Air-Fried Cupcakes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making cupcakes in an air fryer is a quick and convenient alternative to using an oven. You can use a boxed cake mix or make your own batter from scratch. The air fryer's basket will help cook the cupcakes evenly, so make sure not to overcrowd it. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to bake the cupcakes in batches.

Choosing the right liners for your cupcakes

When it comes to choosing the right liners for your cupcakes, there are a few options to consider. Here are some factors to help you decide:

Type of Liners

You can use paper liners, silicone baking cups, or foil liners for your cupcakes in the air fryer. Paper liners are convenient and widely available, but they may require doubling up or using a sturdier variety to prevent folding or collapsing due to the hot air circulation. Silicone baking cups are reusable, flexible, non-stick, and distribute heat evenly, making them a popular choice for air fryer cupcakes. Foil liners are also an option and tend to hold up better in the air fryer than paper liners.

Size of Liners

The size of your liners will depend on whether you are making standard-sized cupcakes or mini cupcakes. Standard-sized cupcakes will require larger liners, while mini cupcakes will need smaller liners. Make sure the liners fit comfortably in your air fryer basket without overcrowding.

Number of Liners

Since air fryers have limited space, you will likely need to bake your cupcakes in batches. Determine how many cupcakes you want to make and ensure you have enough liners for multiple batches. You may also need to adjust the number of liners based on the size of your air fryer.

Liner Placement

When placing the liners in the air fryer basket, be sure to leave space between each liner for proper air circulation. This will help the cupcakes bake evenly. Additionally, consider using small containers or dishes to place the liners on, especially if you are using paper liners, to prevent them from falling over.

Liner Fill Level

It is important not to overfill your cupcake liners. Fill each liner about halfway to two-thirds full to allow room for the cupcakes to rise. This will ensure that your cupcakes bake evenly and don't spill over the sides.

In summary, when choosing the right liners for your cupcakes in the air fryer, consider the type, size, number, placement, and fill level of the liners. By selecting the appropriate liners and following the tips above, you can ensure that your cupcakes turn out perfectly cooked and beautifully presented.

How to prepare the batter

To prepare the batter for cupcakes in an air fryer, you can either make the batter from scratch or use a boxed cake mix.

From Scratch

First, gather your ingredients:

• Butter or margarine
• Caster sugar
• Self-raising flour
• Milk
• Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• Eggs

Next, measure your ingredients and add them to a mixing bowl. Use an electric hand mixer to beat the ingredients together until the batter is completely smooth. You may need to use a spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

Boxed Cake Mix

If you are using a boxed cake mix, simply gather the ingredients listed on the box and follow the instructions provided.

Once you have prepared your batter, either from scratch or using a mix, you are ready to move on to the next step of making cupcakes in your air fryer.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for baking cupcakes in an air fryer depend on the size of the cupcakes and the type of air fryer being used.

For large cupcakes, it is recommended to bake them at 160°C (320°F) for 23-25 minutes. For smaller cupcakes, the same temperature applies, but the baking time is reduced to 18-20 minutes. If you are making mini cupcakes, they will only need 6-8 minutes in the air fryer.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary in capacity and wattage, so you may need to adjust the time and temperature slightly depending on your specific air fryer. Additionally, if you are baking multiple batches of cupcakes, the second batch will likely bake quicker than the first.

When using an air fryer oven, select the "Air Fry" function and place the cupcakes on the middle rack.

Frosting and decorating your cupcakes

Now for the fun part: frosting and decorating your freshly baked cupcakes! Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:

Types of frosting

You can use your favourite frosting recipe or try something new. Some popular options include buttercream, cream cheese frosting, and chocolate ganache. For a simple vanilla buttercream, mix together softened butter, icing sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or milk as needed.

Piping techniques

For a professional-looking finish, try piping your frosting. Load the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (or a nozzle of your choice). Twist the bag tightly and snip off the tip. Hold the bag steady and pipe a swirl of frosting on top of each cupcake.

Decorations and toppings

The sky's the limit when it comes to cupcake decorations. Sprinkles, fresh fruit, edible glitter, and nuts are just a few ideas. You can also add extra treats like marshmallows, chocolate chips, or candy. Get creative and experiment with different combinations.

Storage and serving

Cupcakes can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. If you want to freeze them, it's best to do so without the frosting. When serving, arrange the cupcakes on a platter or stand, and enjoy!

Storing and serving your cupcakes

If you're planning to decorate your cupcakes with frosting, it's best to wait until they have cooled to avoid melting the frosting. You can use a simple buttercream frosting or get creative with different colours and piping techniques.

When it comes to storing your cupcakes, there are a few options. If you want to keep them fresh for a day or two, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and moist. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them, either with or without frosting. Frozen cupcakes can last for up to three months.

To freeze your cupcakes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature for about an hour.

Cupcakes are best served at room temperature, so if you've stored them in the fridge or freezer, give them some time to warm up before serving. They are perfect for dessert, an afternoon treat, or even as a special addition to breakfast. You can also serve them at parties or bring them to gatherings as a delicious contribution.

Now that you know how to store and serve your cupcakes, you can enjoy them fresh and delicious whenever you want!

Frequently asked questions