Q1: Can I make these without sweeteners?

Yes. Use mashed banana or applesauce instead. I’ve done this for camping trips — they taste naturally sweet.

Q2: How do I keep them from falling apart?

Press firmly, cool fully, and don’t skip the oil or nut butter. It’s the glue that holds everything together.

Q3: Can I make them no-bake?

Yes. Press into lined tins and chill until firm. They’ll be softer, like my Easy No-Bake Protein Bar Recipe .

Healthier Granola Cups: 20‑Minute, Fantastic, Happy Recipe

Name: Healthier Granola Cups – Nutritious, Easy & Naturally Sweetened
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats (or quick oats/quinoa flakes); 1/2 cup protein powder (whey, plant-based, or collagen); 2 tbsp chia seeds (or flax/hemp); 1/2 cup nuts (almonds/walnuts) or seeds (pumpkin/sunflower for nut-free); 1/4 cup nut/seed butter (almond/peanut/sunflower); 1/4 cup honey (or maple/agave/stevia/coconut sugar); 1 tsp cinnamon (or pumpkin/apple pie spice); 1 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract); 1/4 tsp salt (optional); Cooking spray and parchment/liner; 1/3 cup dried fruit or coconut (stir in after cooking)

Description

Crispy, naturally sweet **healthier granola cups**. Quick air‑fryer method with protein. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups rolled oats (or quick oats/quinoa flakes)

1/2 cup protein powder (whey, plant-based, or collagen)

2 tbsp chia seeds (or flax/hemp)

1/2 cup nuts (almonds/walnuts) or seeds (pumpkin/sunflower for nut-free)

1/4 cup nut/seed butter (almond/peanut/sunflower)

1/4 cup honey (or maple/agave/stevia/coconut sugar)

1 tsp cinnamon (or pumpkin/apple pie spice)

1 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract)

1/4 tsp salt (optional)

Cooking spray and parchment/liner

1/3 cup dried fruit or coconut (stir in after cooking)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Mix oats, protein powder, chia, and nuts/seeds in a large bowl.

2. Warm nut/seed butter with sweetener; stir in vanilla and salt.

3. Pour over dry mix; stir until every oat is coated.

4. Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3–5 minutes.

5. Line basket; spread mix in an even layer.

6. Air fry 8–10 minutes; shake at 4–5 minutes.

7. Cool completely; stir in dried fruit/coconut.

8. Press warm mix into greased or lined muffin tins; make wells.

9. Chill 10–15 minutes; lift cups out gently.

10. Fill before serving: yogurt, berries, nut butter, chocolate.

11. Store airtight up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 3 months.

12. Re-crisp at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes if needed.

Notes

Tips: Don’t overcrowd the basket; work in batches for even crunch.

Use parchment/liners to prevent sticking; stir every 5 minutes.

Adjust sweetness to taste; add cocoa or pumpkin spice for variety.

Mix-ins like chocolate or coconut go in after cooking for softness.

I first pressed these after an air-fryer test day; my kids filled them with yogurt and berries—new Sunday ritual!

High‑value links:

• Cozy fall flavors: Pumpkin Granola Recipe

• Grab‑and‑go snack base: Easy No‑Bake Protein Bar Recipe

• Freezer treat inspo: Frozen Greek Yogurt Peanut Butter Bites

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 granola cup
Calories: 238
Sugar: 13 g
Sodium: 105 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0.004 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 10 g
Cholesterol: 14 mg