Vegan Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Granola
Crunchy homemade granola loaded with chocolate chips, diced pecans, and chia seeds, made effortlessly in the air fryer. The maple syrup and vanilla create a lightly sweet coating that crisps beautifully in just 12-14 minutes. Perfect for breakfast over yogurt, as a snack, or sprinkled on smoothie bowls. This compact cooking method delivers evenly golden clusters without heating up your kitchen.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup pecans, diced
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ⅓ cup old-fashioned oats
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1
Line a 6-inch cake pan with parchment paper and set aside
- 2
Mix chocolate chips, pecans, chia seeds, salt, and oats in a large bowl until evenly distributed
- 3
Add oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, mixing with a fork until all dry ingredients are coated
- 4
Pour mixture into prepared cake pan and press down with a fork to compact
- 5
Cook on air fryer setting for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden
- 6
Remove pan from air fryer and let cool completely
- 7
Break into pieces and store in an airtight container
Tips
Use a fork instead of a spoon to mix the wet ingredients with the dry ones for better coating of all the oats.
Press the mixture firmly in the pan to create clusters that hold together better after cooking.
If your pan doesn't fit the air fryer, cook directly in the basket after rubbing with oil for easy removal.
Good to Know
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Serve over yogurt, with milk as cereal, or as a snack.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip compacting the mixture to avoid loose granola that falls apart.
Let cool completely before breaking apart to prevent crumbling.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this without a cake pan?
Yes, cook directly in the air fryer basket after lightly oiling it. Make sure to let it cool completely before removing to prevent sticking.
How long does this granola keep?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The crunchiness will gradually soften over time.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but you may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size. Don't overcrowd the pan or basket for even cooking.