English muffins are one of those everyday staples that quietly make life easier. They’re quick, versatile, and endlessly customizable—perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or even light meals. But if you’ve ever tried toasting English muffins in a toaster that burns one side and barely warms the other, or waited too long for an oven to preheat, you’ll appreciate just how amazing they are in the air fryer.
Air fryer English muffins come out evenly toasted every time: golden and crisp on the cut side, lightly warm on the outside, and soft and fluffy in the center. No babysitting. No uneven browning. Just reliable, delicious results in minutes.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn:
- How to toast English muffins in the air fryer (step by step)
- Best temperature and cook times
- Tips for perfect texture
- Buttered, plain, and frozen English muffins
- Sweet and savory topping ideas
- Breakfast, lunch, and snack serving styles
- Storage and reheating tips
- FAQs for foolproof results
Let’s get started.
Why Make English Muffins in the Air Fryer?
English muffins are ideal for air frying because they’re already partially cooked and designed to be split and toasted. The air fryer’s circulating heat reaches all those little nooks and crannies, giving you a beautifully crisp surface without drying them out.
Benefits of Air Fryer English Muffins
- Even toasting every time
- Faster than an oven, more reliable than a toaster
- No flipping required
- Great for buttered or plain muffins
- Works with fresh or frozen muffins
- Perfect for small batches
Once you try them this way, you may stop using your toaster altogether.
Ingredients (Simple & Flexible)
Basic Ingredients
- English muffins (plain, whole wheat, multigrain, or flavored)
That’s all you need for classic toasted English muffins.
Optional Add-Ons (Before or After Toasting)
Depending on how you plan to serve them:
- Butter or garlic butter
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Jam or marmalade
- Peanut butter or almond butter
- Cream cheese
- Cheese slices
- Avocado
- Eggs
- Breakfast meats
- Fresh herbs
- Cinnamon sugar
Best English Muffins for the Air Fryer
Almost all English muffins work well in the air fryer.
Popular Types
- Plain English muffins
- Whole wheat English muffins
- Multigrain English muffins
- Sourdough English muffins
- Cinnamon raisin English muffins
- Gluten-free English muffins
Muffin Tips
- Split muffins with a fork, not a knife, to preserve texture
- Standard-sized muffins cook more evenly than oversized ones
- Fresh and frozen both work beautifully
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
- Knife or fork (for splitting)
- Parchment liner (optional)
How to Toast English Muffins in the Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.
This moderate heat crisps the surface without over-browning.
Step 2: Split the English Muffins
Use a fork to gently split each English muffin into two halves.
Fork-splitting creates rough edges and pockets that toast beautifully.
Step 3: Optional Butter or Oil
You can:
- Toast plain for a dry, crisp surface
- Lightly butter the cut side for richer flavor
- Brush with olive oil for a lighter option
Butter enhances browning but is not required.
Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place English muffin halves, cut-side u,p in a single layer.
✔ Do not overlap
✔ Leave space for airflow
✔ Cook in batches if needed
Step 5: Air Fry
Cook at 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
- Light toast: 3 minutes
- Medium toast: 4 minutes
- Extra crispy: 5 minutes
No flipping needed.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Air Fryer Veggie Egg Cups (Healthy, Fluffy & Perfect for Meal Prep)
Air Fryer Cheese Toast (Golden, Crispy & Perfectly Melty)
Easy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes in 15 Minutes
Cooking Time Quick Guide
| English Muffin Type | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Plain or whole wheat | 350°F | 3–5 min |
| Buttered | 350°F | 4–5 min |
| Cinnamon raisin | 340°F | 3–4 min |
| Frozen | 350°F | 5–6 min |
| Gluten-free | 350°F | 4–6 min |
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer English Muffins
✔ Fork-Split for Best Texture
This keeps the signature nooks and crannies intact.
✔ Watch Closely
English muffins toast quickly and can overbrown if left too long.
✔ Butter After or Before—Your Choice
Before = crispier
After = softer center
✔ Avoid High Heat
Higher temperatures can dry them out.
✔ Serve Right Away
They’re best hot and fresh.
Frozen English Muffins in the Air Fryer
No thawing required—frozen English muffins toast beautifully.
Instructions
- Split if possible (some brands come pre-split)
- Air fry at 350°F for 5–6 minutes
- Check halfway for doneness
Flavor Variations & Topping Ideas
Once toasted, English muffins become a blank canvas.
Sweet English Muffin Ideas
Classic Butter & Jam
- Butter
- Strawberry or raspberry jam
- Orange marmalade
Honey & Nut Butter
- Peanut butter or almond butter
- Drizzle of honey
Cinnamon Sugar Muffins
- Butter
- Cinnamon sugar sprinkle
Cream Cheese & Fruit
- Cream cheese
- Fresh berries or sliced banana
Savory English Muffin Ideas
Cheese Toasted English Muffins
- Add cheese slices
- Air fry 1–2 more minutes until melted
Avocado English Muffins
- Mashed avocado
- Salt, pepper, chili flakes
Garlic Butter Muffins
- Garlic butter spread
- Sprinkle parsley after toasting
English Muffins for Breakfast
English muffins are a breakfast classic for a reason.
Breakfast Serving Ideas
- Egg and cheese English muffin sandwiches
- Sausage or bacon breakfast muffins
- English muffin with scrambled eggs
- Eggs Benedict base
- Breakfast meal prep sandwiches
Lunch & Dinner Uses for English Muffins
They’re not just for mornings.
Savory Meal Ideas
- Mini English muffin pizzas
- Open-faced sandwiches
- Tuna melt English muffins
- Chicken salad muffins
- Sloppy Joe English muffins
Snack & Party Ideas
English muffins work surprisingly well for entertaining.
Party-Friendly Ideas
- Cut into quarters after toasting
- Top with spreads
- Serve as crostini-style bites
- Mini pizzas for kids’ parties
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
Make Ahead
- Pre-split muffins
- Store in airtight container
Meal Prep
- Toast lightly
- Cool completely
- Reheat briefly in air fryer before serving
Storage & Reheating
Storing Toasted English Muffins
- Best eaten fresh
- Can be stored up to 1 day at room temperature
Reheating in the Air Fryer
- 330°F for 1–2 minutes
- Rest 30 seconds before serving
Avoid microwaving—it makes them chewy.
Nutrition Notes
English muffins are lighter than many breads and easy to balance.
Tips for a Healthier Option
- Choose whole wheat or multigrain
- Skip butter or use lightly
- Add protein and fiber-rich toppings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I toast English muffins without splitting them?
Splitting is strongly recommended for even toasting.
Do I need oil or butter?
No, but butter improves browning and flavor.
Why are my muffins too dry?
They were toasted too long or at too high a temperature.
Can I make mini pizzas directly on English muffins?
Yes—toast first, then add toppings and air fry again.
Best temperature for English muffins?
350°F gives the best balance of crisp outside and soft inside.
Can I toast multiple muffins at once?
Yes, as long as they fit in a single layer.
Final Thoughts: The Easiest Way to Toast English Muffins
Air fryer English muffins are one of those small kitchen upgrades that make a big difference. They’re faster than the oven, more reliable than a toaster, and endlessly versatile—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or quick meals.
With just a few minutes in the air fryer, you get:
✔ Crisp edges
✔ Soft centers
✔ Even browning
✔ Zero guesswork
Once you try English muffins in the air fryer, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
