British · Air Fryer

Air Fryer Cherry Oat Bars

These oat bars bake in a small tin in the air fryer: a reduced cherry jam center sandwiched between peanut-butter oat layers. Cook uncovered until set, then cover with foil so the middle finishes without over-browning. Cool completely before slicing.

  • 60 min total
  • 350°F / 180°C
  • 12 servings
  • 20 min prep

Jump to recipeSee steps

Air Fryer Cherry Oat Bars

Reduce the cherries

Cook frozen cherries until soft, then mash and reduce on high heat until thick. Wet filling makes soggy bars.

Layer in the tin

Press half the oat mixture into the pan, spread the cherry layer, then top with the rest and press firmly.

Foil for the second half

After 20 minutes the top is golden. Tight foil keeps the bars baking through without burning.

Air Fryer Cherry Oat Bars

Prep 20 min · Cook 40 min · Total 60 min · 12 servings

Air Fryer350°F / 180°C
Basket time40 min
Flip / shakesee steps
Tested onCosori 5.8 qt, 1700W
Crowding. One small tin only. Use a pan that leaves air space around the edges.
Basket liner (optional). Line the tin with parchment for easy lifting. Cover with foil for the second 20 minutes so the top does not over-brown before the center sets.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow each step in order. Photos show what to look for so the basket finish matches the plate.

Prep

  1. Cook cherries in a pan over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Drain excess liquid, mash, then cook on high heat, stirring, until most of the liquid is absorbed. Cool slightly.

  2. Mix oats, almonds and sunflower seeds in a bowl. Melt peanut butter, honey and maple syrup together, then stir into the oat mixture until combined.

    Oat mixture with almonds and seeds in a bowl
    Oat mixture with almonds and seeds in a bowl

  3. Press half the oat mixture into a small lined baking tin that fits your air fryer basket. Spread the cherry filling evenly, then press the remaining oat mixture on top.

    Cherry oat bar layers pressed in a baking tin
    Cherry oat bar layers pressed in a baking tin

Bake

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Bake the tin 20 minutes. Cover tightly with foil and bake 20 minutes more.

  2. Cool completely in the tin before slicing into bars.

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