Air Fryer Mug Cake: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can make a mug cake in an air fryer! It's a quick, easy, and convenient way to satisfy your sweet tooth without having to heat up the entire kitchen. The cooking time is generally shorter than baking it in an oven, and you'll have less washing up to do. Mug cakes are perfect for when you're craving a single serving of dessert instead of a whole cake. You can also get creative and experiment with different types of flour and toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients and measurements for an air fryer mug cake

Ingredients:

• Self-raising flour (also known as self-rising flour. You can substitute plain flour or all-purpose flour by adding baking powder.)
• Sugar: Granulated or caster sugar will work.
• Cocoa Powder: Good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder is best.
• Milk: Any milk will do—whole, semi-skimmed, plant-based, etc.
• Oil: Sunflower or vegetable oil.
• Flavouring: Vanilla extract is a popular choice, but you can also experiment with orange zest, peppermint extract, or cinnamon.
• Butter: Optional, but it adds richness to the cake.
• Eggs: Optional, but they can help with the cake's structure.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavour of the chocolate and balances the sweetness.
• Chocolate chips: Optional, but they add a nice chocolatey touch.

Measurements:

The measurements for your mug cake will depend on the number of servings you want and the size of your mug or ramekin. Here are some general guidelines:

• Self-raising flour: 3-4 tablespoons.
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons.
• Cocoa Powder: 1 tablespoon.
• Milk: 2-3 tablespoons.
• Oil: 2 tablespoons.
• Flavouring: 1/4 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon.
• Butter: 1 teaspoon.
• Eggs: 1, if using.
• Salt: A pinch.
• Chocolate chips: 1 tablespoon, if using.

Remember, these measurements can be adjusted to your taste and the size of your mug. You can also get creative and add other ingredients like mashed bananas, walnuts, or maple syrup!

Step-by-step instructions to make an air fryer mug cake

Ingredients:

• Self-raising flour
• Sugar (granulated or caster)
• Cocoa Powder (unsweetened)
• Milk (any type)
• Oil (sunflower or vegetable)
• Vanilla Extract
• Chocolate Chips (optional)
• Butter (optional)
• Honey (optional)
• Greek Yogurt (optional)

Method:

• In a mug, combine the dry ingredients: self-raising flour, sugar, and cocoa powder.
• Add the wet ingredients: vanilla extract, oil, and milk. Mix until well combined.
• (Optional) For an extra indulgent cake, fold in some chocolate chips.
• Place the mug in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 170°C (340°F).
• Air fry for 14-16 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on it!
• To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick or skewer into the centre. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If not, air fry for an additional 2 minutes.
• Carefully remove the mug from the air fryer using an oven mitt or kitchen towel.
• Allow the cake to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• You can substitute self-raising flour with plain flour + ½ teaspoon of baking powder.
• Most ceramic or heat-resistant mugs are suitable for use in the air fryer, but always check your air fryer's manual to be sure. Avoid plastic or thin glass mugs.
• To make your mug cake extra chocolatey, add a little cocoa powder.
• Always use self-raising flour to ensure your cake rises.
• You can swap out the honey for maple syrup or any other sweetener of your choice.
• For a vegan option, use plant-based milk.

Enjoy your freshly baked air fryer mug cake!

Customising your air fryer mug cake

• Chocolate variety: Use your favourite chocolate bar and chop it up into small pieces instead of using chocolate chips. This way, you can customise the flavour of your mug cake and create unique combinations. Some popular options include Dairy Milk, Galaxy, Terry's Chocolate Orange, or Lindt.
• Sweeteners: Experiment with different sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or any sugar you have in your pantry. You can also adjust the amount of sweetener to suit your taste preferences.
• Creaminess: Try using Greek yoghurt or other creamy alternatives like coconut milk, single cream, double cream, or flavoured yoghurt instead of Greek yoghurt in the recipe. These substitutions can add a unique twist to your mug cake.
• Flavour variations: For a vanilla mug cake, swap the chocolate with white chocolate and add a tablespoon of vanilla essence. You can also experiment with different extracts like orange or peppermint to add a zesty twist to your cake.
• Toppings: Serve your mug cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or top it with whipped cream or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent treat. For adults, a drizzle of brandy over the cake or in the whipped cream can take it to the next level.
• Mix-ins: Add some crunch to your mug cake by mixing in cacao nibs, nuts, or raisins. You can also get creative and try other mix-ins like peanut butter, salted caramel chips, or chocolate chips.
• Presentation: Use a decorative mug or ramekin that is safe for use in the air fryer. You can also garnish your mug cake with powdered sugar or fresh berries for a beautiful and tasty finish.
• Size: Adjust the serving size by dividing the batter into multiple smaller mugs or baking dishes. This way, you can make individual servings for a cute and personalised dessert presentation.

Storing and reheating your air fryer mug cake

Air fryer mug cakes are best served warm and fresh out of the fryer. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

To reheat, pop the mug cake back into the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave and heat in 30-second bursts until the mug cake is warm and gooey.

If you want to store your mug cakes for longer, you can freeze them. Once they have cooled, wrap each ramekin or mug in plastic wrap or foil. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months.

To reheat a frozen mug cake, place it back into the air fryer and heat at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time for a mug cake

Air fryers are a convenient and efficient way to make mug cakes. The temperature and cooking time for a mug cake in an air fryer may vary depending on the model and size of the air fryer, the type of mug or ramekin used, and the specific recipe being followed. Here are some general guidelines and tips for achieving the best results:

Temperature:

• Most air fryers have a bake cycle with a default temperature of around 325°F (162°C) to 350°F (176°C). This is a good starting point for baking mug cakes.
• If your air fryer doesn't have a bake cycle, set the temperature to around 325°F (162°C) to 350°F (176°C).
• For a more accurate temperature reading, consider investing in an oven thermometer.

Cooking Time:

• The cooking time for a mug cake in an air fryer can range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and model of the air fryer.
• For smaller air fryers or those with a lower wattage, the cooking time may be towards the longer end of the range.
• Always preheat your air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes before placing the mug cake inside.
• Check the doneness of the mug cake by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the centre. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
• Keep in mind that air fryers with a larger capacity or higher wattage may cook mug cakes faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Other Tips:

• Use oven-safe mugs or ramekins that fit comfortably in your air fryer, leaving enough space for air to circulate.
• Avoid using plastic or thin glass mugs as they may not be suitable for the high temperatures of an air fryer.
• Grease your mug or ramekin with butter or non-stick cooking spray to ensure the mug cake doesn't stick.
• For even cooking and to prevent the mug cake from sticking, consider using a small baking dish or cake pan that fits inside your air fryer.
• If using a cake pan, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as it will take longer to bake a cake in a pan than in a mug.
• To prevent the mug cake from drying out, avoid overmixing the batter and be careful not to overbake it.
• Experiment with different recipes and adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed until you find the perfect combination for your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions