These cheesy air fryer crumpets are the perfect quick snack, breakfast, or light lunch. Toasted until crisp on the outside and soft in the middle, then topped with melted cheese and an optional thin smear of savoury Marmite, they are simple, comforting, and ready in minutes.
Using the air fryer makes crumpets wonderfully easy to prepare. The hot circulating air helps them toast evenly, giving you a golden base and a bubbling cheese topping without needing to turn on the grill or use a frying pan.
Imagine biting into a warm crumpet with a lightly crisp edge, a soft and airy centre, and a generous layer of gooey melted cheddar on top. If you enjoy bold savoury flavours, a little Marmite adds extra depth and makes these air fryer cheese crumpets even more delicious.
They are especially useful when you need something fast. Serve them as an after-school snack, a lazy weekend breakfast, a simple brunch, or a cosy evening bite. With only a handful of ingredients and a cooking time of around four minutes, this is one of the easiest air fryer snack recipes to keep in your regular rotation.
✔️ Why you’ll love this recipe!
- These air fryer crumpets are quick, easy, and ready in about five minutes from start to finish.
- The air fryer toasts the crumpets evenly, giving them a crisp outside while keeping the middle soft and fluffy.
- They use simple ingredients: crumpets, butter, cheese, and optional Marmite.
- The recipe is easy to adapt with different cheeses, toppings, and flavour combinations.
- There is very little washing up, making this a convenient snack for busy days.
- They work well for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a savoury snack at any time of day.
🛒 Ingredient notes
Crumpets – Use your favourite crumpets for this recipe. Sourdough crumpets add a slightly tangy flavour, but standard crumpets work perfectly too.
Butter – Softened salted butter spreads easily over the warm crumpets and adds richness. If you prefer a lighter version, you can leave it out.
Cheese – Extra mature cheddar is a great choice because it melts well and has a strong, savoury flavour. Red Leicester is another good option. You can also use cheese slices if you want to save time.
Marmite – Marmite is optional but adds a deep savoury taste. Use only a small amount, as the flavour is strong. If you do not enjoy Marmite, simply leave it off and enjoy classic cheesy crumpets instead.
🔪 How to cook crumpets in an air fryer
The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post.
One: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F). This helps the crumpets toast quickly and evenly.
Two: Place the crumpets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for about 2 minutes so they begin to toast and firm up.
Three: Remove the crumpets carefully and spread each one with softened butter.
Four: Sprinkle grated extra mature cheddar over the buttered crumpets, making sure the cheese is evenly distributed.
Five: Return the crumpets to the air fryer and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Watch closely so the cheese does not catch or burn.
Six: If using Marmite, spread a very small amount over the melted cheese before serving.
Top Tips
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between the crumpets so the hot air can circulate properly.
- Freshly grated cheese usually melts better and tastes better than pre-grated cheese.
- Use cheese slices for an even quicker version with no grating required.
- Keep an eye on the crumpets once the cheese has been added, as air fryers can vary slightly in cooking speed.
- For a lighter option, skip the butter and use reduced-fat cheese.
🍴 Serving suggestions
Cheesy air fryer crumpets are delicious served on their own, but they can also be turned into a more filling meal with a few simple extras.
- Serve them as a quick savoury snack straight from the air fryer.
- Add tomato chutney, garlic mayo, or spicy mayo on the side for dipping.
- Pair them with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the melted cheese.
- Serve with soup for an easy lunch or light dinner.
- Add pickles, gherkins, pickled onions, or caramelised onion relish for extra flavour.
- Turn them into brunch by serving with scrambled eggs, bacon, mushrooms, or grilled tomatoes.
- Include them as part of a savoury afternoon tea spread with sandwiches and baked treats.
📖 Variations
- Swap cheddar for sliced brie if you prefer a creamier topping.
- Use crumbled blue cheese for a stronger, tangier flavour.
- Replace Marmite with red onion chutney or cranberry sauce for a sweet and savoury twist.
- Add a slice of ham or smoked salmon underneath the cheese before air frying.
- Spread the crumpets with garlic butter before adding cheese for a garlic bread-style version.
- For a sweet air fryer crumpet, skip the cheese and top with jam, chocolate spread, or a sweet biscuit spread after toasting.
🥡 Storage
Air fryer crumpets are best eaten fresh while the cheese is hot and melted. If you do have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing.
Place cooled crumpets in an airtight container and keep them chilled. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp again.
For the best texture, avoid reheating them for too long, as the crumpets can become dry.
❓ Frequently asked questions
A crumpet is a traditional British griddle cake with a soft, spongy texture and small holes on the surface. Crumpets are usually toasted and served with butter, although they are also delicious with cheese and savoury toppings.
Yes. Use gluten-free crumpets and leave out the Marmite.
Any cheese that melts well can be used. Extra mature cheddar is a favourite because it has a strong flavour and melts nicely.
Yes. Add an extra minute or two to the cooking time and make sure they are heated through before serving.
Popular toppings include cheese, cream cheese, eggs, smashed avocado, jam, honey, and peanut butter.
Yes. Toast the crumpets in the air fryer, then add sweet toppings such as jam, chocolate spread, or biscuit spread.
😋 More easy air fryer recipes
- Air fryer roast potatoes
- Air fryer chips
- Air fryer cheese on toast
- Air fryer cheese toastie
- Air fryer scones
- Air fryer chicken fajitas
- Air fryer baked camembert
- Air fryer sausages
- Air fryer sausage rolls
- Air fryer baked apples
- Air fryer chicken nuggets
Recipe
Cheesy Air Fryer Crumpets
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 2 crumpets
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 50 g extra mature cheddar grated
- ¼ teaspoon Marmite optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the crumpets in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes.
- Remove the crumpets, spread with butter, and top evenly with grated extra mature cheddar.
- Return the crumpets to the air fryer and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
- Spread over a small amount of Marmite if using, then serve immediately.
Notes
Expert Tips:
- Do not overcrowd the basket, as this can stop the crumpets from toasting evenly.
- Freshly grated cheese gives the best melt and flavour.
- Cheese slices can be used instead of grated cheese for convenience.
- Air fryer timings may vary slightly, so check the crumpets once the cheese starts to melt.
Variations:
- Try brie, blue cheese, Red Leicester, or another good melting cheese.
- Use red onion chutney or cranberry sauce instead of Marmite.
- Add ham or smoked salmon before topping with cheese.
- Use garlic butter for a cheesy garlic crumpet version.
Nutrition: The nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.