These air fryer baked oats combine sweet apple, warming cinnamon and everyday porridge oats in soft, golden breakfast cups. They are easy to prepare, naturally sweetened with fruit and ideal when you want a homemade breakfast without spending much time in the kitchen.
Made with oats, eggs, milk and yoghurt, these individual baked oat cups can be served warm with a spoonful of Greek yoghurt and extra apple. They are also convenient for preparing breakfast ahead of a busy morning.
Recipe Details
- Servings: 4
- Makes: 4 baked oat cups
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Cooking method: Air fryer
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the baked oat cups
- 120g porridge oats
- 2 medium eggs
- 120ml semi-skimmed milk
- 100g fat-free natural Greek yoghurt
- 1 medium apple, approximately 150g, grated
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey, optional
- A small pinch of salt
- A little oil spray, for greasing
To serve
- 100g fat-free natural Greek yoghurt
- ½ apple, thinly sliced
- A light dusting of ground cinnamon
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Oats
1. Prepare the air fryer and ramekins
Preheat the air fryer to 160°C, if required by your model.
Lightly grease four small, air-fryer-safe ramekins, approximately 150–180ml capacity each.
Check that the ramekins fit comfortably in the basket, leaving room for air to circulate. Cook in batches if necessary.
2. Prepare the apple
Wash the apple and grate it using the coarse side of a box grater.
There is no need to peel it unless preferred. Keeping the skin adds colour and texture.
3. Mix the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Greek yoghurt, vanilla extract and maple syrup or honey, if using.
Stir in the grated apple until evenly combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients
Add the porridge oats, cinnamon, baking powder and a small pinch of salt.
Mix until combined, then leave the mixture to stand for 3–5 minutes so the oats can absorb some of the liquid.
5. Fill the ramekins
Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared ramekins.
Leave a little space at the top because the baked oats will rise slightly as they cook.
6. Air fry until golden
Place the ramekins carefully inside the air fryer basket.
Cook at 160°C for approximately 15–20 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden and the centres are set.
Insert a skewer into the centre of one cup. It should come out without wet batter. If necessary, continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes, checking regularly.
Cooking times vary depending on the size of the ramekins and the air fryer model.
7. Rest and serve
Leave the baked oat cups to stand for 3–5 minutes before serving, as the ramekins will be very hot.
Top each cup with a spoonful of Greek yoghurt, a few slices of fresh apple and a light dusting of cinnamon.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Baked Oats
Use ordinary porridge oats. They soften nicely while retaining a little texture.
Grate the apple finely enough to distribute it evenly. This helps keep the cups moist.
Avoid overfilling the ramekins. The mixture rises slightly during cooking.
Check the centres before serving. The tops may brown before the middle has fully set.
Cook at a moderate temperature. A lower air fryer temperature helps prevent the tops from becoming too dark.
Add the yoghurt after baking. This keeps the topping cool and creamy.
Easy Budget-Friendly Variations
Apple and Raisin Baked Oats
Add 1 tablespoon of raisins to the mixture for extra sweetness.
Pear and Cinnamon Oat Cups
Replace the grated apple with a ripe grated pear.
Banana Baked Oats
Use half a mashed banana instead of the optional maple syrup or honey.
Berry Baked Oat Cups
Add a small handful of fresh or frozen berries. If using frozen berries, the cups may need a little longer to cook.
Nutty Apple Oat Cups
Sprinkle a small amount of chopped walnuts over the mixture before baking. Check for nut allergies before serving.
Can You Make Baked Oat Cups Ahead?
Yes. These individual cups are useful for preparing breakfast in advance.
Bake them, allow them to cool promptly and refrigerate in an airtight container. Keep the fresh apple and yoghurt toppings separate until serving.
How to Store and Reheat
Store the cooled baked oat cups in an airtight container in the fridge at 5°C or below for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 150°C for approximately 3–5 minutes, or until piping hot throughout. Reheat only once.
You can also enjoy them cold if they have been stored correctly.
The baked cups can be frozen without the toppings. Wrap them individually, freeze in a suitable container and defrost thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.
Add fresh yoghurt and apple just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked oats in the air fryer?
Yes. Small, air-fryer-safe ramekins work well for individual portions. Use a moderate temperature and check that the centres are fully set.
Do I need to blend the oats?
No. This recipe uses whole porridge oats for a slightly textured finish. If you prefer a smoother, cake-like consistency, blend the oats before mixing.
Can I make these baked oat cups without added sugar?
Yes. The grated apple adds natural sweetness, so the maple syrup or honey is optional.
Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes. An unsweetened plant-based milk can replace semi-skimmed milk, although the flavour and nutritional content may differ.
Can I use frozen berries instead of apple?
Yes. Add a small amount of frozen berries to the mixture and allow extra cooking time if needed.
Why are my baked oats wet in the middle?
They may need a little longer to cook, particularly if the ramekins are deep or the fruit releases extra moisture. Check the centre with a skewer before serving.
More Easy Breakfast and Air Fryer Recipes
For another simple homemade meal, try our Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Pizza Flatbreads.
You can also explore our Healthy High-Protein & Fibre-Rich Recipes collection for more everyday breakfast, lunch and dinner inspiration.
A Warm and Comforting Breakfast
These air fryer apple and cinnamon baked oat cups are an easy way to turn simple ingredients into a cosy homemade breakfast. Prepare a batch ahead of time and serve with Greek yoghurt and fresh fruit whenever you need a convenient morning meal.
Allergen note: Contains eggs and milk. Check the labels of your oats, yoghurt and other packaged ingredients. Use certified gluten-free oats if preparing the recipe for someone who needs to avoid gluten.