Superpower Muffins

By Anelia Van Zyl

Hey kids! Did you know that bananas are nature’s very own candy bars, wrapped in their own yellow wrapper? These cheerful fruits are not only packed with potassium but they also serve as a phone substitute for when the opportunity “calls”! They are humble but quick energy boosters and work as a snack or in a smoothie. Oats, another powerful ingredient, are secret superheroes, working their magic when we need it. They add fiber to our breakfasts or snacks and serve as the caped crusaders that fight off free radicals in our bodies. Bananas and oats together—now, that would be a serious superfood! This month we are baking the ultimate muffins that will turn you into a force to be reckoned with! They are easy and fun to make, and will turn your power into SUPERPOWER! Enjoy!

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Muffin liners 
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon or spatula

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or raisins (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 160°C.
2. Place muffin liners in the air fryer basket. 
3. Combine the dry ingredients—rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon—in a bowl.
4. Mix the wet ingredients—mashed bananas, honey or maple syrup, egg, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract—in another bowl.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir until combined, but don’t overmix!
6. Add any optional extras, like mini chocolate chips or raisins, by gently folding in. 
7. Spoon the batter into the muffin liners to about two-thirds full.
8. Cook the muffins at 160°C for 12–15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Now let those muffins cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before enjoying. Be careful—they’ll be hot!

Remember to always have an adult nearby to help with the air fryer and handling hot muffins

Fun tips

• Add chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Decorate the tops with a sprinkle of oats or a few extra chocolate chips before air frying.
• Share a batch with friends or family and have a healthy snack party

Photo courtesy of the author.

About the Author

Anelia is a performing artist from South Africa. She has been living and working as a teacher in Thailand for ten years. She also writes educational children’s books, makes music, and loves to spend time in the kitchen. Follow her adventures on IG @aneliavz.