Creamy Air Fryer Oatmeal with rolled oats is the most easiest, fool proof, hands free method to make oatmeal. You might never go back to making oatmeal in the stovetop or microwave again!
Air Fryer Oatmeal
The beginning of new school year calls for quick and easy breakfasts that can be prepared in a flash, like a peanut butter toast, or doesn't require much effort. Hence oatmeals or overnight oats are always one of our family's go to weekday breakfast.
It is easy, comforting, hands free, creamy, fool proof, customizable, great for meal prep, healthy, gluten free and vegetarian like this quinoa porridge recipe.
Why are you going to love this recipe?
Making creamy oatmeal in air fryer is a revolutionary idea that we are proud of!! It took several tries to develop a technique that was fool proof. The secret was in the quantity of liquid and cooking it low and slow. Although it might sound like 15 minutes is too long for oatmeal, please remember that it is "a set it and forget it" method.
What oats to use?
This recipe is developed to work only for old fashioned / rolled oats. Steel cut oats need a longer cooking time and more liquid whereas quick oats ends up very mushy.
What size pan to use?
A 6-inch baking pan is perfect for cooking one cup of oats. A smaller pan might end up with oats over flowing whereas a bigger pan might make a drier oatmeal instead of creamy texture.
How long to cook?
The secret to cooking oatmeal in the air fryer is low and slow. It is cooked at 300 degrees for 15 minutes.
Can you freeze cooked oatmeal?
Leftovers (along with your favorite add ins) can be frozen in standard muffin pan. Once they are completely frozen, transfer it to zip lock bag and freeze for up to a month. Simply thaw one portion the night before in the fridge and then reheat in the microwave with additional milk or water.
Variations
- Banana nut – Stir chopped banana, walnuts and cinnamon into the cooked oatmeal. You might also love these amazing air fryer banana muffins.
- Pumpkin spice – Stir in brown sugar, canned pumpkin puree, pumpkin puree and a splash of cream into the oatmeal.
- Chocolate Peanut butter – Stir peanut butter, cocoa powder and honey/maple syrup into the cooked oatmeal.
- Chocolate Almond Butter - Almond butter, cocoa powder, honey and sliced banana.
- Maple and Brown sugar – Stir maple syrup, brown sugar, chopped toasted pecans and ground cinnamon.
- Strawberries and cream – Stir in chopped strawberries, a splash of heavy cream (or coconut milk for a healthier take) and honey into the cooked oatmeal.
- Carrot Cake - Stir in finely grated carrot, golden brown sugar, raisins, chopped walnuts and ground cinnamon. Top with lightly sweetened greek yogurt before serving.
- Pina Colada – Stir in finely chopped pineapple, shredded coconut and a dash of coconut milk into the oatmeal.
- Black forest cake – Stir in chopped fresh Bing cherries, cocoa powder, sugar, a dash of cherry liqueur and whipped cream into the cooked oatmeal.
- Birthday Cake – Stir in sugar, vanilla extract and sprinkles into the oatmeal.
Pro Tips for Success
Old fashioned oats – This recipe is developed to work only for old fashioned / rolled oats. Steel cut oats need a longer cooking time and more liquid whereas quick oats ends up very mushy.
Don’t forget salt – A pinch of salt enhances the flavor without making it bland.
To make it gluten free, use gluten free oats
If you are using Quaker oats, old fashioned oats is same as rolled oats.
Air fryer size - We used Instant Vortex 6 quart air fryer for this recipe
Pan - A 6-inch baking pan is perfect for cooking one cup of oats. A smaller pan might end up with oats over flowing whereas a bigger pan might make a drier oatmeal instead of creamy texture.
Temperature - The secret to cooking oatmeal in the air fryer is low and slow. It is cooked at 300 degrees for 15 minutes.
Key ingredients
There are only two main ingredients along with water and a pinch of salt-
Oats – This recipe is created for old fashioned or rolled oats and not steel cut / quick cooking.
Dairy – Milk (whole or reduced fat)
How to make?
Prep oats - Stir rolled oats, water, milk and salt in a greased 6-inch baking pan.
Cook - Place in a pre heated 300 degree air fryer and cook for 15 minutes.
Finish - Remove pan (it will be very hot) from air fryer, stir in your favorite sweetener and let cool for about 5 minutes to thicken and then enjoy!
How to store?
Leftover oatmeal can be refrigerated in a covered container for up to 4 days.
How to reheat oatmeal?
Microwave the oatmeal in a microwave safe container along with a splash of milk or water to loosen up. Add your favorite topping and enjoy.
Oatmeal toppings
- Sweeteners – Honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, coconut sugar or plain white sugar.
- Fresh fruits – Banana, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or blackberries.
- Dried fruits – Raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dates.
- Spices – Ground cinnamon, nutmeg (freshly grated), ground cardamom or pumpkin spice.
- Nut butter – Almond butter, peanut butter or sun butter.
- Nuts – Toasted almonds, walnuts, pecans or peanuts.
- Seeds – Pumpkin or sun flower seeds.
- Decadent ideas – Chocolate chips, grated dark chocolate, whipped cream, Nutella or sprinkles.
More Air fryer Breakfasts to try-
- Air Fryer Omelette Recipe
- French Toast <--- made with regular bread
Air fryer Oatmeal with Rolled Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 pinch salt
Additional ingredients (optional)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons brown sugar or as needed
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Grease a 6-inch round cake pan with non-stick spray.
- Add oats, water, milk and salt into the pan and give a stir.
- Pre heat air fryer to 300°F for 15 minutes. When hot, place pan into the air fryer basket and cook until time is done. (No need to stir in the middle of cooking)
- When done, carefully remove pan from the air fryer ( use kitchen towels / oven mitts, pan will be HOT) and place on a wire rack. Stir in brown sugar (or your favorite sweetener) and cinnamon, stir well and let rest for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- Serve topped with chopped walnuts and fresh berries.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third party calculations, should be considered estimates and not be construed as a guarantee. Varying factors such as product types, brands purchased, produce, the way ingredients are processed and more change the nutritional information in any recipe.
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Johanna Barnard
Excellent! Thank you.
Maria Doss
Hi Johanna, Happy to hear that, Maria
Brenda
Do you use the "air fryer" setting or "bake" setting when making the oatmeal?
Maria Doss
"Air fry" setting - Maria