Air-Fried Cupcakes: Baking Perfection Without An Oven

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens, and they can be used to bake cupcakes. Using an air fryer can significantly reduce the time it takes to bake cupcakes compared to a conventional oven. The cupcakes are placed in silicone or paper liners inside the air fryer basket and baked at temperatures ranging from 320°F to 350°F for 10 to 25 minutes, depending on the recipe and air fryer model. The cupcakes rise beautifully, turn out moist and fluffy, and can be decorated with frosting and sprinkles.

Air fryer cupcake recipes

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens, as they can produce perfectly baked cupcakes in a fraction of the time. Here are some recipes to help you get started on baking delicious cupcakes in your air fryer.

Vanilla Cupcakes

For vanilla cupcakes, you will need the following ingredients:

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

First, measure all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and beat them together with an electric hand mixer until the batter is completely smooth. Use a spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure that the ingredients are well combined.

Next, use a large cookie scoop to divide the batter between 8 large paper cup cases or a medium scoop for smaller cupcake liners. You should get 10-12 cupcakes in total.

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 don't need to preheat the air fryer beforehand. Check if the cupcakes are done by inserting a toothpick into the centre—if it comes out clean, they're ready.

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before adding any frosting. You can store them in a cake container for 2-3 days or wrap them well and freeze them (without frosting).

Chocolate Cupcakes

For chocolate cupcakes, you can start with the vanilla cupcake recipe and make a few simple modifications. Here's what you'll need:

• 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon of coffee or milk

Follow the same steps as the vanilla cupcake recipe, adding the cocoa powder and your choice of coffee or milk to the batter. You can also add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a more decadent chocolate flavour.

Lemon Cupcakes

Lemon cupcakes are another easy variation you can make using the vanilla cupcake recipe as a base. Here's what you'll need:

• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Zest of one lemon

Simply add the lemon juice and zest to the vanilla cupcake batter and follow the same baking instructions.

Using a Boxed Cake Mix

If you're short on time or prefer a more convenient option, you can also use a boxed cake mix to make cupcakes in your air fryer. Any brand of cake mix will do, and you can choose your favourite flavour. Simply gather the ingredients listed on the box and follow the instructions for mixing the batter.

Place silicone muffin liners in the air fryer basket and fill them about ¾ full with batter. Air fry the cupcakes at 350°F (176°C) for 11 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting, if desired.

Air fryer baking tips

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens, as they can cook food faster and more evenly. They are also a great option for baking cupcakes, as they produce moist and fluffy treats that are sure to impress your family and friends. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your air fryer when baking cupcakes:

• Use silicone or parchment paper cupcake liners. These liners are heat-resistant and won't burn or melt during the baking process.
• Lightly grease the cupcake liners to prevent sticking.
• Preheat your air fryer to the specified temperature in your cupcake recipe. The recommended temperature for baking cupcakes in an air fryer is typically around 320°F to 350°F.
• Adjust the temperature and baking time according to your air fryer's specifications to ensure even baking. Air fryers can vary in their capacity and wattage, so you may need to do a little trial and error to determine the optimal cooking time.
• Don't overfill the cupcake liners. Fill them about 3/4 full to avoid the batter from splattering.
• Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting or decorating.
• Get creative with your cupcake flavors and decorations! The air fryer is a great tool for achieving perfectly baked treats every time, so feel free to experiment with different recipes and techniques.

Air fryer benefits

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it's easy to see why. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer:

Speed and Efficiency:

Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens. For example, cupcakes that would typically take up to 30 minutes in an oven can be ready in as little as eight minutes in an air fryer. This reduced cooking time can be a significant advantage when you're short on time or looking for a quick treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Convenience:

Air fryers are convenient for several reasons. Firstly, they don't require preheating, saving you time and effort. Secondly, they use less oil than traditional frying methods, reducing the mess and cleanup associated with deep frying. Finally, air fryers are versatile and can be used for a wide range of dishes, from savoury meals to desserts like cupcakes.

Ease of Use:

Air fryers are simple to use, making them accessible to people of all cooking skill levels. They often come with preset cooking options, such as a cake option, making it easy to navigate and select the appropriate settings for your dish. Additionally, air fryers are generally safer for children to use, allowing them to bake their own treats from scratch with less risk than using a traditional oven.

Quality of Results:

Despite the shorter cooking time, air fryers produce moist and fluffy cupcakes that are sure to impress. The use of hot air circulation ensures even cooking, resulting in perfectly baked treats every time. The precise temperature control and consistent heat distribution contribute to the high-quality results that air fryers are known for.

Energy Efficiency:

Air fryers are more energy-efficient than traditional ovens. They preheat and cook food more quickly, reducing the amount of energy required. This efficiency can lead to cost savings on energy bills, making them a more economical choice for your kitchen.

Air fryer cupcake cooking times and temperatures

Air fryer cupcakes are a fun, easy treat that can be made in just a few minutes without heating up your oven. You can bake a small batch of cupcakes (6) in the air fryer in 10 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and wattage of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the time by 1-2 minutes.

For larger cupcakes, you can bake them at 160°C (325°F) for 23-25 minutes, and for smaller cupcakes, bake them at the same temperature for 18-20 minutes. You don't need to preheat the air fryer before baking.

If you're using a box cake mix, prepare the mix according to the directions. Combine the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer. Beat or whisk the batter until it is smooth and creamy.

When using silicone cupcake holders, lightly spray the inside with non-stick spray before placing them in the air fryer basket. If you're using paper liners, you can fill them about 3/4 of the way full with batter. Be careful not to overfill, as the fan can splatter the batter.

Air fry your cupcakes at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes. Allow them to cool before frosting. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or pile on your favorite frosting for an extra special treat.

Air fryer cupcake liners

If you are using paper liners, it is recommended to double up the liners to make them sturdier and prevent the cupcakes from spreading too much. Additionally, you will need a suitable container for the liners to sit on, such as small pudding dishes or a muffin tin that fits in your air fryer.

On the other hand, silicone liners hold their shape without the need for a baking pan. They are a good option for air fryer cupcakes as they can be placed directly into the air fryer basket.

When filling the cupcake liners, it is important not to overfill them. Fill them only about 3/4 of the way full, or even less, to prevent the batter from spilling out.

The number of cupcakes you can bake at once will depend on the size of your air fryer, but it is likely that you will need to bake them in several batches.

Frequently asked questions