Air Fryer Coconut Oat Bars

This Air Fryer Coconut Oat Bars recipe is healthy, naturally sweet, and so easy to make you’ll be wondering why you haven’t been whipping these up every week. With just a few wholesome ingredients like banana, oats, and shredded coconut, these golden bars crisp up beautifully in the air fryer in under 10 minutes. No flour, no eggs, no refined sugar—just the good stuff.

If you’re looking for a breakfast bar that feels like a treat but is packed with nourishing ingredients, these Air Fryer Coconut Oat Bars are it. They’re soft and chewy inside with crispy, toasted coconut edges, and they taste amazing with a little melted chocolate for dipping. Bonus? They’re made in one bowl with pantry staples and zero hassle.

You might also love my healthy Banana Trail Mix Breakfast Bars, or these easy filling apple cinnamon oat breakfast bars in the air fryer .

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Coconut Oat Bars Recipe

• Only 5 main ingredients. Banana, oats, coconut, sweetener, and vanilla—all pantry basics.
• Naturally sweet. No refined sugar needed thanks to ripe banana and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
• Quick air fryer recipe. Just 8 to 10 minutes in the air fryer, and they’re golden perfection.
• Great texture. Crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, and loaded with coconut flavor.
• Easy to pack. Perfect for breakfast on the go, school lunches, or snack time.
• Customizable. Add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or a protein boost to switch things up.
• One bowl and no mess. This is a true stir-and-shape recipe—no mixer, no fuss.
• Vegan and gluten-free. Just use certified oats and maple syrup for an allergy-friendly snack.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Coconut Oat Bars

• Banana. One ripe banana is key here—it naturally sweetens and binds the mixture. The spottier, the better.
• Rolled oats. Old-fashioned oats give a hearty texture that holds everything together. Avoid instant oats for this one.
• Shredded coconut. Use unsweetened shredded coconut to keep it from becoming too sweet. Toasted coconut works beautifully, too.
• Maple syrup or honey. Just one tablespoon adds a light sweetness. Choose maple for a vegan version.
• Vanilla extract. Optional but adds a warm, sweet aroma that pairs perfectly with the coconut.

How I Make Air Fryer Coconut Oat Bars

(This is a quick overview of how I make Air Fryer Coconut Oat Bars, with tips along the way. You’ll find the full ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.)

1. Mash the banana. Use a fork to mash it until mostly smooth in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the rest. Stir in the rolled oats, shredded coconut, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Mix well until it comes together.
3. Form the bars. Scoop out portions and shape into little sticks or bars using your hands or a spoon.
4. Air fry. Arrange in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden and lightly crispy on the edges.
5. Serve. These are incredible dipped in melted dark chocolate or just enjoyed with your morning coffee or tea.

Oven Instructions for Coconut Oat Bars

Don’t have an air fryer? You can absolutely bake these instead. Just shape the bars and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden on the edges and firm in the center. Let them cool on the tray to finish setting up before enjoying.

How to Pack These Bars for Work and School

Let the bars cool completely before packing. Wrap each one in parchment or place in small containers for easy transport. I love adding one to a lunchbox with fruit and yogurt or keeping a stash in my bag for a quick mid-morning snack. They’re sturdy, satisfying, and won’t crumble like store-bought granola bars.

Air Fryer Coconut Oat Bars Recipe Variations

• Add chocolate chips. Stir in a handful of chocolate chips for a little indulgence.
• Add dried fruit. Chopped dates, raisins, or cranberries add chew and natural sweetness.
• Add nuts. Chopped almonds, walnuts, or macadamias bring a crunchy contrast.
• Add seeds. Mix in flaxseed, chia, or sunflower seeds for extra texture and nutrients.
• Swap the sweetener. Use agave, coconut nectar, or brown rice syrup instead of maple or honey.
• Boost with protein. Stir in a scoop of your favorite vanilla or plain protein powder.
• Make it chocolate-dipped. Dip one end in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with coconut.
• Use applesauce instead of banana. If you’re out of bananas, ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce works as a binder.
• Press and bake. Press into an 8×8 pan and bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes instead of using the air fryer.

Storing / Freezing Air Fryer Coconut Oat Bars

Let the bars cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week for a firmer texture.

To freeze, wrap each bar individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to grab one at a time. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy, let a bar thaw overnight in the fridge or warm it gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. You can also re-crisp them in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes if you love that fresh-out-of-the-basket texture.

To freeze, wrap each bar in parchment paper or plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

FAQs About Air Fryer Coconut Oat Bars

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