There's nothing like the smell of freshly baked muffins wafting through the house. When those muffins are a delightful combination of tart raspberries and creamy white chocolate, they're bound to become an instant favourite. In this article, we'll guide you through crafting these scrumptious raspberry white chocolate muffins, with a twist — they're designed to be perfectly baked in an air fryer!
Ingredients You'll Need
Before you begin, let's gather our ingredients. For this recipe, you'll need the following:
- 200g plain flour
- 100g caster sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- Pinch of salt
- 90g white chocolate chips
- 150g fresh or frozen raspberries
- 120ml milk
- 50ml vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepping the Air Fryer
To start, make sure your air fryer is clean and dry. Preheat it to 160°C (320°F) as per the manufacturer's instructions. This step ensures a consistent cooking temperature throughout, providing an even bake for your muffins.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sieve together the plain flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Add in the caster sugar and stir until well combined. This step eliminates any lumps and ensures an even distribution of ingredients.
3. Preparing the Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. The key is to mix until combined without over-beating the eggs.
4. Bringing It Together
Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Avoid over-mixing; it's perfectly fine if the batter is a bit lumpy. Carefully fold in the raspberries and white chocolate chips — this will ensure that they are evenly distributed in every muffin. Over-mixing can crush the raspberries and alter the texture.
5. Preparing for Air Frying
Line your air fryer's muffin cups with paper liners or lightly spray them with non-stick cooking spray. Fill each cup about ¾ full to allow room for rising.
6. Air Frying Your Muffins
Carefully place the muffin tray in the preheated air fryer. Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remember, air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on your muffins during the final minutes of cooking. They should be golden brown on top.
Tips for Perfect Muffins
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your muffins come out perfectly every time:
- To keep the raspberries intact, consider partially freezing them before adding to the mixture.
- If you're using frozen raspberries, there's no need to defrost. Simply toss them in with the chocolate chips.
- For a richer flavour, substitute vegetable oil with melted butter.
- Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, your muffins are ready!
Why Choose Air Frying?
Air frying your muffins not only makes them healthier by using less oil but also results in a faster bake time compared to traditional ovens. The circulated hot air ensures that the muffins cook evenly and develop a delightful crispness on the outside while remaining fluffy inside. Plus, it doesn't heat up the entire kitchen — a bonus during those warm summer days!
Serving Suggestions
These raspberry white chocolate muffins are a treat on their own, but you can elevate them with these serving suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pair with a cup of Earl Grey tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh raspberry for an elegant presentation.
Storage and Freezing Tips
To store your muffins, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze these muffins. Simply let them cool completely, then wrap each muffin individually in cling film and place them in a zip-lock bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes.
We hope you enjoy making these delightful raspberry white chocolate muffins. Their perfect blend of tartness and creamy sweetness, coupled with the convenience of air frying, makes this recipe a must-try for any home baker. Happy baking!