Three savoury air fryer muffins you’ll want warm from the basket (with melting butter, of course)

There’s something deeply comforting about a freshly baked savoury muffin – golden on the outside, soft in the middle, and just waiting to be split open. And let’s be honest, nothing quite compares to watching a generous slab of cold butter melt straight into a hot muffin, disappearing into every little crumb.

The good news? You don’t need to turn on the oven to enjoy that simple pleasure. Your air fryer can do the job beautifully – faster, easier, and without heating up the whole kitchen.

Whether you’re after a quick lunch, something to go with soup, or a grab-and-go snack, these three savoury muffin variations are packed with flavour and perfect straight from the air fryer basket.

Base Muffin Mix (for all recipes)
This simple base works for all three variations.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups self-raising flour
½ tsp salt
1 cup milk
1 egg
60g butter, melted
1 cup grated cheese

Method:

In a bowl, combine flour and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg and melted butter.
Pour wet ingredients into dry and gently mix.
Fold through cheese and your chosen fillings (see below).
Spoon mixture into greased silicone muffin cups or small ramekins.
Air fry at 180°C for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Rest for a few minutes … then serve warm with butter.

1. Ham, Cheese & Chive Muffins
A classic combination that never disappoints.

Add to base mix:

¾ cup diced ham
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
Extra cheese for topping
Why you’ll love it: Salty ham, sharp cheese and a mild onion flavour from the chives — perfect for breakfast or brunch.

2. Spinach, Feta & Sun-Dried Tomato Muffins
A slightly more Mediterranean twist.

Add to base mix:

1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or thawed frozen, well drained)
½ cup crumbled feta
¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Why you’ll love it: The feta brings a lovely tang, balanced by the sweetness of the tomatoes — ideal with a bowl of soup.

3. Zucchini, Corn & Bacon Muffins
A hearty, flavour-packed option.

Add to base mix:

1 small zucchini, grated and squeezed dry
½ cup corn kernels
¾ cup cooked, chopped bacon
Why you’ll love it: Moist, slightly sweet from the corn, and full of savoury goodness — these are always the first to disappear.

Serving tip Don’t skip the butter. Slice your muffin while it’s still warm and add a thick, cold layer — it will melt instantly and soak right through. Simple, old-fashioned, and absolutely perfect.