Air-Fried Cupcakes: Baking Perfection Without An Oven

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They cook food faster than traditional ovens, and they also use heat and air to cook food evenly, reducing the need for oil in the cooking process. But can you bake cupcakes in an air fryer?

The short answer is yes. Air fryers can bake pretty much anything, from cakes and muffins to bread and pavlova. Baking cupcakes in an air fryer is not only convenient but also produces moist and fluffy cupcakes. The process is simple: mix the batter, pour it into cupcake liners, and air fry. The cupcakes are done in a fraction of the time it would take to bake them in an oven.

Air fryer cupcake recipes

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens, as they preheat and cook food more quickly and evenly. They are perfect for baking cupcakes, especially if you don't want to heat up your entire kitchen. Here are some recipes you can try:

Vanilla Cupcakes

This recipe yields fluffy and delicious vanilla cupcakes. You can add your favourite frosting and sprinkles.

Ingredients:

• 250 g (2 cups) self-raising flour
• 250 g (1 ¼ cup) caster sugar (superfine sugar)
• 115 g (½ cup) margarine or softened unsalted butter
• 120 ml (½ cup) milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

For the vanilla frosting:

• 260 g (2 cups) icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• 115 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 80 ml (⅓ cup) double/heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract

Instructions:

• Measure all the ingredients into a mixing bowl. Beat together with an electric hand mixer until the batter is completely smooth. You might need to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
• Use a large cookie scoop to divide the batter between 8 large paper cup cases or a medium scoop for smaller cupcake liners. You will have 10-12 cupcakes.
• Place the cupcakes in the air fryer basket and bake at 160°C (325°F) for 23-25 minutes for large cupcakes and 18-20 minutes for smaller ones. You do not need to preheat the air fryer.
• Check if the cupcakes have risen and turned golden. Insert a toothpick into the centre of a cupcake; if it comes out clean, they are ready. If not, add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
• Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before adding any frosting.
• For the frosting, put all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk on low speed to combine. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting holds peaks. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
• Pipe a generous swirl of frosting over the cupcakes and add sprinkles.

Chocolate Cupcakes

For chocolate cupcakes, you can tweak the vanilla cupcake recipe by adding two teaspoons of cocoa powder and a tablespoon of coffee or milk to the batter. For a more decadent chocolate flavour, add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter and frost with chocolate buttercream.

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try making carrot cake cupcakes in your air fryer. Start by making a basic carrot cake batter, and then follow the same steps as for the vanilla cupcakes. You can find a simple carrot cake recipe online or use a box mix.

Tips for Baking Cupcakes in an Air Fryer:

• Use silicone or parchment paper cupcake liners, as they are heat-resistant and won't burn or melt.
• Lightly grease the cupcake liners to prevent sticking.
• The recommended temperature for baking cupcakes is typically around 320°F to 350°F.
• Baking time can vary depending on the size of your cupcakes and the model of your air fryer, but it usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes for standard-sized cupcakes.
• You can use a regular cupcake recipe, but adjust the temperature and baking time according to your air fryer's specifications.

Air fryer cupcake cooking times and temperatures

Air fryer cupcakes are a fun treat and a great way to bake without using a traditional oven. You can make cupcakes from scratch or use a box cake mix. The cooking time will depend on the size of your cupcakes, the wattage of your air fryer, and whether you are using an air fryer oven or basket.

Air fryer oven

If you are using an air fryer oven, select the "Air Fry" function and place the cupcakes on the middle rack.

Air fryer basket

If you are using a basket air fryer, you will need to use silicone muffin cups. You can also use paper liners, but be aware that they make the cooking process a little more nerve-wracking. Grease the liners to prevent sticking.

Cooking times and temperatures

The recommended temperature for baking cupcakes in an air fryer is typically around 320°F to 350°F (160°C to 176°C). The cooking time can vary depending on the factors mentioned above, but it usually takes between 8 and 25 minutes for standard-sized cupcakes. For large cupcakes, bake at 325°F (160°C) for 23-25 minutes. For smaller cupcakes, bake at the same temperature for 18-20 minutes. If you are using a box cake mix, air fry your cupcakes at 350°F (176°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Checking for doneness

No matter the cooking time or temperature, you'll know your cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. If the cupcakes are not quite done, you can add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

Air fryer cupcake liners

Paper cupcake liners can be placed directly into the air fryer basket, but they need something to sit on, such as small containers for desserts or Yorkshire puddings, to prevent them from falling over. They are also prone to spreading out the cupcake batter, so it is recommended to double up the liners or use a muffin tin to keep the cupcakes tall rather than wide.

Silicone cupcake liners are a good alternative as they hold their shape without the aid of a baking pan. They are also reusable, making them a more environmentally-friendly option. However, some people prefer not to serve cupcakes in silicone liners, so you may need to transfer the cupcakes to paper liners after baking.

Regardless of the type of liner you use, it is important not to overfill them. Fill the liners only about 3/4 of the way full to avoid the batter being splattered by the fan.

When using paper liners, it is a good idea to lightly spray the inside of the liners with non-stick spray before filling them with batter. This will help the cupcakes release from the liners more easily.

Another tip for successful air fryer cupcakes is to rotate the cupcakes halfway through the cooking time to help them cook more evenly and prevent them from becoming lopsided.

Finally, it is worth noting that air fryers can vary in capacity and wattage, so you may need to experiment with the cooking time and temperature to find the optimal settings for your particular air fryer.

Air fryer baking tips

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens, especially in hot summers. They are faster, more energy-efficient, and can cook food evenly without the need for oil. Here are some tips to help you bake cupcakes in your air fryer:

Prepare the Air Fryer

Before you start baking, it is important to preheat your air fryer to the specified temperature in your cupcake recipe. Most cupcake recipes recommend preheating the air fryer between 320°F and 350°F. Additionally, lightly grease the cupcake liners with non-stick spray or butter to prevent the cupcakes from sticking.

Choose the Right Liners

When baking cupcakes in an air fryer, it is best to use silicone or parchment paper cupcake liners. These liners are heat-resistant and will not burn or melt during the baking process. Silicone liners are a good option if you want to avoid using paper liners, and they are reusable and easy to clean.

Adjust the Recipe

You can use a regular cupcake recipe for baking in an air fryer, but it is important to adjust the temperature and baking time according to the air fryer's specifications. Air fryers vary in capacity and wattage, so you may need to experiment a little to find the optimal cooking time for your specific air fryer. The recommended temperature for baking cupcakes is typically around 320°F to 350°F, and the baking time is usually between 10 and 25 minutes, depending on the size of your cupcakes.

Don't Overfill the Liners

When filling the cupcake liners with batter, be careful not to overfill them. Fill them about two-thirds to three-quarters of the way full. If you overfill the liners, the batter may splatter due to the air fryer's fan. This can make a mess and affect the shape of your cupcakes.

Check for Doneness

To check if your cupcakes are done baking, insert a toothpick into the center of one of the cupcakes. If the toothpick comes out clean, without any wet batter, your cupcakes are ready. If not, you may need to bake them for a few minutes longer.

Cool Before Decorating

Once your cupcakes are baked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely before decorating. This will ensure that your frosting or toppings adhere properly and that your cupcakes have a neat and professional appearance.

Get Creative

Now that you know the basics of baking cupcakes in an air fryer, feel free to experiment with different flavors and decorations. You can try classic vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting or explore unique flavor combinations. The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can help you create perfectly baked treats every time.

Air fryer cupcake flavour variations

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens, especially in hot summers. They can bake almost anything, from cakes to muffins and even bread. Here are some flavour variations for cupcakes made in an air fryer:

Chocolate Cupcakes

Add two teaspoons of cocoa powder and a tablespoon of coffee or milk to the batter. For a more decadent chocolate flavour, add some chocolate chips to the batter and frost with chocolate buttercream.

Lemon Cupcakes

Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and the zest of one lemon to the batter.

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

This is a great option for those who want to add some vegetables to their dessert. Simply follow a carrot cake recipe and bake the cupcakes in the air fryer.

Vanilla Cupcakes

Vanilla cupcakes are a classic and can be made with only six ingredients. They are delicious on their own or with frosting and sprinkles.

Red Velvet Cupcakes

For a dramatic red colour and a hint of chocolate flavour, add cocoa powder and red food colouring to the batter. Cream cheese frosting is a popular choice for red velvet cupcakes.

Strawberry Cupcakes

Add some strawberry essence or fresh strawberry puree to the batter for a fruity twist. Top with strawberry frosting or fresh strawberries.

Frequently asked questions