handful of chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits (optional)
• A sprinkle of icing sugar or cocoa powder for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Muffins

Start by breaking the leftover muffins into pieces in a large bowl. If your muffins are quite dry, add a couple of tablespoons of milk or cream to moisten them. If they are still somewhat fresh, you can skip this step.

Step 2: Add Bindings

Crack an egg into the bowl with the muffin pieces and mix everything together thoroughly. The egg acts as a binding agent, helping the mixture hold together during cooking. If you’d like to add extra texture or flavour, now is the time to mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits.

Step 3: Form the Bakes/Puffs

Once the mixture is well combined, it’s time to shape it. You can form small balls or patties, depending on your preference. Ensure they’re not too big, as smaller shapes will cook more evenly and quickly in the air fryer.

Step 4: Air Fry Your Treats

Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and preheat it for about 3-5 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the formed bakes or puffs in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded, as this will affect cooking. Cook for around 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even cooking. The bakes should be golden brown and heated through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your puffs are ready, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. You can dust them with icing sugar or cocoa powder for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve them warm as a delicious snack or dessert.

Additional Tips

• Experiment with Flavours: Leftover blueberry muffins can be paired with cream cheese to create delightful puffs, while chocolate chip muffins work well with added nuts or caramel sauce.
• Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any puffs left, store them in an airtight container for up to three days. They can also be reheated in the air fryer to regain that lovely crispiness.
• Adjust Cooking Times: Depending on the size of your puffs and the brand of air fryer, cooking times may vary. Keep an eye on them to ensure you achieve the perfect texture.

Conclusion

Transforming leftover muffins into air fryer bakes or puffs is a delightful way to minimise waste while treating yourself to something special. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious snack that gives new life to those forgotten muffins. So next time you have some treats that need a little revamp, grab your air fryer and get creative! Happy cooking!