Easy Air Fryer Flapjacks Recipe

If you've never made flapjacks in an air fryer before, you'll be surprised how straightforward it is. This easy air fryer flapjack recipe uses just four basic ingredients - golden syrup, butter, sugar and oats - and produces perfectly chewy flapjacks every time.

These air fryer flapjacks come together quickly, making them ideal for lunchboxes, an afternoon snack, or a simple bake to have on hand during the week. They're a firm favourite in our house, and cooking golden syrup flapjacks in the air fryer reduces the baking time compared to traditional oven baked flapjacks.

A shallow 20cm square tin fits perfectly in my Ninja Foodi Air Fryer, but the right size will depend on your model. In a round air fryer, a 20cm round sandwich tin usually works well. If you're using a dual drawer air fryer, a loaf tin or small rectangular baking dish is often more suitable.

Flexible silicone air fryer cake tins are another practical option, as they mould to the shape of the basket and make removal easy.

👩‍🍳 Love air fryer baking? Try my easy air fryer chocolate brownies or air fryer cherry Madeira cake next!

Why make flapjacks in an air fryer?

Air fryers circulate hot air in a compact space, meaning they preheat faster and cook more efficiently than a traditional oven. For traybakes like flapjacks, this results in beautifully golden edges and a soft, chewy centre.

They're especially useful during warmer months when you don't want the oven on, or when baking a smaller quantity.

Porridge Oats (Rolled Oats) - use regular rolled oats or quick-cook oats for a softer texture. Avoid jumbo oats, as they don't absorb the butter mixture well. For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats.

Butter - binds the flapjacks and gives them a rich flavour. Unsalted is recommended to control salt content, but salted butter works if needed. For a dairy-free version, substitute with vegan margarine or coconut oil.

Golden Syrup - provides the classic sweet, caramel-like taste. Can be substituted with honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind that the texture and flavour may change slightly.

Sugar (Light Brown Sugar + Demerara Sugar) - Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch. You can use just one type of sugar or swap with granulated sugar (white sugar) or caster sugar (superfine sugar).

Vanilla Extract - Enhances the flavour of the flapjacks. Optional, or can be substituted with ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or almond extract for a different twist.

One: Preheat the air fryer to 160°C (320°F) and set the timer for 20 minutes. Grease and line a suitable baking tin with nonstick baking paper. I use a 20cm (8") square tin in my air fryer, but you may need to use a different size tin.

Two: In a large saucepan, melt the butter, sugars and golden syrup together on a low heat, mixing with a wooden spoon to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Three: Stir in the oats and vanilla extract.

Four: Spoon the flapjack mixture into the prepared tin and press down firmly with the back of a spoon. Air fry for 16-20 minutes.

💡 Pro Tip - the flapjack will still look soft when you take it out of the air fryer but it will firm up on cooling.

Five: Allow the flapjack to cool in the tin for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight), before cutting them into squares with a sharp knife.

These air fryer flapjacks are versatile and perfect for any occasion. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for a simple Afternoon Tea treat (alongside other classic bakes such as air fryer sausage rolls, cherry scones, fruit scones, and chocolate tiffin), or slice into bars for school lunchboxes and work snacks.

Crumble over Greek yoghurt with fresh fruit for breakfast, drizzle with chocolate for a sweet twist, or enjoy warm with custard or ice cream for dessert.

They're also ideal for picnics, as they keep well and are easy to transport.