Savory muffins with olives and philadelphia cream cheese in the air fryer

Name: Savory muffins with olives and philadelphia cream cheese in the air fryer
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 21 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: En
Ingredients: 90 g cream cheese (Philadelphia or another cream cheese); 1 egg; 45 g all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon water; 12 black olives; A few basil leaves; Black pepper, to taste; 1 pinch of salt

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Starter

Very Easy

21 min

280 Kcal

Sometimes the most successful recipes come from simply looking in the fridge. These savory muffins with olives and Philadelphia came about just like that: an already-open package of Philadelphia cream cheese, a few black olives to use up, and the desire to turn it all into something tasty. This little no-waste recipe is definitely worth making again. What wins you over at the first bite is the texture. Forget the classic dry muffin: the center stays soft, creamy, and almost velvety, somewhere between a savory muffin and a flan. The olives add little bursts of savory flavor, while the basil brings a fresh, fragrant note that balances the creaminess of the cheese. A lightly golden surface forms on the outside, while the inside stays moist and delicate. They’re perfect served warm. These are the kind of little bites that work just about anywhere: as a tasty appetizer, at an aperitivo, on a buffet, or whenever you simply feel like making something different with a few ingredients. Cooking them in the air fryer makes them quick and convenient, but it’s the contrast between the creamy Philadelphia, the bold flavor of black olives, and the fragrance of basil that makes them so delicious. If you’re looking for a Philadelphia recipe to use up what’s left in the fridge, this is one of those simple ideas that can be more surprising than you’d expect.

Ingredients

90 g cream cheese (Philadelphia or another cream cheese)
1 egg
45 g all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon water
12 black olives
A few basil leaves
Black pepper, to taste
1 pinch of salt

Materials

Individual molds
2 bowls
Spoon
Whisk

Preparation

Preparation5 min

Waiting time2 min

Cook time14 min

Put the cream cheese in a bowl and mix it with a fork until it's soft and creamy.
Add the egg and whisk until the mixture is smooth and even.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder so that it is distributed evenly.
Gradually stir the flour and baking powder into the egg and cream cheese mixture. Add a tablespoon of water and continue stirring until the mixture is smooth.
Combine the chopped black olives, chopped basil, salt, and a pinch of pepper. Stir with a spoon until the ingredients are well combined.
Pour the batter into the previously buttered molds, filling them about ¾ full. Gently tap the molds on the counter to level the batter.
Cook in an air fryer at 330°F/165°C for 13–14 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick: it should come out almost dry, and the surface should be golden brown.
Let them rest for 2–3 minutes before removing them from the pan. Use a knife if necessary to loosen the edges. Serve the muffins warm or lukewarm.

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FAQ ❓

How should I store and freeze the savory muffins with olives and Philadelphia?

Once completely cooled, store the savory muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. You can also freeze them after baking, preferably separated with parchment paper or stored in freezer-safe bags, for about 1–2 months. For the best results, let them thaw in the refrigerator and reheat them for a few minutes in the air fryer so they become soft inside and lightly golden outside.

How long should savory muffins with Philadelphia cook in the air fryer?

Cook the savory muffins at 165°C (330°F) for about 13–14 minutes. The time may vary slightly depending on the air fryer model and the size of the molds. Before taking them out, check doneness with a toothpick: it should come out almost dry.

Can I replace Philadelphia with another cream cheese?

Yes. You can replace Philadelphia with another spreadable cream cheese of a similar consistency. Well-drained ricotta or other creamy cheeses can also be used, bearing in mind that the texture and flavor of the muffins may change slightly.

Can I replace the black olives in the savory muffins?

Yes. You can use green olives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooked vegetables, or small cubes of cheese instead of black olives. Avoid adding ingredients that are too moist, so the batter doesn’t become too soft.

How can I keep the savory muffins from being undercooked inside?

Don’t fill the molds more than three-quarters full, and try to use molds of a similar size so they cook evenly. If the surface is already golden but the inside is still too moist, cook them for another minute or two, checking again with a toothpick.

What kind of molds should I use for savory muffins in the air fryer?

You can use silicone molds or small ceramic or metal molds that are heat-resistant and fit in the air fryer basket. If using metal or ceramic molds, lightly butter them before adding the batter to make the muffins easier to remove.

Nutrition

for 1 serving / for 100 g

Calories: 280Kcal

Carbo: 18.9g
Total fat: 16.5g
Saturated fat: 7.6g
Proteins: 9.2g
Fibers: 3g
Sugar: 3g
ProPoints: 7
SmartPoints: 10

Nutritional information for 1 serving (135g)

Cookware

oven

Attributes

Suitable for freezing

Keep refrigerated

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Daniele Mainieri

Every day, I dive into the world of food and wine with curiosity, always looking for new flavours, recipes and inspiring discoveries to share. From traditional family dishes to the latest food trends, including pairings that make all the difference. I’ve been working in food & wine communication for over 10 years and I’m currently the Editorial Manager for the Italian edition of Petitchef.

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