I started making my own grain-free keto granola about 15 years ago, when I was trying to find make-ahead breakfast options. And it remains one of my favorite recipes to this day. I find it tastes far better than anything store-bought.
But I’m always game for testing out new techniques and methods, so I decided to try making it in my air fryer. Lo and behold, I had crunchy low carb granola in about half the time it takes in my oven!
Recipe Highlights
Easy to make: Simply grind up the nuts and seeds, toss with sweetener and melted butter, and air-fry to crispy golden perfection.
Minimal ingredients: This grain-free granola recipe replaces the oats with a mix of nuts, seeds, and coconut.
Perfectly crispy: An air-fryer is perfect for getting the crunchy texture just right.
Customizable: I chose to emphasize the pecans and add some maple extract. But you can use any combination of nuts and seeds and whatever extract you like best.
Make ahead recipe: Keto granola stores well for several weeks, so you have an on-the-go breakfast or snack option.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Nuts and seeds: You can really use any nuts and seeds you want. If you’re allergic to almonds, switch them out for more pecans.
- Coconut: Flaked coconut gives the granola a more oat-like texture. But you can switch it out for sliced almonds if you don’t enjoy coconut.
- Sweetener: I recommend an erythritol-based sweetener if you want a crunchy texture. Please see the Sweetener Options section for more informations.
- Butter or oil: Avocado oil or coconut oil should also work.
- Extract: I like maple extract for a maple pecan flavor, but vanilla works too!
How to Make Keto Air Fryer Granola
- Grind the nuts: Place the nuts, seeds, and coconut into a food processor and pulse a few times until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the sweetener: Transfer the nut mixture to a bowl and stir in the sweetener and butter.
- Transfer to the air fryer: Pour the mixture into the air fryer basked and press firmly and evenly into the bottom.
- Air fry: Cook at 300ºF for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Let cool: Let the granola come to room temperature before serving.
Carolyn’s Tips for Success
Air fryers differ in size, so keep that in mind as you make this recipe. The basket in my Cosori air fryer is about 9×9 inches. If yours is smaller, you may want to work in batches to allow it to crisp up better.
Remove the rack that sits in the bottom of the air fryer basket before adding the nut/seed mixture. And line it with a parchment paper liner for easier clean up.
I found that butter makes the granola crisp up and stick together a little better than oil. But if you are concerned about saturated fats, avocado oil will do!
Sweetener Options
I recommend an erythritol based sweetener, with no allulose or xylitol, if you want a crunchy texture. You could try using a highly concentrated sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract, if you prefer, but it may not crisp up quite as well.
Allulose will not only keep it from being crisp, but will likely make it brown too quickly. You are free to use what you like, but just be aware of how it may affect your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Air Fryer Granola Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup flaked coconut
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup shelled pumpkin seeds, (pepitas)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp granular sweetener, erythritol recommended
- 3 tbsp melted butter, or oil
- 1 tsp maple extract, or vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the pecans, coconut, almond, pumpkin seeds, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with a few larger pieces.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the sweetener until well distributed, then stir in the butter and extract until the mixture begins to clump together.
- Remove the rack from the air fryer basket, and line the bottom with a parchment paper liner. Transfer the mixture to the basket and press down firmly and evenly.
- Air fry at 300ºF for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring a few times and pressing back down firmly.
- Let cool in the air fryer basket before transferring to an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I am simply recounting and sharing my own experiences on this blog. Nothing I express here should be taken as medical advice and you should consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. I provide nutritional information for my recipes simply as a courtesy to my readers. It is calculated using MacGourmet software and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count, as it does not affect my own blood glucose levels. I do my best to be as accurate as possible but you should independently calculate nutritional information on your own before relying on them. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.
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You made a heart friendly and diabetic friendly snack! My spouse and I appreciate it! It was super easy to make and the maple flavor is awesome! I made 4 batches!
Super easy to make! But the best part is the maple flavor! WE LOVED IT SO MUCH! Thanks! You always rock in the keto world!
Can you do this in an oven if you don’t have an air fryer?
Please read the FAQ section in the post!
I have big trouble with a sweet tooth,I do good for two days then I loose it great recipes like these will help.glad I found you.
Glad it helps!
Hi, suggestions to use an oven if you don’t have an air fryer? Thanks!
Please read the Frequently Asked Questions.
It tastes wonderfully crispy, I could eat it every day.
Thanks!