Air Fryer Cupcakes: Perfect Timing For Sweet Treats

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens, especially in hot summers. They can be used to make cupcakes, which is a fun treat for everyone and perfect for last-minute birthday parties or when you want a sweet treat. The cupcakes are light, fluffy, and moist, and can be made from scratch or using a box cake mix. The cooking time varies depending on the size of the cupcakes and the type of air fryer, but on average, they take around 10-12 minutes to bake.

How long to cook cupcakes in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens, especially in hot weather. They are also more energy-efficient and quicker to use.

The time it takes to cook cupcakes in an air fryer depends on the size of the cupcakes, the type of air fryer, and the number of cupcakes being cooked at once.

Cooking Time for Large Cupcakes

Large cupcakes will take between 18 and 25 minutes to cook in an air fryer. The air fryer should be set to a temperature of 160°C (325°F).

Cooking Time for Small Cupcakes

Small cupcakes will take between 10 and 12 minutes to cook in an air fryer. The temperature should be set to 160°C/320°F or 330°F, depending on the recipe.

Other Factors Affecting Cooking Time

The cooking time may also be affected by the capacity and wattage of the air fryer, as well as the size of the cupcake cases. If cupcakes are cooked in batches, the second batch will cook quicker than the first.

It is recommended to avoid preheating the air fryer before cooking cupcakes, as this can cause them to brown too quickly.

Air fryer cooking times

Air Fryer Cupcakes

Cupcakes are a popular dessert option that can be easily made in an air fryer. The cooking time for cupcakes in an air fryer will depend on the size of the cupcakes, with larger cupcakes taking longer to bake than smaller ones. On average, air fryer cupcakes take between 10 to 25 minutes to bake, with the most common cooking time being around 12 minutes for regular-sized cupcakes.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

• Size of Cupcakes: As mentioned earlier, the size of the cupcakes will impact the cooking time. Larger cupcakes will take longer to bake than smaller ones.
• Number of Batches: Air fryers typically have limited space, so you may need to bake the cupcakes in multiple batches. The first batch may take longer to cook than subsequent batches as the air fryer reaches the desired temperature.
• Type of Liner: The type of liner or mould used can also affect the cooking time. Silicone liners or moulds tend to conduct heat differently than paper liners, which may impact the overall cooking time.
• Temperature: The cooking temperature can vary depending on the recipe and the air fryer model. A lower temperature may be preferable to avoid overbrowning, especially if you are not preheating the air fryer.
• Doneness: To check if your cupcakes are done, insert a toothpick into the centre of a cupcake. If the toothpick comes out clean, without any batter sticking to it, the cupcakes are fully baked. If not, you can add a couple more minutes to the cooking time.

Tips for Success

• Don't Overfill: Avoid overfilling the cupcake liners as this can cause the batter to spill over and affect the shape of the cupcakes. Fill the liners only about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way full.
• Use a Muffin Tin: If using paper liners, consider placing them in a muffin tin to help them hold their shape. Some air fryers may accommodate a muffin tin, or you can place the tin in the air fryer basket.
• Rotate Halfway: To help with even cooking, try rotating the cupcakes halfway through the cooking time, especially if you notice the batter moving due to the air circulation.
• Cool Before Frosting: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting them. This will ensure the frosting sets properly and doesn't melt.

Air fryer temperature

When baking cupcakes in an air fryer, it's important to remember that air fryers circulate hot air around the food, which can result in faster cooking and browning. Therefore, a slightly lower temperature is often recommended to prevent overbrowning. The ideal temperature range for cupcakes in an air fryer is between 320°F to 350°F (160°C to 177°C). This temperature setting will ensure your cupcakes bake evenly and don't burn.

Adjusting for Different Air Fryer Models:

It's worth noting that air fryer temperatures can vary slightly between different models and brands. Some air fryers may run hotter than others, so it's always a good idea to consult your air fryer's manual for specific temperature guidelines. Additionally, if your air fryer has adjustable temperature settings, you can fine-tune the heat to ensure perfect results.

The Role of Airflow:

The airflow within the air fryer also plays a significant role in temperature control. Air fryers use a powerful fan to circulate hot air, which is why they cook food quickly and efficiently. However, this airflow can affect the shape of your cupcakes, especially if the batter is too thin or the liners are not secure. To prevent lopsided cupcakes, use sturdy silicone liners or a muffin tin, and avoid overfilling the liners.

Temperature and Baking Time:

The recommended baking time for cupcakes in an air fryer is generally between 10 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of your cupcakes and the power of your air fryer. It's important to keep an eye on your cupcakes during the baking process, as air fryers can sometimes cook faster than conventional ovens. Always use a toothpick to test for doneness—insert it into the centre of a cupcake, and if it comes out clean, your cupcakes are ready!

Tips for Consistent Results:

• Use an oven thermometer to monitor the air fryer's temperature accurately. This will help you understand how your air fryer heats up and adjust the temperature accordingly.
• Preheat your air fryer if necessary. Some models may require preheating, while others can cook cupcakes straight away.
• Avoid opening the air fryer basket frequently during the baking process, as this can cause heat loss and affect the cooking time.
• Experiment with different recipes and temperature settings to find the perfect combination for your air fryer.
• Always allow your cupcakes to cool completely before frosting and serving. This will ensure the frosting sets properly and gives the best presentation.

Air fryer cupcake mistakes

Air fryer cupcakes are a fun and easy treat to make, but there are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure perfect results. Here are some of the biggest mistakes people make when baking cupcakes in an air fryer:

Mistake #1: Overfilling the paper cases

It's important to fill the paper cases only about ¼ of the way full. In their first batch, one baker added too much batter, resulting in some of the cupcakes spilling out and not looking like classic cupcakes.

Mistake #2: Leaving out your buttercream for too long

On a hot day, buttercream can melt too much if left out. It's important to keep it in the fridge until just before piping to maintain the correct temperature and consistency.

Mistake #3: Not freezing your leftovers

Freezing leftover cupcakes and buttercream is a great way to make the most of your treats. Cupcakes can be frozen in their liners, and spare buttercream can also be frozen for future use.

Mistake #4: Not allowing cupcakes to cool before frosting

It's important to let the cupcakes cool completely before adding any frosting or decorations. This will ensure that the frosting doesn't melt and that the cupcakes are easy to handle.

Mistake #5: Not adjusting cooking time for multiple batches

When making multiple batches of cupcakes in the air fryer, it's important to remember that the second batch will likely bake quicker than the first. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Mistake #6: Overfilling the air fryer basket

It's important to leave some space between the cupcakes in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and browning. Overfilling the basket can lead to uneven results.

Air fryer cupcake liners

If you are using paper liners, you will need something for the paper cases to sit on, such as small containers for desserts or Yorkshire puddings. This is because the cupcake liners need support, or else they will fall over and get the air sucked out of them.

If you are using paper cupcake liners without a muffin tin, it is recommended to double the liners. Doubling the liners will make them more sturdy and prevent them from spreading as much.

It is also recommended to use a muffin tin that fits in your air fryer if you have one available.

Frequently asked questions