Air Fryer Cranberry Muffins

These Air Fryer Cranberry Muffins are tender, flavorful, and studded with juicy cranberries in every bite. Quick to make and lightly sweetened, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a festive snack.

Air Fryer Cranberry Muffins are a quick, delicious way to enjoy tender, fruity muffins without heating up the oven. Bursting with tart cranberries and a hint of citrus, these muffins are soft, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack.

With minimal prep and a golden, slightly crisp top, they’re a simple treat that feels special any time of year.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick and easy: Ready in minutes without using the oven.
• Bursting with flavor: Juicy cranberries and a hint of citrus in every bite.
• Soft and tender: Moist muffins with a slightly crisp golden top.
• Perfect for any occasion: Great for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.
• Customizable: Add nuts, glaze, or extra spices for variety.

Ingredients Needed

• All-purpose flour: or use gluten-free all-purpose flour, if you want to cook this recipe gluten-free. 

• Granulated sugar: You can use a sugar substitute if you want to make this low-sugar (or diabetic-friendly)
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Use fresh products!
• Seasonings & Spices: Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, and Salt.
• Orange Zest and Lemon Juice: For some added flavor.
• Vegetable Shortening: You can use canola oil, as well. 
• Eggs: Use large room temperature eggs. 
• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract, for the best flavor. 
• Cranberries: Use fresh or frozen cranberries. 

Recipe Variations

Cranberry Sauce Muffins Variation

• Instead of fresh cranberries, you can use cranberry sauce for a sweeter, more uniform flavor and moist texture. Fold 1/4 to 1/3 cup of cranberry sauce into the muffin batter along with a few whole cranberries if desired for texture. Reduce any added sugar slightly, since the sauce is already sweetened. Bake as usual in the air fryer, these muffins will have a soft, slightly tangy center with a beautiful cranberry flavor throughout.
• Tip: For extra flavor, swirl a little cranberry sauce on top of each muffin before air frying to create a pretty marbled effect.

How To Cook Cranberry Muffins In The Air Fryer

Step One: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking soda, ginger, and salt. Cut in the shortening until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in the water, lemon juice, orange zest, eggs, and vanilla, then beat until smooth and well combined

Step Two: After mixing the batter, gently fold in the cranberries until evenly distributed.

Step Three: Lightly spray your muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray (see blog post for recommended brand). Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Set your air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F and set cook time for 12-15 minutes.

Step Four: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, the muffins are done. If not, cook for an additional 5 minutes and check again. Carefully remove the hot muffin tin and let the muffins cool slightly. Repeat the process with the remaining batter until all muffins are cooked.

Air Fryer Cranberry Muffins Recipe Tips

• Use fresh or frozen cranberries: Both work, but slightly thaw frozen cranberries for even baking.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Fold ingredients just until combined to keep muffins tender.
• Fill tins correctly: Fill muffin cups about two-thirds full to prevent overflow.
• Check air fryer times: Cook times vary by model—use a toothpick to test doneness.
• Add a glaze if desired: A light lemon or orange glaze complements the tart cranberries beautifully.

Storing Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap cooled muffins in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
• Reheating: Warm muffins in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes or in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Air Fryer Cranberry Muffins Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes! Thaw slightly before folding into the batter for more even baking.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free? Absolutely. Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

How do I keep the muffins soft and moist? Don’t overmix the batter, and remove the muffins from the air fryer as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I add a glaze or icing? Yes! Lemon, orange, or simple powdered sugar glaze pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries.

How should I store leftover muffins? Keep unfrosted muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer and ensure even cooking.

More Easy Air Fryer Muffin Recipes

• AIR FRYER, STARBUCKS COPYCAT BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
• EASY AIR FRYER DONUT MUFFINS
• AIR FRYER, LIGHT & FLUFFY HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE MUFFINS

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