Air Fryer Cupcake Liners: Do They Work?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens for baking cupcakes. They are faster, more energy-efficient, and safer for children. When using an air fryer, you can opt for paper or silicone cupcake liners. Paper liners, however, require double layering to prevent the batter from spreading. Additionally, placing the liners in a muffin tin is recommended to prevent them from collapsing under the air pressure. Silicone liners, on the other hand, can hold their shape without additional support. It is also important to note that some air fryers may not require preheating, and liners should only be placed after the preheating is complete to avoid scorching or fire hazards.

Paper vs. silicone liners

Using paper or silicone liners for cupcakes in an air fryer is possible, but there are some differences between the two.

Paper cupcake liners are great for special occasions, as they come in a variety of colours and designs, and can be themed for holidays or birthdays. Paper liners are also more hygienic, easier to handle, and can hold the shape of your cupcakes. They are also disposable and convenient, saving time and effort on clean-up. However, paper liners can be flimsy, and you may need to double up on them to prevent your cupcakes from spreading out wide instead of tall.

Silicone liners are sturdier and can hold their shape without the aid of a baking pan. They are also reusable, cutting down on waste, and are dishwasher-safe. However, they may require more cleaning effort after big gatherings, and are not suitable for bakeries.

Both types of liners can be used in an air fryer, but it is important to note that the liners should not be placed in the air fryer during preheating, as the hot air can blow them up against the heating element, causing them to burn or catch on fire.

Oven preheating vs. air fryer preheating

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens, offering faster cooking times and a more compact design. They are also more energy-efficient, making them a popular choice for baking and cooking a variety of dishes.

When it comes to preheating, there are some key differences between ovens and air fryers. Here is a detailed comparison:

Oven Preheating:

Ovens typically require preheating to ensure even cooking and optimal results. The preheating time for ovens depends on their size; larger ovens may take longer to preheat compared to smaller ones. During this process, the oven heats up to the desired temperature, ensuring that food is cooked evenly and thoroughly.

Air Fryer Preheating:

Air fryers may or may not require preheating, depending on the model and the type of food being cooked. Some air fryers come with a preheat button, making it convenient to set the desired temperature. If there is no preheat button, it is recommended to heat the air fryer at 400 °F (204 °C) for 3 to 5 minutes.

Preheating an air fryer can speed up cooking time and enhance the crispiness of food. It is particularly beneficial for foods that require a good sear, such as steaks, burgers, and breaded items. Additionally, preheating is ideal for reheating precooked or frozen foods, as it helps them cook evenly and quickly.

However, there are instances when preheating an air fryer is not necessary or recommended. For delicate foods like shrimp or garlic, preheating may lead to burning or drying out. Similarly, for dishes with longer cooking times, such as roasted chicken or baked potatoes, preheating is not required.

The decision to preheat an air fryer depends on the specific model and the type of food being cooked. While preheating can offer benefits in terms of cooking time and crispiness, it may not be suitable for all dishes. It is essential to refer to the air fryer's manual and follow recipe instructions to determine whether preheating is necessary for optimal results.

Paper liners without a muffin tin

Yes, you can use paper cupcake liners in an air fryer. However, you will need something for the paper cases to sit on, such as a muffin tin, otherwise, the cupcakes will spread out wide instead of cooking tall. If you are set on using paper liners without a muffin tin, it is recommended that you double up on the liners to make them sturdier and prevent the cupcakes from spreading.

If you are using a muffin tin, make sure it fits inside your air fryer. You can also buy cute containers for small desserts and Yorkshire puddings, which are the perfect size for cupcake liners and will prevent them from falling over and getting the air sucked out of them.

When using paper liners in an air fryer, be careful that the paper does not get caught in the heating element and cause a fire. It is also important not to put the liners in the air fryer until after you have preheated it, as the power of the air inside may lift up the liner and cause it to scorch or blow into the heating element.

Air fryer cupcake cooking time

Air fryer cupcakes are a quick and easy treat that can be made in just 10-12 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of your cupcakes, the capacity and wattage of your air fryer, and whether you are cooking in batches.

For a batch of 6 cupcakes, 10 minutes in the air fryer should be sufficient. If you are making a larger batch of 24 cupcakes, you may need to cook them in batches, with each batch taking around 10 minutes.

For large cupcakes, the cooking time is around 23-25 minutes, and for smaller ones, it's 18-20 minutes. If you are baking in batches, the second batch will cook quicker than the first, so keep that in mind.

It's also important to note that not all air fryers require preheating, so be sure to check if your air fryer needs to be preheated before adding the cupcakes.

To check if your cupcakes are done, insert a toothpick into the center of one of the cupcakes. If the toothpick comes out clean, without any batter sticking to it, then your cupcakes are ready.

Additionally, the type of liner you use may affect the cooking time. If using paper liners, it is recommended to use a muffin tin to prevent the cupcakes from spreading out wide instead of tall. You can also double the liners to make them more sturdy. Silicone liners are another option, as they hold their shape without the need for a baking pan.

Air fryer cupcake cooking temperature

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens for baking cupcakes. They are faster, more energy-efficient, and produce moist and fluffy cupcakes with a captivating golden-brown colour.

When baking cupcakes in an air fryer, the temperature and cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the size of your cupcakes. Most cupcakes will take about 10 to 15 minutes to bake at a temperature of around 320°F (160°C). For larger cupcakes, you may need to increase the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake for 23-25 minutes.

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer for about 3-5 minutes before baking cupcakes. This helps achieve a consistent cook and ensures an even bake. Additionally, you can use paper cupcake liners or silicone molds/cups for baking. If using paper liners, it is advisable to double them to provide more stability and prevent the batter from spreading.

When filling the cupcake liners or molds, fill them about ⅔ to ¾ full to allow enough room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing. Place the filled molds in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching, as they will need room to circulate air. If your air fryer is compact, you may need to bake the cupcakes in batches.

To check if your cupcakes are done, insert a toothpick into the centre. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cupcakes are ready! If not, they may need a few more minutes.

Once your cupcakes are baked, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can then frost them with your favourite icing, such as buttercream, cream cheese, or whipped cream.

Frequently asked questions