Maple Cinnamon Air Fryer Granola (Quick and Easy)
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Maple Cinnamon Air-Fryer Granola is the perfect wholesome start to your day. Packed with crispy oats, toasted pepitas, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup, it’s a feel-good breakfast you’ll love. With both air-fryer and oven instructions, this easy recipe is bound to be a fall favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Granola Recipe
Ingredient Notes
- Oats | For the best texture, Use old-fashioned oats or rolled oats. Don’t use quick oats or steel-cut oats, as they won’t give you that delightful crunch.
- Raw pepitas | These pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch and a boost of healthy fats. Plus, they’re a great source of protein!
- Salt | I like to use kosher salt for a balanced flavor. Just a pinch elevates the sweetness beautifully.
- Spices | Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth to your granola. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your taste—more spice means more cozy vibes!
- Coconut oil | Melted coconut oil adds richness and helps bind everything together, while giving your granola a hint of tropical flavor.
- Pure maple syrup | This natural sweetener adds sweetness and gives a lovely depth of flavor. It’s a perfect complement to the spices!
- Vanilla | A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and makes the granola even more irresistible. It’s a must-have!
How to Make this Easy Air Fryer Granola Recipe
I prefer the air fryer version of this delicious homemade granola recipe because it takes about half the time and is super easy!
STEP 1 | Mix dry ingredients
Start by adding the oats, pepitas, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a large mixing bowl and give it a good stir.
STEP 2 | Combine wet ingredients
Next, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
STEP 3 | Add the wet to the dry ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir well until the oat mixture is fully and evenly coated.
STEP 4 | Add to air fryer
Now, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and pour the granola mixture into it. For the best results, press it down in an even layer with the back of a wooden spoon or spatula.
STEP 5 | Cook granola
Then, bake the granola in the air fryer at 325 degrees F for 10-12 minutes. After 5 minutes, pause to stir the granola and return it to the air fryer for the remaining 5-7 minutes.
The granola is done when it starts to turn a nice golden brown.
STEP 6 | Cool and enjoy
Once golden and crisp, allow the granola to cool in the air fryer for about 5 minutes. Then, remove the granola from the air fryer, spread it out on a large plate or baking sheet, and let it cool undisturbed for at least 60 minutes before storing or serving fresh.
How to Make Homemade Granola in the Oven
The conventional oven method produces crunchy and delicious results but takes a bit longer than the air fryer method. If you don’t have an air fryer at home, baking granola in the oven is the next best option! Here’s how:
STEP 1 | Preheat
First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
STEP 2 | Mix the ingredients
Add the oats, pepitas, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a large bowl and stir. Whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a separate mixing bowl.
Then, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring well until the oat mixture is fully and evenly coated.
STEP 3 | Add to baking sheet
Now, pour the granola mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread it into an even layer, pressing it onto the baking sheet with the back of a spoon or spatula.
STEP 4 | Bake
Bake the granola in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. After 10 minutes, stir the granola and press it back into the pan.
Then, return the pan to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until it turns golden brown.
Tips from the Home Chef’s Kitchen
If you love this cinnamon granola recipe, try my Homemade Buttery Honey Nut Granola and Peanut Butter Banana Granola.
Variations and Substitutions
- Pumpkin Spice Granola. For pumpkin spice-flavored granola, substitute 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon for the cinnamon and nutmeg. Yum!
- Add Fruit. Add your favorite dried fruit after the granola is baked, or toss with juicy fresh fruits when serving.
- More to Add. Mix in your favorite nuts, coconut flakes, chia seeds, chocolate chips, sunflower seeds, or other tasty granola mix-ins.
Storage Tips
- Once it completely cools to room temperature, store the granola in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1-2 weeks.
- You can also freeze homemade granola to store for longer. It should keep well for up to three months.
- When ready to enjoy it, thaw it at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, pop it in the oven for a few minutes to crisp it back up!
Frequently Asked Questions
It might be due to too much moisture or not baking it long enough. Make sure it’s nice and golden!
Usually, it’s a mix of melted coconut oil and sweeteners like maple syrup that help everything stick together.
Definitely! It’s packed with whole grains and healthy fats and can be super nutritious, especially when you control the ingredients.
Yes, it can! If stored properly in an airtight container, it usually lasts a few weeks, but keep an eye out for any off smells or changes in texture.
Looking for more Healthy Oat Recipes?
Oats are nutrient-dense, high in fiber, and provide lasting energy. If you’re looking for more ways to add oats to your diet, try more of my delicious and easy recipes, like Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Bites, these Gluten-Free Muffins with strawberries and oats, and my hearty Oat Flour Pancakes.
What to Serve With Quick and Easy Cinnamon Granola
Try serving your homemade cinnamon and maple granola layered with creamy Greek yogurt and fresh berries—it’s such a treat!
Or, if you’re in the mood for something cozy, grab a bowl, add a splash of milk, and enjoy it as is. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
You can also use it as an oatmeal topping– try my Easy Baked Oatmeal with Berries. And even better, top this homemade Peach Ice Cream with crunchy cinnamon granola!
Love this recipe? Bookmark it for the future!
Simply tap the heart symbol located in the lower right corner of your screen, and the recipe will be securely stored in your own recipe box.
Air Fryer Maple Cinnamon Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 cup raw pepitas
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Air Fryer Instructions
- Add the oats, pepitas, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir well until the oat mixture is fully and evenly coated.
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Pour the granola into the air fryer basket and press it down with the bake of a spoon or spatula.
- Bake the granola in the air fryer at 325 degrees F for 10-12 minutes. After 5 minutes, pause to stir the granola and return it to the air fryer for the remaining 5-7 minutes. The granola is done when it starts to turn golden brown.
- Allow the granola to cool in the air fryer for about 5 minutes. Then, remove the granola from the air fryer and spread it out on a large plate or baking sheet. Allow the granola to cool undisturbed for at least 60 minutes.
Baking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add the oats, pepitas, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir well until the oat mixture is fully and evenly coated.
- Pour the granola mixture out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread the granola into an even layer and press it into the baking sheet with the bake of a spoon or spatula.
- Bake the granola in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. After 10 minutes, stir the granola and press it back into the pan. Return the pan to the oven for the remaining 10-15 minutes. The granola is done when it starts to turn golden brown.
- Allow the granola to cool undisturbed on the baking sheet for at least 60 minutes. After the granola is cooled, break it apart into clusters.
Notes
- Cut the parchment paper about 1 inch larger than the base of your air fryer basket on all sides. This will leave a little lip of paper all around the basket which makes it easy to lift the granola out once cooled.
- For a pumpkin spice flavored granola, substitute 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and ½ teaspoon cinnamon for the cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Pressing the granola into the baking sheet or air fryer helps create larger granola clusters.
- Granola can burn quickly, especially in the air fryer. Keep a close eye on the granola for the last half of baking and remove it as soon as it turns golden brown.
- Make sure to let the granola fully cool before storing. This will take at least an hour, but if you can leave the granola out on the baking sheet for several hours before storing, that’s even better. If the granola is warm when you put it in a storage container, it will lose its crispiness.
- Store fully cooled granola in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 1-2 weeks.
Nutrition
Life Love and Good Food does not claim to be a registered dietician or nutritionist. Nutritional information shared on this site is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
