Air Fryer Oat Protein Balls are a quick and nutritious snack made with oats, protein powder, and simple ingredients. These bite-sized balls are easy to make in the air fryer, providing a crispy outside with a soft, chewy center. Perfect for a post-workout snack or a healthy treat to enjoy throughout the day!
Air Fryer Oat Protein Balls are a quick and nutritious snack made with oats, protein powder, and simple ingredients. These bite-sized balls are easy to make in the air fryer, providing a crispy outside with a soft, chewy center. Perfect for a post-workout snack or a healthy treat to enjoy throughout the day!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy: These Air Fryer Oat Protein Balls come together in just minutes, making them perfect for busy days when you need a healthy snack fast.
- Packed with Protein: Made with protein powder and oats, these bites are a great way to fuel your body and keep you satisfied between meals.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a convenient snack all week long.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to make them uniquely yours!
- Guilt-Free Snack: With wholesome ingredients and minimal added sugar, these protein balls are a delicious, nutritious snack that you can feel good about eating.
Ingredients Needed
- Rolled oats: Oats provide texture and fiber for protein balls.
- Acai puree: Smooth, antioxidant-rich puree for added flavor.
- Almond butter: Creamy nut butter adds richness and healthy fats.
- Honey: Sweet natural sweetener, also helps bind ingredients.
- Ground flaxseed: Nutritious seed, adds omega-3s and fiber.
- Protein powder: Boosts protein content, ideal for fueling muscles.
- Dried cranberries: Tart, chewy fruit for sweetness and texture.
- Shredded coconut: Optional, adds flavor and tropical crunch.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the protein balls.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
How To Make Air Fryer Oat Protein Balls
Step One: In a bowl, blend the rolled oats, acai puree, almond butter, honey or maple syrup, ground flaxseed, protein powder, dried cranberries or raisins, optional shredded coconut, vanilla extract, and a touch of salt until thoroughly mixed.
Step Two: Chill this mixture in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This chilling step will make the mixture more manageable for shaping.
Step Three: Once the mixture has firmed up in the fridge, shape it into 12 uniform protein balls using your hands.
Step Four: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. Before placing the balls in the basket, please give them a light spray with cooking spray to keep them from sticking. Carefully place the acai oat protein balls into the air fryer basket, ensuring they have space around them for even cooking. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through, please give them a turn to ensure they brown evenly and cook thoroughly.
Keep an eye on them towards the end of cooking to achieve your preferred level of crispiness. Once they’re finished cooking, take the protein balls out of the air fryer basket and let them stand for a few minutes to cool.
Air Fryer Oat Protein Balls Recipe Tips
- Chill the Mixture: Let the mixture chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before shaping. This helps the balls hold together better and makes them easier to shape.
- Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to swap dried cranberries for raisins, chocolate chips, or your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure the protein balls are not touching when placed in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, but check the balls halfway through. Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
- Add More Sweetener If Needed: If you like your protein balls sweeter, feel free to add more honey or maple syrup, but be mindful of the moisture content.
- Spray Lightly with Cooking Spray: Lightly coat the protein balls with cooking spray before air frying to avoid them sticking to the basket and to help them crisp up nicely.
Storing
Store Air Fryer Oat Protein Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw before eating.
Air Fryer Oat Protein Balls Recipe Faqs
Can I use a different nut butter? Yes, you can substitute almond butter with peanut butter, cashew butter, or any other nut butter of your choice.
Can I make these protein balls without protein powder? Yes, you can leave out the protein powder, but the texture may change slightly. You can replace it with additional oats or ground flaxseed for added nutrition.
Can I use sweetened nut butter? You can use sweetened nut butter, but keep in mind that it will add extra sweetness. Adjust the amount of honey or syrup to balance the sweetness.
Can I add chocolate chips? Yes, chocolate chips can be added for a sweeter treat. Just fold them into the mixture before shaping the protein balls.
Can I make a bigger batch? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just ensure that the protein balls are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Bagel Dogs
- Air Fryer Soft Pretzels
- Air Fryer Corn Dogs
- Easy Air Fryer Pizza Bagel Bites
- Air Fryer Copycat Applebee’s Cheese Sticks
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Air Fryer Oat Protein Balls
Description
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup acai puree, frozen or puree from acai packets
- 1/4 cup almond butter, or any nut butter of your choice
- 1/4 cup honey , or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup protein powder, vanilla or acai-flavored
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries , or raisins
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut, optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, blend the rolled oats, acai puree, almond butter, honey or maple syrup, ground flaxseed, protein powder, dried cranberries or raisins, optional shredded coconut, vanilla extract, and a touch of salt until thoroughly mixed.
- Chill this mixture in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This chilling step will make the mixture more manageable for shaping.
- Once the mixture has firmed up in the fridge, shape it into 12 uniform protein balls using your hands.
- Heat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for around 5 minutes.
- Before placing the balls in the basket, give it a light spray with cooking spray to keep them from sticking.
- Carefully place the acai oat protein balls into the air fryer basket, ensuring they have space around them for even cooking.
- Cook the protein balls at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10 minutes. Halfway through, give them a turn to ensure they brown evenly and cook thoroughly.
- Keep an eye on them towards the end of cooking to achieve your preferred level of crispiness.
- Once they’re finished cooking, take the protein balls out of the air fryer basket and let them stand for a few minutes to cool.
- Serve these nutritious and tasty Trader Joe’s Air Fryer Acai Oat Protein Balls as a wholesome snack or for a quick energy boost.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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