Granola is one of those magical foods that feels indulgent, comforting, and nourishing, all tucked into one rustic jar. I love making it in big batches and giving it a personal twist each time. The trick? I treat the flavour like a theme. Sometimes it’s inspired by a nostalgic pairing, sometimes by what’s in season, and often by what needs using up in the kitchen.

Here’s the base recipe I always come back to. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable.

🌾 Base Ingredients (Metric)

Ingredient	Amount
Rolled oats	350g
Chopped nuts (hazelnuts, etc.)	120g
Mixed seeds (sunflower, chia)	30g
Fruit purée (banana, apple)	120g
Maple syrup, honey or agave	15–30g
Melted coconut or neutral oil	15g
Cinnamon or warm spices	2g
Salt	1g pinch
Chocolate chips	45g
Optional: cocoa powder/nut butter	15g
Optional: dried fruit or extras	30g

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🔧 Instructions (Air Fryer Edition)

1. Preheat your air fryer to 140°C on the bake setting. Line the basket with parchment or use a silicone insert.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the fruit purée, oil, sweetener, spices, and salt until smooth and glossy.
3. In a large bowl, combine oats, chopped nuts, and seeds.
4. Pour the wet mix over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Spread into clusters and bake for 30 – 40 minutes, stirring halfway. It should smell toasty and feel dry to the touch.
6. Let it cool completely, then fold in chocolate chips and any extra add-ins. It crisps up beautifully as it rests.

🌈 Flavour Themes I’ve Loved

These “themes” make granola feel special, like dressing up your oats for a mood or memory:

• Banana & Nutella: Banana chips, chopped hazelnuts, dark chocolate chips. Lazy Sunday morning vibes.
• Apple & Peanut Butter: Dried apple slices, roasted peanuts, peanut butter, milk chocolate chips. A grown-up lunchbox treat.
• Strawberry & White Chocolate: Freeze-dried strawberries, white chocolate chips, crushed macadamias. Like a romantic picnic in a wildflower meadow.
• Tropical Breeze: Dried mango or pineapple, coconut flakes, cashews, lime zest. Sun-soaked and beachy.
• Autumn Orchard: Dried figs or pears, walnuts, maple syrup, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon. Made for crisp mornings and warm jumpers.
• Mocha Morning: Cocoa, espresso powder, dark chocolate chips, chopped hazelnuts. Indulgent and fabulous with almond milk.

🌿 Why It Works for Me

This granola has become my go-to for breakfast and snacking. It’s cozy, customisable, and always feels like a little treat. Want it sweeter? Add more syrup. Need it nut-free? Skip the nuts and bump up the seeds and dried fruit. It’s versatile enough to suit whatever flavour story I’m trying to tell,seasonal, nostalgic, or spontaneous.

And baking it in the air fryer means perfect golden clusters every time, without the worry of burnt edges. It’s low-effort but tastes like something you’d find in a fancy jar (minus the price tag).

Love

Megan xx

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