Air-Fried Mug Cake: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making a mug cake in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. It's a simple process that involves mixing dry and wet ingredients, transferring the batter to an oven-safe mug or ramekin, and cooking it in the air fryer. The result is a warm, fluffy cake that's perfect for single servings and can be customised with various toppings and ingredients. This method is also versatile, accommodating different dietary preferences and restrictions, such as gluten-free and vegan options. So, if you're craving a sweet treat and want to try something new, making a mug cake in an air fryer is an excellent option!

Choosing the right mug

• Oven-Safe: Always choose a mug that is labelled oven-safe. This indicates that the mug can withstand the heat of the air fryer without cracking or shattering.
• Material: Most ceramic or heat-resistant mugs are suitable for use in an air fryer. Avoid using plastic or thin glass mugs as they may not handle the heat well.
• Size: Ensure the mug fits comfortably in your air fryer with enough space for air to circulate. It should not touch the sides or heating element of the air fryer.
• Capacity: Opt for a mug with a capacity of around 250-300 ml to ensure your cake batter has enough room to rise and cook evenly.
• Colour and Design: Choose a mug with a light-coloured interior to easily monitor the colour of your cake as it bakes. Avoid mugs with intricate designs or metallic accents, as they may affect how heat is distributed.
• Shape: Select a mug with a wide base and straight sides. This allows for even cooking and makes it easier to remove your cake once it's done.

Remember to always check your air fryer's manual for specific recommendations or restrictions on mug types. With the right mug, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, perfectly cooked mug cakes from the comfort of your air fryer!

Dry ingredients

The dry ingredients for a mug cake in an air fryer typically include flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and a leavening agent such as baking powder or self-raising flour. Here is a detailed list of the dry ingredients you will need:

Flour

All-purpose flour is a common choice for mug cakes, providing structure and a tender texture to the cake. However, you can experiment with different types of flour, such as self-raising flour, plain flour, or even gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour. If you opt for plain flour, be sure to add baking powder to help the cake rise.

Sugar

Granulated sugar is typically used in mug cakes to sweeten the cake and enhance its flavour. You can use white or raw sugar, depending on your preference. Sugar substitutes such as honey or maple syrup can also be used.

Cocoa Powder

Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for giving your mug cake a rich chocolate flavour and a deep colour. It is recommended to use good-quality cocoa powder, and if you want a richer and more intense chocolate flavour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder is a great option.

Leavening Agents

To help your mug cake rise and achieve a fluffy texture, you will need a leavening agent. You can use baking powder or self-raising flour for this purpose. If you opt for self-raising flour, it will already contain a leavening agent, so you won't need to add additional baking powder.

Optional Dry Ingredients

While the above ingredients form the basis of a mug cake, there are also some optional dry ingredients you can include:

• Chocolate chips: These can be mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top before cooking.
• Salt: A pinch of salt can enhance the flavour of the chocolate and balance out the sweetness.
• Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon can add a warm, spicy flavour to your mug cake.
• Nuts: Chopped nuts can be mixed into the batter or used as a topping.

Remember to combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl before adding the wet ingredients. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Wet ingredients

The wet ingredients for a mug cake in an air fryer are what give the cake its moisture, tenderness, and flavour. Here is a detailed list of the wet ingredients you will need and some possible variations:

Milk

Milk is a key wet ingredient as it adds moisture to the cake batter and helps it cook evenly. You can use any type of milk you like, including plant-based milk. For example, whole milk, semi-skimmed milk, almond milk, or soy milk are all good options.

Oil

Oil is important as it provides moisture and tenderness to the cake batter. Sunflower oil, vegetable oil, or any neutral-flavoured oil are all suitable options. You can also substitute oil with melted coconut oil, canola oil, or melted butter, but these may alter the flavour slightly.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is used to enhance the flavour of the cake batter and add depth. It can be substituted with vanilla paste or vanilla essence if you prefer.

Vinegar

A small amount of apple cider vinegar or plain vinegar can be added to the wet ingredients. This will help to give your mug cake a light and fluffy texture.

Honey

Honey can be used as a sweetener in your mug cake. It can be added to the wet ingredients and melted along with the butter and chocolate chunks.

Yoghurt

Greek yoghurt is another ingredient that can be used to add creaminess to your mug cake batter. You can also substitute yoghurt with coconut milk, single cream, double cream, or flavoured yoghurt.

Chocolate

Chocolate is a must for a chocolate mug cake! You can use chocolate chunks, chips, or a chocolate bar that has been diced into small pieces. Dairy Milk, Galaxy, Terry's Chocolate Orange, or Lindt are all good options.

Butter

Butter is often added to the chocolate and honey/sugar and melted together before mixing with the other ingredients.

Remember, the quantities of these ingredients may vary depending on the recipe you are following and your personal preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and creating your perfect mug cake in an air fryer!

Mixing

To make a mug cake in an air fryer, you'll need to mix your dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately before combining them. Here's a step-by-step guide to the mixing process:

First, grab a bowl or your mug and add the dry ingredients. The exact ingredients may vary depending on the recipe, but typically you'll need:

• Self-raising flour (or plain/all-purpose flour with baking powder)
• Sugar (granulated or caster)
• Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• Optional: a pinch of salt

Use a fork or a whisk to combine these ingredients until they are well mixed.

In a separate bowl or container, combine the wet ingredients:

• Milk (any type, including plant-based)
• Oil (sunflower, vegetable, or a neutral-flavoured oil)
• Vanilla extract
• Optional: Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar

Mix these ingredients until they are well combined.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix them together until they form a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cake tough and rubbery.

Adding Extras

At this point, you can fold in any extra ingredients, such as:

• Chocolate chips
• Chopped nuts
• Dried fruit

Again, gently mix these into your batter.

Transferring to the Mug

Finally, transfer the batter to your mug. Remember to use an oven-safe mug that fits in your air fryer, and make sure it's only filled about two-thirds full to allow the cake to rise.

Now your mug cake batter is ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked!

Cooking

The cooking process for an air fryer mug cake is simple and quick. The first step is to gather your ingredients and choose whether you want to make the cake from scratch or use a premade cake mix.

If you're making it from scratch, you'll need a combination of dry and wet ingredients. For the dry ingredients, you'll typically need flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and sometimes baking powder. For the wet ingredients, you'll use milk, oil, and vanilla extract. You can also add chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

Mix your dry ingredients first, and then add the wet ingredients. You can do this directly in the mug you plan to cook the cake in, or in a separate bowl if you prefer. If you're adding chocolate chips, fold them into the batter after combining the wet and dry ingredients.

Once your batter is ready, it's time to prepare your air fryer. Preheat it to the desired temperature, which is typically around 320-350°F (160-180°C).

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your mug or ramekin. You can spray it with non-stick cooking spray or grease it with butter to prevent the cake from sticking.

After preheating, place the mug into the air fryer basket and set the temperature and time. The cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer, but it typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes. It's important to keep an eye on the cake as it cooks to prevent overcooking.

To check if your mug cake is done, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. Remove the mug from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before enjoying your warm, delicious mug cake!

If you're using a premade cake mix, the process is similar. Simply prepare the batter according to the package instructions and cook it in your preheated air fryer for 12-13 minutes at 350°F.

That's it! You now have a delicious, warm mug cake to enjoy. You can top it with whipped cream, ice cream, chocolate syrup, or any other toppings that suit your taste.

Frequently asked questions