Air Fryer Granola Clusters (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free)

• 2 cupsrolled oats — certified gluten-free
• 1/4 cupsunflower seeds — nut-free crunch
• 2 tbsppumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cupmaple syrup
• 2 tbspcoconut oil — melted
• 1 tbspground flaxseed — helps the clusters hold
• 1/2 tspground cinnamon
• 1/4 tspfine sea salt
• 1/2 tspvanilla extract

Method

1. 01

   Stir the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and ground flaxseed together until smooth. The flax and the syrup are the glue that turns loose oats into clusters.

2. 02

   Fold in the certified gluten-free oats, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds until everything is evenly coated and a little sticky.

3. 03

   Press the mixture into a firm, even layer in a parchment-lined air fryer pan or the basket — packing it tight is what creates clusters instead of dust. Air fry at 320°F for 14 minutes, gently turning the slab in sections halfway, until deep golden.

4. 04

   Here's the patience part: don't touch it while hot — it's soft and won't cluster until it cools. Let it cool completely in the pan, then break into craggy clusters. Store airtight.