Add oil to a mixing bowl, followed by honey, nut butter and brown sugar (if using). Mix well.
Add all the dry ingredients such as rolled oats, salt and nuts to the honey-nut butter mixture. Mix them till they are well- combined.
Cut a parchment paper to the size of the base of the air-fryer. Cut a few holes so that the hot air can circulate properly.
Place the parchment paper at the base of the air-fryer. Add the rolled oats mixture and spread it out evenly.
Set your air-fryer temperature at 325°F and the timer for 5 minutes.
When the timer is up, open the air-fryer, add seeds and coconut pieces (if using), and using a spatula, stir the granola mixture properly.
Air fry it for another 5 minutes at 325°F. Open the air-fryer again and give the granola a good mix.
For the last run, reduce the temperature to 300°F and air fry for 2 minutes.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, transfer the granola mixture to a baking sheet. Add the dry fruits, if using and mix it well.
When the granola mixture is completely cooled off, mix in the chocolate chips and store it in an air-tight glass container for about 3 weeks.
Instructions for making granola in the oven -
Once you have the mixture ready either bake it at 325°F for 30 minutes while stirring every 5-10 minutes. Just like the air fryer version, add the seeds and coconut pieces at the end around teh 25 minute mark.
Notes
Tips
Do not use steel-cut oats or quick oats for this recipe. Quick oats will burn quickly and steel-cut oats will not cook through.
Always measure and add the oil first and use the same measuring cup to measure the honey. The oil will ensure that the honey will just slide off the spoon and not stick to it.
Granola can be made chunky or can have loose breakfast cereal like consistency. If you like it chunky don't break the clumps after it has cooked.
Add seeds midway during cooking.
Add dried fruits after cooking is complete.
Always add chocolate chip morsels once the granola has completely cooled down.
Keep an eye on the granola - aim for golden brown. It will continue to darken as it cools.
Let it completely cool before storing.
Variations
Substitute for avocado oil - coconut oil or melted unsalted butter. If you like the taste of ghee, you can use that too. [Check out this easy recipe to make ghee in an Instant Pot]
Vegan version- Instead of honey, use maple syrup or agave nectar.
Gluten-free version - Use gluten-free rolled oats (I recommend Bob Mills - Gluten-free oats).
Egg whites - to make it clumpy. I don't because I don't like the idea of having eggs in my granola.