Oatmeal is just a perfect breakfast option in my opinion. In the summer, I enjoy overnight oats and fresh fruit. In the cooler fall and winter months, I instead opt for making air fryer baked oatmeal instead. It’s filling, tasty, budget friendly, and easy to make. What more could you want!
Baked oatmeal is a preparation of oatmeal that takes the more porridge-like consistency and turns it into a kind of baked bar. It’s not crunchy like a granola bar, but firm enough to be cut into squares.
That means it’s easy to grab and go for those busy mornings! Plus, you can make a whole pan in advance and then cut it up, which saves you even more time throughout the week.
Much like traditional oatmeal, you have the great option of adding a huge variety of mix-ins to make something you love. Fruits, chocolate, and nuts are just some of the great ideas! In fact, I like to make mine with fruits and nut butter for a breakfast take on a PB&J sandwich.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe only takes about 15 minutes to throw together (including prep time), and mostly requires ingredients you probably already have in the pantry!
It’s easy to make a single serving, but equally convenient to make a whole pan for your brunch crowd, or to meal prep easy breakfasts for the week.
Plus, it’s very adjustable and customizable, not only to taste but also to what you have on hand. I like to use protein oats to make it extra filling, but even regular oats are loaded with fiber to help you feel full and power you through your morning!
Special Equipment Note: You’ll need an oven-safe pan of some sort that fits in your air fryer. You could use 4 ramekins, 2 mini loaf pans, or a cake pan, casserole dish, or similar.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can use dairy milk in place of the almond milk, or another nut milk of choice
The peanut butter may be swapped for almond butter or another butter if you have an allergy
Strawberry preserves are what I use for a sweetener. You could also use honey, agave, maple syrup, or another flavor of preserves
Variations of Baked Oats
Fruity. Add ½ cup of berries such as blueberries, raspberries, diced strawberries, or whatever you like to the mix
Chocolate chip. Add ½ cup dark or semi sweet chocolate chips
Funfetti. Add 2 Tbsp rainbow sprinkles (or more if you’d like) to the mix
Vegan. Omit the egg (you can use egg substitute, or a little extra banana) and use agave or another natural sweetener instead
Gluten Free. This recipe should already be gluten free, but always make sure to double check your specific ingredients to ensure they were processed in facilities free from cross-contamination
Step By Step Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and grease your pan(s) with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper
In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients (except for mix-ins if using) and stir to distribute evenly. If you are adding nuts, berries, or chips, fold them in after the initial mix
Pour your oatmeal mixture into your greased baking dish, or divide evenly among smaller dishes like ramekins
Place into the preheated air fryer basket
Cook on the air fry setting for 10 minutes at 350°F, or until golden brown and the center is set
Cool for 5-10 minutes, then cut into bars or scoop into a bowl. Top with fresh berries, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of peanut butter and/or jelly and serve!
What to Serve With Baked Oatmeal
Hash and eggs
Eggs (any style)
Quiche
Bacon
Sausage
Fresh fruit
Toasted nuts
Muffins
Shakshuka
Cinnamon rolls
Pudding
Donuts
Croissants
Avocado toast
Greek yogurt
Coffee
Mimosas
Smoothies
There are many great sides, toppings, and beverages to serve with baked oatmeal. Pair complimentary flavors together for the perfect breakfast or brunch!
Can I Use Steel Cut Oats For Air Fryer Baked Oatmeal?
Yes, you can use steel cut oats, but they will require more cooking time and liquid than rolled or old fashioned oats. Pre-soaking steel-cut oats for a few hours or overnight can help reduce cooking time.
Adjust the recipe by adding extra liquid and checking the doneness as it cooks.
How Do I Prevent Oatmeal From Sticking?
To prevent sticking, you can line your baking pan with parchment paper or use a silicone liner.
Alternatively, lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil before adding the oatmeal mixture.
Can I Make Air Fryer Baked Oatmeal Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare air fryer baked oatmeal ahead of time. After baking, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or air fryer when ready to eat, or enjoy it cold.
Is it Possible to Reheat Leftover Air Fryer Baked Oatmeal?
Absolutely! Reheat leftover oatmeal by placing it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or until heated through. You can also use your air fryer at 325°F for 2-3 minutes, checking for desired warmth.
Brushing the top with a little milk or cream before reheating will help if you feel your oatmeal is getting dry.
What Are Some Sweetener Alternatives For This Recipe?
If you’re looking for sweetener alternatives, consider using maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, or date syrup instead of traditional sugar.
You can also experiment with mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce to add natural sweetness. Adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
What’s the Difference Between Baked Oats and Oatmeal?
The main differences between baked oats and oatmeal is the cooking method and the resulting texture. Baked oats have a firmer, cake-like texture when compared to the porridge-like texture of oatmeal.
Oatmeal is typically prepared by cooking oats on the stovetop or in the microwave with liquid until it reaches a creamy consistency. Baked oats, on the other hand, involve mixing oats with various ingredients like milk, sweeteners, fruits, and spices, and then baking the mixture in an oven or air fryer.
Why Are My Baked Oats Soggy?
Baked oats can become soggy if they are undercooked or if too much liquid is added to the mixture. Make sure to follow the liquid proportions, and bake for additional time if the center is not set.
Also ensure you allow the baked oats to cool for a few minutes after cooking to help them firm up.
Are Baked Oats as Healthy as Overnight Oats?
Both baked oats and overnight oats can be healthy breakfast options, but they have some differences. Baked oats often include ingredients like eggs, milk, and sweeteners, making them slightly higher in calories and protein.
Overnight oats are typically made by soaking rolled oats in liquid (often yogurt or milk) with no cooking involved, which preserves more of the raw oat’s nutrients.
Both options can be nutritious depending on the ingredients used, so choose the one that aligns with your dietary preferences and nutritional goals.
Can Baked Oats Cause Bloating?
Baked oats are generally easy to digest for most people. However, if you experience bloating after consuming baked oats, it might be due to individual sensitivity to certain ingredients like dairy or high-fiber oats.
To reduce the likelihood of bloating, consider using lactose-free milk or a dairy-free alternative and ensuring you drink enough water throughout the day to support digestion. If bloating persists, consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues.
Recipe Pro Tips
For a smooth, more cake-like consistency, puree the ingredients in a blender instead of hand mixing
If you make this recipe in one larger pan, the cooking time will increase to 15-20 minutes
I made my baked oatmeal in two mini loaf pans in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. Other size pans and different air fryers may vary slightly in terms of cooking times
Storage and Reheating Tips
Once cooled, cut baked oatmeal into bars if desired. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months (defrost in the fridge overnight)
Enjoy directly from the refrigerator, or warm in the microwave for 30-45 seconds on high. You may also reheat baked oatmeal in the air fryer at 320°F (or 325°F depending on settings) for about 3 minutes, or until warmed to your liking
Embrace the warm, cozy, filling feeling of oatmeal with this easy air fryer baked oatmeal. It’s perfect for grab and go breakfasts to kick your day off right, but holds its own on the brunch table with pastries, breakfast meats, and mimosas!
It’s the perfect accompaniment to your morning smoothie, too! The great part is that you can add any fruits, nuts, or spices to create the perfect combination to suit your tastes (or match other things you’re serving).
It only takes about 15 minutes to whip up a batch of these easy oatmeal bars, so you really can’t go wrong. Don’t forget to make some Air Fryer Granola Bars as well to get you through your afternoon snack cravings!
PB&J Air Fryer Baked Oatmeal (Protein Oats)
This easy air fryer baked oatmeal cooks in just 10 minutes, and is great for grab and go breakfasts. Flavor them any way you like to start your day right!
2Cupsrolled or old fashioned oats(such as Kodiak protein oats)
1Largeegg
½Cupunsweetened vanilla almond milk
1Overripe banana(peeled and mashed)
½Tspbaking powder
2Tbsppeanut butter
2Tbspnatural strawberry preserves
½Tspsalt
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and grease your pan(s) with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper
In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients (except for mix-ins if using) and stir to distribute evenly. If you are adding nuts, berries, or chips, fold them in after the initial mix
2 Cups rolled or old fashioned oats, 1 Large egg, ½ Cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk, 1 Overripe banana, ½ Tsp baking powder, 2 Tbsp peanut butter, 2 Tbsp natural strawberry preserves, ½ Tsp salt
Pour your oatmeal mixture into your greased baking dish, or divide evenly among smaller dishes like ramekins
Place into the preheated air fryer basket
Cook on the air fry setting for 10 minutes at 350°F, or until golden brown and the center is set
Cool for 5-10 minutes, then cut into bars or scoop into a bowl. Top with fresh berries, toasted nuts, or an additional drizzle of peanut butter and/or jelly and serve!
Notes
You can use dairy milk in place of the almond milk, or another nut milk of choice
The peanut butter may be swapped for almond butter or similar if you have an allergy
Strawberry preserves are what I use for a sweetener. You could also use honey, agave, maple syrup, or another flavor of preserves
For a smooth, more cake-like consistency, puree the ingredients in a blender instead of hand mixing
If you make this recipe in one larger pan, the cooking time will increase to 15-20 minutes
I made my baked oatmeal in two mini loaf pans in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. Other size pans and different air fryers may vary slightly in terms of cooking times
Once cooled, cut baked oatmeal into bars if desired. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months (defrost in the fridge overnight)
Enjoy directly from the refrigerator, or warm in the microwave for 30-45 seconds on high. You may also reheat baked oatmeal in the air fryer at 320°F (or 325°F depending on settings) for about 3 minutes, or until warmed to your liking
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any toppings or sides added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword air fryer baked oatmeal, air fryer baked protein oats, air fryer breakfast recipes, baked oatmeal variations, make ahead breakfast ideas, ninja air fryer baked oatmeal, quick oatmeal recipes
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
