Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins are a great way to start the morning; if you love pancakes and love making them for your family, this is a great and easy recipe. Best yet, it’s prepared all in the air fryer, so you don’t even have to wait for the oven to preheat.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins
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These are some of my kid’s favorite breakfasts, and I love making them these, as they are usually eating breakfast while doing virtual school. And pancake muffins are so easy to eat, as compared to regular pancakes.

There is a bonus in these pancakes, chocolate! Everyone loves chocolate, and what is really better than chocolate for breakfast?

Here are some other amazingly easy Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes, including Air Fryer Breakfast Bake, and my favorite recipe, Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Danish.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins

Indulge in the delightful fusion of pancakes and muffins with this easy Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins recipe. Perfect for a quick breakfast, these muffins offer a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of a chocolate chip pancake in a fun, bite-sized form. Using an air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures each muffin is perfectly cooked with a tender interior and slightly crisp exterior. Here’s how to make them:

Air Fryer Pancake Muffin

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Quick and Easy: The recipe requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy mornings or a quick snack.
  • Versatile: You can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients, such as nuts, berries, or different types of chocolate chips, to suit your taste.
  • Perfect Texture: Air frying provides a unique cooking method that ensures each muffin is perfectly cooked with a tender interior and a slightly crisp exterior.
  • Convenient: Making pancake muffins in an air fryer is a hassle-free process that doesn’t require monitoring the stove or flipping pancakes.
  • Kid-Friendly: Kids will love the fun twist on traditional pancakes and the chocolate chip flavor, making them more likely to enjoy breakfast or snack time.
  • Less Mess: This recipe reduces the typical pancake-making mess, as everything is contained within the muffin cups, and there’s no need to clean a griddle or skillet afterward.
  • Healthier Option: Air frying uses less oil than traditional frying methods, making these muffin pancakes a healthier alternative to regular fried or even baked goods.
  • Great for Meal Prep: These muffins are perfect for meal prep. Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy a quick, delicious breakfast throughout the week.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins

Indulge in the delightful fusion of pancakes and muffins with this easy Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins recipe. Perfect for a quick breakfast, these muffins offer a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of a chocolate chip pancake in a fun, bite-sized form. Using an air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures each muffin is perfectly cooked with a tender interior and slightly crisp exterior. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Pancake Donuts

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our muffin batter, all-purpose flour provides the structure, ensuring a tender crumb that’s just right for holding onto those delicious chocolate chips.
  • Baking Powder: This leavening agent is crucial for creating the rise in your muffins, making them airy and light, with that perfect muffin top we all love.
  • Baking Soda: Works in tandem with the baking powder to ensure a proper rise, especially important in the air fryer where even heat distribution plays a key role in cooking.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to balance the flavors, enhancing the sweetness of the chocolate and the richness of the batter without overwhelming the taste.
  • Buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and moisture to the batter, contributing to the tender texture and depth of flavor in the muffins.
  • Maple Syrup: Provides a natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor that complements the chocolate chips beautifully, offering a more complex taste profile than regular sugar.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the muffins are moist and tender. Its neutral flavor doesn’t compete with the chocolate chips, allowing their richness to shine through.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, providing structure and richness to the muffins, ensuring they are fluffy and moist.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: The star of the show, mini chocolate chips disperse evenly throughout each muffin, melting into perfect pockets of chocolatey goodness that make every bite a delight.

How To Make Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins In Air Fryer

Making Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins is a delightful and straightforward process. Here’s how to create these tasty treats:

How To Make  Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins In Air Fryer

In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins

Add in the buttermilk, eggs, maple syrup, and vegetable oil, mix well.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins

Fold in the chocolate chips.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins

Spray your muffin tin, baking dish, or ramekin with cooking spray, and then pour your batter in, about 2/3 way full. Set them into the air fryer, at 320 degrees F, for 6-9 minutes.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins

Recipe Variations

Exploring recipe variations for Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins can add an exciting twist to your baking. Here are some creative ideas to customize your muffins and keep your taste buds intrigued:

  • Different Chocolate Options: Swap out mini chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile. This simple change can dramatically alter the taste and make each batch unique.
  • Add Nuts: Introduce a crunchy texture by folding in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter. Nuts can add a rich flavor and make your muffins even more satisfying.
  • Fruit Variations: While chocolate chip is a classic favorite, incorporating fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or diced strawberries can create a delightful balance between sweet and tart. Mix the fruits gently into the batter to avoid crushing them.
  • Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the batter for a warm, aromatic flavor. This is especially comforting during the fall season and adds a cozy touch to your muffins.
  • Cocoa Powder: For an extra chocolatey experience, mix in a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder with the dry ingredients. This will give the muffins a deeper chocolate flavor and darker color.
  • Cream Cheese Filling: Before baking, add a dollop of sweetened cream cheese in the center of each muffin batter. This creates a creamy, tangy core that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate chips.
  • Toppings Galore: Before baking, sprinkle the tops of the muffins with a mixture of coarse sugar and cinnamon for a crispy, sweet crust. Alternatively, a drizzle of peanut butter or almond butter over the muffins before serving can add a nutty, decadent touch.

By experimenting with these variations, you can keep your Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins exciting and cater to different preferences. Feel free to mix and match ideas to create your perfect muffin recipe!

Pro Tips

To ensure your Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins turn out perfectly every time, consider these professional tips:

  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the muffins. This helps to achieve a consistent baking temperature, resulting in evenly cooked muffins.
  • Use Silicone Muffin Cups: Silicone muffin cups are ideal for air frying as they don’t require greasing and can withstand the air fryer’s heat. They also make cleanup a breeze and help in easy removal of the muffins without sticking.
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense muffins. Lumps in the batter are okay; they will cook out.
  • Fill Cups Evenly: To ensure uniform cooking and perfectly sized muffins, fill the muffin cups evenly, about three-quarters full. This prevents overflow and ensures that all the muffins will be done at the same time.
  • Add Chocolate Chips Last: To distribute them evenly and prevent them from sinking to the bottom, fold the chocolate chips into the batter last. You can also sprinkle a few on top for a visually appealing finish.
  • Rotate Halfway Through: For even cooking, rotate the muffin tray or basket halfway through the cooking time. This helps in achieving an even golden-brown color on all the muffins.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the muffins in batches if necessary to ensure there’s enough space around each for air circulation. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy muffins.
  • Check for Doneness Early: Start checking if the muffins are done a few minutes before the recipe suggests, as cooking times can vary depending on the air fryer model. Use a toothpick or a cake tester; if it comes out clean, the muffins are done.
  • Let Them Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the silicone cups for a few minutes before removing. This helps them set and makes them easier to take out without breaking.

Following these pro tips will help you master the art of making Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins, leading to perfect results that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins

Faq’s

Can I use a different type of flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, gluten-free flour blends, or oat flour as alternatives. However, the texture and flavor might vary. When using a denser flour like whole wheat, consider adding a little extra liquid to the batter to avoid dry muffins.

Can I make these muffins without an air fryer? Absolutely. You can bake them in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. However, baking times may vary, so keep an eye on them.

How can I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom? To prevent chocolate chips from sinking, toss them with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps to distribute them evenly throughout the muffins.

Can I freeze these muffins? Yes, these muffins freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds before serving.

How do I know when the muffins are done? The muffins are done when they’re golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Start checking a few minutes before the recommended cooking time as air fryer temperatures can vary.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins? Certainly! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or even small candy pieces to the batter along with or instead of the chocolate chips. Just be mindful of adding too many heavy add-ins, as they may affect the muffin’s ability to rise.

Why did my muffins come out dry? Dry muffins can result from overmixing the batter or cooking them too long. Mix the batter until just combined and keep an eye on the cooking time, checking for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off.

How can I make these muffins healthier? For a healthier version, consider using whole wheat flour, reducing the sugar, or substituting the chocolate chips with blueberries or nuts. You can also use a plant-based milk and oil to cater to dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions: If you are looking for something to serve this with, I usually serve it with a big Fresh Fruit bowl. But it goes really well with a big bowl of Air Fryer Shredded Hashbrowns or even Air Fryer Hash Brown Patties.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Equipment Used

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Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins are a great way to start the morning; if you love pancakes and love making them for your family, this is a great and easy recipe. Best yet, it's prepared all in the air fryer, so you don't even have to wait for the oven to preheat.

Ingredients 

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Optional: Powdered Sugar or Maple Syrup for Serving

    Instructions

    • In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    • Add in the buttermilk, eggs, maple syrup, and vegetable oil, mix well.
    • Fold in the chocolate chips.
    • Spray your muffin tin, baking dish, or ramekin with cooking spray, and then pour your batter in, about 2/3 way full. Set them into the air fryer, at 320 degrees F, for 6-9 minutes.
    • Plate, serve, and enjoy!

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • Muffin Tins, See Blog Post, for which ones I used
    • Cooking Spray

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ServingCalories: 317kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 6gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 497mgPotassium: 92mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 151IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 159mgIron: 2mg

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