Air Fryer Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bake with Chia Seeds
A warm, custard-like breakfast bake combining tart frozen cherries with hearty oats and protein-rich eggs. The air fryer creates a perfectly set texture with lightly golden edges in just 15-20 minutes. Chia seeds add nutrition and subtle crunch, while maple syrup and vanilla provide natural sweetness. The individual ramekin portions make this ideal for busy mornings or weekend brunch gatherings. Ground coriander adds an unexpected aromatic note that complements the cherries beautifully, setting this version apart from typical oatmeal bakes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark sweet cherries, frozenblueberries1:1gluten-freedairy-freeFull guide →
- ¾ cup oatmealgluten-free oats1:1gluten-free
- 3 large eggsflax eggs1:1veganeggs-freeFull guide →
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup butter, meltedcoconut oil1:1dairy-freevegandairy-freeFull guide →
- ⅛ cup maple syrup
- ⅛ cup heavy creamcoconut cream1:1dairy-freevegandairy-freeFull guide →
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon ground coriander
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- 1
Preheat air fryer to air fryer setting
- 2
Mix oatmeal, chia seeds, salt, and spices in a bowl
- 3
Add eggs, cream, melted butter, vanilla, and maple syrup
- 4
Add frozen cherries and mix well
- 5
Split mixture equally between 4 ramekins
- 6
Place in air fryer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes
- 7
Remove carefully and let cool for 5-10 minutes
- 8
Serve with maple syrup drizzle or powdered sugar
Tips
Use frozen cherries directly without thawing to prevent excess moisture from making the bake soggy
Grease ramekins well or use parchment paper rounds to ensure easy removal after baking
Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in center - it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days
Can be assembled night before and baked in morning
Best served warm, can be reheated in air fryer for 2-3 minutes
Common Mistakes
Grease ramekins well to avoid sticking
Don't overfill ramekins to prevent overflow during cooking
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Swaps
FAQ
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Yes, but reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes as fresh cherries release less moisture during baking.
What if I don't have ramekins?
Use muffin tins or small oven-safe bowls, adjusting cooking time as needed based on size.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered for up to 3 days and reheat individual portions in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.