Air-Fried Cupcakes: A Quick, Easy Treat

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens for baking cupcakes. They are faster, safer, and easier to use. You can make cupcakes from scratch or use a boxed cake mix, and you don't need to preheat the air fryer. The cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Choosing your ingredients

Choosing the right ingredients is essential for making delicious cupcakes in your air fryer. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you select the best ingredients for your treats:

Basic Ingredients

The basic ingredients for cupcakes typically include flour, sugar, butter or margarine, eggs, and milk. You can use all-purpose flour for the best results. A combination of white sugar and brown sugar will give your cupcakes a deeper flavour. If you're using butter, let it come to room temperature before mixing it with other ingredients. This will ensure it blends smoothly with the rest of your batter.

Flavourings

Vanilla is a classic flavour for cupcakes, so consider using pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste in your recipe. You can also experiment with other flavours like chocolate or lemon. For chocolate cupcakes, add cocoa powder and a bit of coffee or milk to enhance the chocolatey taste. If you're feeling fruity, go for lemon cupcakes by adding lemon juice and zest to your batter.

Raising Agents

To ensure your cupcakes rise nicely, don't forget to include a raising agent like baking powder or baking soda. This will give your cupcakes a light and fluffy texture.

Frosting

While frosting is optional, it can take your cupcakes to the next level. You can make a simple vanilla frosting by combining icing sugar, softened butter, cream, and vanilla. Or, if you're short on time, you can use store-bought frosting or icing.

Liners and Pans

When it comes to baking your cupcakes, you have a few options for liners and pans. You can use paper cups, cupcake liners, or silicone baking cups. Silicone liners are a popular choice as they stand on their own and reduce the risk of batter leaking out. If you use paper liners, it's recommended to place them on a small tray or in suitable containers so they don't fall over. For the pan, a metal muffin tin is suggested over silicone moulds for more even cooking.

Preparing your batter

To make the batter, start by mixing the butter and sugar until they are light and creamy. Then, gradually add the vanilla and eggs. Finally, mix in the flour until everything is well combined. You can use an electric hand mixer to ensure the batter is completely smooth. If you're making chocolate cupcakes, add cocoa powder and a bit of coffee or milk to the batter. For lemon cupcakes, add lemon juice and zest.

Once your batter is ready, you can start scooping it into your cupcake liners. Fill each liner about halfway to two-thirds full. If you're using paper liners, be sure to place them on a baking tray or in a small container so they don't fall over. You can also use silicone muffin liners, which can stand on their own in the air fryer basket.

Cooking your cupcakes

Now that you have your batter ready, it's time to cook your cupcakes in the air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare your muffin tin or cupcake liners: If using a muffin tin, spray it with non-stick cooking spray or line it with paper or silicone cupcake liners. If using paper liners, place them in a suitable container so they don't fall over. You can use silicone muffin liners or putters directly in the air fryer basket.
• Fill the cups: Fill each cup about halfway to two-thirds full. Don't overfill the cups, as the batter may spill over.
• Air fry: Place the cupcakes in the air fryer basket and set the temperature and time according to your recipe. Most recipes recommend air frying at temperatures between 320-350°F (160-176°C) for 11-25 minutes. You don't need to preheat the air fryer unless specified in your recipe.
• Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the centre of a cupcake. If it comes out clean, your cupcakes are done. If not, put them back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until done.
• Cool and frost: Remove the cupcakes from the air fryer and let them cool completely before frosting. This step is important, as it ensures the frosting doesn't melt.

Your cupcakes are now ready to be served and enjoyed! You can decorate them with your favourite frosting, sprinkles, or other toppings.

Cooling your cupcakes

• Remove the cupcakes from the air fryer: Once the cupcakes are done and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean, carefully take them out of the air fryer. You can use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands from the heat.
• Allow them to cool completely: Place the cupcakes on a wire rack or a cooling tray and let them cool down to room temperature. This step is crucial as it helps to stop the cooking process and prevents over-baking. It also ensures that the cupcakes are firm enough to handle and decorate without falling apart.
• Don't rush the cooling process: It's important to be patient and allow the cupcakes to cool down naturally. Do not put them in the refrigerator or freezer to speed up the process, as this can affect their texture and moisture content.
• Avoid stacking the cupcakes: When cooling, place the cupcakes in a single layer. Stacking them or placing them too close together can cause them to retain heat and moisture, leading to soggy cupcakes.
• Consider the environment: The time it takes for the cupcakes to cool completely will vary depending on the temperature and humidity of your environment. In warmer and more humid climates, it may take a bit longer for the cupcakes to cool.
• Prepare for frosting: If you plan on frosting your cupcakes, make sure they are completely cool before you start decorating. Frosting warm cupcakes can cause the frosting to melt and create a messy finish.
• Store appropriately: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them, preferably without any frosting.

Remember, the cooling process is an essential step in ensuring your cupcakes have the right texture and taste. By following these instructions, you'll be able to enjoy delicious, perfectly cooled cupcakes made in your air fryer!

Decorating your cupcakes

Frosting Techniques

The type of frosting you use and how you apply it can make a big difference in the final look of your cupcakes. Here are some frosting techniques to consider:

• Buttercream swirls: Pipe beautiful swirls of buttercream using a large piping bag and versatile piping tips like the Ateco 6-piece set or the Wilton 1M open star tip. Practice consistent pressure and positioning to achieve a perfect swirl.
• Rosette: Hold the piping bag at a 90-degree angle and start in the center of the cupcake. Slowly apply pressure, piping up and around to create a rosette pattern.
• Two-tone cupcakes: Fill your piping bag with two shades of buttercream frosting to create a marble effect. Pipe a simple swirl, and the colours will blend together beautifully.
• Frosting pom-pom: Using a round pastry tip or a zip-top bag, pipe circles of frosting in random sizes all over the cupcake. Dust with decorative sugar or sprinkles to add some festive flair.
• Simple ombre: Divide your frosting into four portions and dye each portion a different shade of the same colour, leaving one portion plain white. Pipe concentric circles onto your cupcake, starting with the darkest shade on the outside and working inwards to the lightest shade.

Toppings and Garnishes

Once your cupcakes are frosted, it's time to add some extra flair with toppings and garnishes:

• Sprinkles: Dip your frosted cupcake in sprinkles for a quick and easy decoration. You can use nonpareils, rainbow sprinkles, or any other type of sprinkle you like.
• Fruit: Press sliced fruit like lemon wedges, strawberries, or peaches into the frosting for a fresh and colourful garnish.
• Coconut: Sprinkle some untoasted or toasted shredded coconut over the frosting for a tropical touch.
• Nuts: Top your cupcakes with crushed pecans, toasted almonds, or peanuts for some crunchy texture and flavour.
• Cookies: Add some crunch and sweetness with crushed cookies like Oreos.
• Candy: Chop up some chocolate like Reese's Cups or add Mini M&Ms for a sweet surprise.

Remember, decorating cupcakes is all about creativity and having fun. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colours, flavours, and textures to find what works best for you. Happy decorating!

Frequently asked questions