Air Fryer Cupcake Liners: Do They Work?

Air fryers can be used for baking cupcakes, and you can use paper or silicone cupcake liners for this purpose. Paper cupcake liners require something to sit on, such as small containers, to prevent them from falling over during the air frying process. On the other hand, silicone liners are preferable as they can hold their shape without the need for a baking pan. It is important to note that the air fryer's capacity limits the number of cupcakes that can be baked at once, so multiple batches may be necessary.

Paper cupcake liners can be used in an air fryer

When using paper cupcake liners in an air fryer, it is also important to note that the cupcakes may not be completely consistent in size and shape due to the air circulation. However, they will still turn out moist and delicious.

The cooking time for cupcakes in an air fryer is generally around 10-12 minutes at a temperature of 160°C/320°F. However, it is important to note that air fryers can vary in capacity and wattage, so the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly. Additionally, if you are baking the cupcakes in batches, the second batch will likely bake quicker than the first.

Overall, paper cupcake liners can be successfully used in an air fryer with some minor adjustments, and the results are delicious!

Silicone liners are preferable as they hold their shape without a baking pan

Silicone cupcake liners are ideal for baking cupcakes in an air fryer. They hold their shape without the need for a baking pan, which can be a significant advantage when using an air fryer, as it saves space and eliminates the need for additional equipment.

Silicone liners are also reusable, making them a more economical and environmentally friendly option than paper liners. They are durable, flexible, and easy to clean, making them a convenient choice for baking. Additionally, they can withstand high temperatures without losing their shape, making them ideal for the intense heat of an air fryer.

When using silicone liners in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that they are placed on a flat surface within the air fryer basket. This will help to prevent the batter from spreading unevenly and ensure that the cupcakes rise evenly. It is also crucial not to overfill the liners, as this can lead to spillage and affect the overall shape of the cupcakes.

Another benefit of using silicone liners is that they can be used to serve the cupcakes. This is especially useful when baking in an air fryer, as the intense air circulation can cause the cupcakes to become lopsided. By leaving the cupcakes in their silicone liners, any imperfections can be easily hidden, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing presentation.

Paper liners will cause cupcakes to spread out wide, so use a muffin tin or double up on paper liners

You can use paper cupcake liners in an air fryer, but it's important to note that they may cause your cupcakes to spread out wide instead of rising tall. This is because paper liners are less sturdy than silicone liners and can allow the batter to spread outward during cooking. To prevent this, it's recommended to use a muffin tin to help support the paper liners and keep them in shape.

If you don't have a muffin tin that fits in your air fryer, another option is to double up on paper liners. By using two liners instead of one, you add extra stability and reduce the likelihood of the cupcakes spreading too much. This is a good workaround if you don't have a suitable muffin tin or prefer not to use one.

Additionally, when using paper liners in an air fryer, it's important to place them on a suitable surface or container. This will prevent them from falling over and ensure they don't get damaged by the air fryer's strong air circulation.

Overall, while you can use paper cupcake liners in an air fryer, taking these extra steps will help ensure that your cupcakes turn out well-shaped and delicious.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F if necessary

Preheating an air fryer is a simple process, but it's important to know when and how to do it to get the best results for your food. Most air fryers will preheat to 350°F in three to five minutes.

Check Your Manual

First, check your air fryer's operating manual for preheating instructions. Some models have a preheat setting button, while others need to be preheated manually. If your manual recommends preheating, be sure to follow those instructions.

When to Preheat

Preheating your air fryer is not always necessary, but it can be beneficial for certain foods. In general, preheating is a good idea if you're aiming for crispy and crunchy textures, such as with fried or breaded foods like french fries, chicken tenders, or chicken wings. It's also useful for thick cuts of raw or frozen meat, like bone-in chicken breasts or ribeye steaks, as it helps achieve that signature crispiness.

On the other hand, there are times when preheating is not recommended. If you're cooking something delicate, like shrimp or vegetables, you don't want to dry them out or burn them, so it's best not to preheat. Similarly, if you're cooking food for a long period, such as roasting a chicken or baking a potato, preheating is unnecessary.

How to Preheat

If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, here's what you need to do:

• Set the temperature: Set your air fryer to the desired cooking temperature, which could be 350°F or any other temperature specified in your recipe.
• Turn it on: Turn on your empty air fryer for two to five minutes, depending on its size. Smaller air fryers may only need two to three minutes, while larger models might require up to five minutes.
• Add food: Once the preheat time is up, place your food inside and reset the timer for the desired cooking time.

Fill cupcake liners ¾ full with cake batter

Filling cupcake liners with cake batter is a crucial step in the cupcake-making process. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you fill cupcake liners 3/4 full with cake batter:

Prepare Your Cupcake Liners

Before you start filling, it's important to have your cupcake liners ready. You can use paper or silicone cupcake liners in an air fryer. If using paper liners, consider doubling them to make them sturdier and prevent the batter from spreading too much. Place the liners in a muffin tin or suitable containers to provide support and prevent them from falling over.

Prepare Your Cake Batter

Make your cake batter following your chosen recipe or box mix instructions. It's important to have your batter ready before filling the liners, so it doesn't sit too long and affect the consistency of your cupcakes.

Fill the Cupcake Liners

Now it's time to fill your cupcake liners! Use a cookie scoop, piping bag, or a measuring cup to fill each liner with batter. Fill the liners about 3/4 of the way full, leaving some space for the batter to rise. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the batter to overflow and make a mess.

A cookie scoop can help you fill the liners consistently and reduce mess. Fill the scoop with batter, then use a rubber spatula to remove the excess batter from the scoop before releasing the batter into the liner. If using a medium scoop, you might need two scoops of batter per liner. A larger scoop will be more efficient and usually requires just one scoop per liner.

Alternatively, you can use a piping bag to fill the liners neatly and control the amount of batter. If you don't have a piping bag, you can cut the corner off a resealable plastic bag and use that instead.

Bake Your Cupcakes

Once your liners are filled, it's time to bake your cupcakes! Place the liners in the air fryer basket and follow the recommended temperature and timing guidelines for your specific air fryer model. Remember to bake in batches if your air fryer can't accommodate all the cupcakes at once. Enjoy your freshly baked treats!

Frequently asked questions