Air Fryer Baked Oats

These air fryer baked oats are one of those recipes I started making out of convenience… and then never stopped. They’re soft and fluffy like an oatmeal cake, lightly crisp on top, and just sweet enough to feel comforting without tipping into dessert territory. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels warm, cozy, and nourishing — especially on busy mornings when you still want something homemade.

If you’re into easy, delicious recipes like this, you’d probably also love Air Fryer Pineapple — a yummy snack, just baked into grab-and-go portions. Read on for the mouthwatering air fryer baked oats as promised!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Video Instructions
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• Instructions
• Pro Cooking Tips
• FAQs
• Air Fryer Baked Oats

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick but homemade: It takes about 5 minutes to mix and the air fryer does the rest.
• Soft, cake-like texture: Think baked oatmeal meets breakfast cake — not mushy, not dry.
• One-bowl simplicity: Fewer dishes, less cleanup, more reasons to make it again.
• Naturally filling: Oats, eggs, and milk keep you satisfied for hours.
• Endlessly customizable: Fruit, nuts, chocolate chips — you can tweak it every time.

Video Instructions

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Rolled oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture here. They soften beautifully while still holding their shape. I don’t recommend steel-cut oats — they won’t cook through properly. Quick oats work in a pinch, but the final texture will be much softer and less structured.
• Milk: I’ve used everything from whole milk to almond and oat milk. Dairy milk makes it a bit richer, while plant-based milks keep it lighter. Use whatever you already have.
• Maple syrup or honey: Maple syrup adds a warm, cozy sweetness that pairs perfectly with oats and cinnamon. Honey works just as well. If I’m out of both, I’ll use brown sugar for a slightly deeper flavor.

Instructions

Step 1 – Mix

In a large bowl, combine the oats, milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well and let the mixture sit for about 2 minutes so the oats can start absorbing the liquid.

Step 2 – Prepare the Dish

Grease a small air fryer–safe baking dish (or individual ramekins if you want portions). Stir the melted butter or oil into the oat mixture, then pour everything into the dish.

Step 3 – Air Fry

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Air fry for 12–15 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.

Step 4 – Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm as-is, or with yogurt, fruit, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use a shallow baking dish: I’ve found that a shallow dish cooks the oats more evenly. Deep dishes can leave the center undercooked while the edges dry out.
• Don’t overbake: This is the biggest mistake. As soon as the center is set, pull it out. If you wait for it to feel firm, it’ll dry out as it cools.
• Let the oats rest before baking: Those 2 minutes of resting really help. It gives the oats time to absorb liquid and bake up fluffy instead of watery.
• Add mix-ins thoughtfully: Fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts are great, but I keep add-ins under about 1 cup total. Too much extra stuff can affect how evenly it cooks.
• Want crisp edges? Bake closer to the 15-minute mark and use a metal dish if your air fryer allows it — it gives slightly crispier sides.