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Soft air fryer pumpkin muffins topped with pumpkin seeds and baked until golden and fluffy
Print Recipe

Air Fryer Pumpkin Muffins - Easy, Cozy, and Ready Fast

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (or pumpkin pie spice to taste)
  • Wet Ingredients 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup neutral oil (canola, avocado, or vegetable)
  • 1/3 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional Add-Ins 1/2–3/4 cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Coarse sugar for sprinkling on top
  • Equipment Air fryer with a basket or tray
  • Silicone muffin cups or parchment muffin liners that fit your air fryer
  • Mixing bowl, whisk, spatula, and a scoop for portioning

Instructions

  • Prep the air fryer: Preheat to 325°F (165°C) for 3–5 minutes. If your model doesn’t preheat, run it empty for a few minutes on the set temperature.
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until no clumps remain.
  • Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Bring it together: Pour the wet mixture into the dry. Stir gently with a spatula just until you no longer see dry flour. Do not overmix. Fold in chips or nuts if using.
  • Fill the liners: Place silicone cups or sturdy liners in the air fryer basket or on the tray. Fill each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if you like a crunchy top.
  • Air fry the first batch: Cook at 325°F (165°C) for 12–14 minutes, until the tops are set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Rotate the basket once if your air fryer has hot spots.
  • Cool briefly: Let muffins rest in the cups for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a rack. Repeat with remaining batter.
  • Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature. They’re great plain or with a pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese.