Oatmeal is one of the easiest, most comforting breakfasts there is, and these oatmeal recipes prove it never has to be boring. From golden baked oatmeal straight out of the air fryer to make-ahead overnight oats and a copycat coffee-shop favorite, there’s a bowl here for every kind of morning.
Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Recipes
- Filling and wholesome: Oats are naturally rich in fiber and keep you full all morning.
- Great for meal prep: Baked oatmeal and overnight oats keep well in the fridge for busy weekdays.
- Endlessly customizable: Swap in your favorite fruit, nuts, spices, or sweetener.
- Quick to make: Most of these recipes cook in the air fryer or Instant Pot in about 20 minutes or less.
Six Incredible Oatmeal Recipes
1. Air Fryer Baked Oatmeal
This Air Fryer Baked Oatmeal is the perfect base recipe. It bakes at 350°F until the top is set and lightly golden, and mashed banana works great as a binder.
Make it your own: Stir in diced apples and cinnamon, berries and sliced almonds, or protein powder and Greek yogurt. Use a flax egg and plant-based milk for a vegan version, or certified gluten-free oats to make it gluten-free.
2. Easy Air Fryer Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal
All the cozy flavor of apple pie, made for breakfast. This Easy Air Fryer Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal combines tender oats with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and bakes up with a golden top.
Meal-prep tip: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days, then reheat a portion in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds or in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Air Fryer Baked Blueberry Oatmeal
Bursting with berries and sweetened with maple syrup, this Air Fryer Baked Blueberry Oatmeal can be made with steel-cut or old-fashioned oats and adapted to be gluten-free and vegan.
Meal-prep tip: It keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave.
4. Applesauce Overnight Oats
No cooking required. These Applesauce Overnight Oats combine rolled oats, unsweetened applesauce, milk, chia seeds, and cinnamon in a jar. Refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) and breakfast is ready when you wake up.
Make it your own: Add Greek yogurt for extra protein, then top with granola, sliced apples, or nuts. Eat it cold or warm it up in the microwave.
5. Instant Pot Copycat Starbucks Oatmeal
Skip the drive-thru with this Instant Pot Copycat Starbucks Oatmeal. Hearty steel-cut oats cook in just 4 minutes at high pressure for a chewy, creamy bowl.
Make it your own: Top with dried fruit, chopped walnuts or almonds, and a little brown sugar or maple syrup. It’s easy to make vegan, too.
6. Air Fryer Strawberries & Cream Baked Oatmeal
For a weekend treat, this Air Fryer Strawberries & Cream Baked Oatmeal bakes old-fashioned oats with cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and fresh diced strawberries until golden, in about 12 minutes.
Serving tip: Top with extra fresh strawberries and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Oatmeal
- Pick the right oats. Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for baked oatmeal and overnight oats. Steel-cut oats give a heartier, chewier bowl in the Instant Pot.
- Use an air fryer-safe dish. Grease a small baking dish or ramekins before adding baked oatmeal batter.
- Check for doneness. Baked oatmeal is ready when the top is set and lightly golden.
- Make it ahead. Baked oatmeal and overnight oats both keep well in the fridge, so make a batch on Sunday for the week.
- Add a pinch of salt. It brings out the natural nutty flavor of the oats.
Oatmeal Recipe FAQs
Can you make baked oatmeal in the air fryer? Yes. Pour the oatmeal mixture into a greased, air fryer-safe dish and bake until the top is set and golden. The air fryer is faster than the oven for small batches.
What oats are best for overnight oats? Rolled (old-fashioned) oats give overnight oats the best texture. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
How long does baked oatmeal last? Most baked oatmeal keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or air fryer.
Can oatmeal be gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats.
Can I make these oatmeal recipes vegan? Many of them, yes. Use plant-based milk, maple syrup, and a flax egg in place of a regular egg.
Start Your Morning With Oatmeal
Whether you love a warm slice of baked oatmeal, a grab-and-go jar of overnight oats, or a cozy copycat bowl from your favorite coffee shop, these six incredible oatmeal recipes make breakfast easy, filling, and delicious.
Tried one of these oatmeal recipes? Leave a comment and a star rating on the recipe, and tag @forktospoon so we can see your bowl!
