Name: Air-Fryer Overnight Breakfast Grain Bowl
Total time: 9 h
Ingredients: 5 tablespoons prewashed white quinoa; 1¼ cups boiling water; ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ⅛ teaspoon table salt; 2–4 tablespoons milk; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1½ teaspoons maple syrup , plus extra for drizzling; ¼ cup blackberries , blueberries, and/or raspberries

Why This Recipe Works

Could we use the air fryer's even temperature for hands-off cooking of grains? We chose quinoa for this porridge and found that presoaking and cooking the grains in plenty of liquid encouraged them to swell, burst, and release their starches, creating creaminess. We air-fried the soaked grains and, in 45 minutes, our porridge was ready without boiling over or needing constant stirring. Maple syrup and berries are an appetizing topping, and a splash of fruity olive oil is a flavorful, healthy change from butter. For savory porridge, skip the syrup and fruit and mix in your favorite cheese and fresh herbs. For an accurate measurement of boiling water, bring a kettle of water to a boil and then measure out the desired amount.

Before You Begin

This recipe can be easily doubled using a 1½-quart soufflé dish. You will need a 3-cup ovensafe bowl for this recipe; before starting this recipe, confirm your air fryer allows enough space for the dish. Customize your porridge with additional toppings such as yogurt, toasted nuts and seeds, or fruit.

Instructions

Add quinoa to 3-cup ovensafe bowl. Cover with cold water and soak at room temperature for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours. Drain and rinse well.

Combine quinoa, boiling water, cinnamon, and salt in now-empty bowl and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Place bowl in air-fryer basket. Place basket into air fryer; set temperature to 400 degrees; and cook until quinoa is tender and beginning to burst, about 45 minutes.

Remove basket from air fryer. Stir 2 tablespoons milk, oil, and maple syrup into porridge and let sit, uncovered, for 5 minutes; porridge will thicken as it sits. Adjust consistency with remaining 2 tablespoons milk as needed. Top with berries and drizzle with extra maple syrup before serving.