Air-Fryer 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. The process is simple: mix the dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients, put the batter in a microwave-safe mug or ramekin, and cook in the air fryer for around 10-15 minutes. You can experiment with different ingredients and toppings to create a dessert that's perfect for you.

Choosing the right mug

• Size: Opt for a mug that is sized appropriately for your air fryer. It should fit comfortably inside the air fryer with some space around it for even cooking. A standard 12-ounce mug is a good size for most air fryers, but you may need to adjust depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Material: Choose a mug that is safe to use in the air fryer. It should be made of materials that can withstand high temperatures, such as glass or ceramic. Avoid using plastic mugs as they may melt or release toxins.
• Shape: Look for a mug with a flat bottom and a width of about 3 inches. The mouth opening should be no more than 2 inches wide to ensure that the cake batter fills the mug adequately.
• Oven-Safe: Ensure that your mug is oven-safe by checking the markings on the bottom. If it is safe for oven use, it can generally be used in the air fryer as well.
• Ramekins: If you don't have a suitable mug, you can use a small ramekin instead. Ramekins are small baking dishes that can fit inside your air fryer and are perfect for making individual mug cakes.
• Microwave-Safe: In addition to being oven-safe, your mug should also be microwave-safe. This is important if you plan on making mug cakes in the microwave as well as the air fryer.
• Cleanliness: Always use a clean mug for your cake. Wash it thoroughly before use to remove any residue or odours that could affect the taste of your cake.
• Avoid Metal: Do not use metal mugs or containers in your air fryer, as they can interfere with the heating process and may be unsafe.
• Handle: Consider using a mug with a handle. This will make it easier to remove the mug from the air fryer once your cake is cooked.
• Colour: Opt for a light-coloured mug, as darker mugs may cause your cake to brown more quickly or unevenly.

Ingredients and measurements

The ingredients and measurements for an air fryer mug cake will vary depending on the type of mug cake you want to make. Here are some options:

Chocolate Mug Cake:

• Dry ingredients: self-raising flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and chocolate chips (optional).
• Wet ingredients: milk (full-cream or vegan), oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.

Banana Mug Cake:

• Dry ingredients: baking powder and chocolate chips.
• Wet ingredients: mashed banana, milk, maple syrup, and walnuts.

Low-Carb Mug Cake:

Ingredients: butter, almond meal/flour, cocoa powder, granulated sweetener, coconut flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract.

Chocolate Mug Cake with Cake Mix:

Ingredients: chocolate cake mix, unsweetened applesauce, and water.

Vanilla Mug Cake:

Ingredients: butter, Greek yoghurt, self-raising flour, and vanilla essence.

Chocolate Mug Cake (Microwave or Air Fryer):

Ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, milk, vegetable oil/butter, and vanilla extract.

Chocolate Mug Cake (Microwave, Oven, or Air Fryer):

Ingredients: butter, chocolate chunks, honey, Greek yoghurt, self-raising flour, and vanilla essence/cocoa powder (optional).

Mixing the batter

To make a mug cake in an air fryer, you'll need to mix your batter in a bowl before transferring it to a mug or ramekin. Here's a step-by-step guide to mixing the batter for an air fryer mug cake:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start mixing, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for your mug cake. The specific ingredients may vary depending on the recipe you are following, but typically, you will need flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, milk, oil or butter, and vanilla extract. You can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or other toppings of your choice.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients, including the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Whisk them together until they are well blended and uniform in colour. Make sure to break up any lumps in the mixture to ensure a smooth batter.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Once the dry ingredients are combined, it's time to add the wet ingredients. Pour in the milk, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract. You can also add any additional wet ingredients specified in your recipe, such as applesauce or yoghurt. Mix everything together until you have a smooth and well-combined batter.

Step 4: Customise Your Flavours (Optional)

At this stage, you can customise your mug cake by adding extra ingredients to suit your taste. For example, you could add a pinch of cinnamon, orange zest, or peppermint extract to give your cake a unique flavour. You can also fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts at this point if you want them evenly distributed throughout your cake.

Step 5: Transfer the Batter to a Mug or Ramekin

Now that your batter is ready, it's time to transfer it to your chosen vessel. You can use a microwave-safe mug or a small baking dish or ramekin that fits inside your air fryer. Fill the mug or ramekin about two-thirds full to allow the cake to rise. If desired, sprinkle additional toppings on top, such as chocolate chips or nuts.

Your batter is now mixed and ready for the air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer before placing your mug or ramekin inside and adjust the cooking time and temperature according to your air fryer's specifications and the recipe you are following. Enjoy your freshly baked mug cake!

Cooking the cake

Now that you have your ingredients ready and your batter prepared, it's time to cook your delicious mug cake in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to around 320-350°F (160-180°C). This step ensures your cake cooks evenly.
• Prepare your mug: Use a microwave-safe or oven-safe mug that fits comfortably in your air fryer. If you're making a single-serving cake, an 8-ounce or 12-ounce mug is ideal. You can also use ramekins.
• Fill the mug: Pour the batter into your chosen mug, filling it about halfway to allow room for the cake to rise. If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top of the batter for an indulgent treat.
• Place the mug in the air fryer: Carefully place the mug into the air fryer basket. Make sure there is enough space between the mug and the sides of the basket for proper air circulation.
• Cook the cake: The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your mug, but on average, it takes around 8-12 minutes to cook a mug cake. Check your cake at the 8-minute mark and then in 1-minute intervals until it's cooked to your liking. Insert a toothpick into the centre of the cake to check if it's done; if the toothpick comes out clean, your cake is ready!
• Remove and cool: Take the mug out of the air fryer and let the cake cool for a few minutes before digging in. This step is important as it allows the cake to set and ensures you don't burn yourself!
• Serve and enjoy: Your mug cake is now ready to be devoured! You can eat it directly from the mug, or if you're feeling fancy, transfer it to a plate and top it with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, fresh fruit, or any other toppings of your choice.

Remember, the beauty of a mug cake is its versatility, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients, toppings, and flavours to create your own unique dessert. Happy baking and indulging!

Customising your mug cake

Types of Chocolate

If your recipe calls for chocolate, you can use your favourite variety. Dark, milk, white, or even flavoured chocolate can be used. Just ensure it melts well. You can also use chocolate chips or chunks, or chop up a chocolate bar.

Sweeteners

You can use different sweeteners in your mug cake, such as honey, maple syrup, or a granulated sweetener like stevia or erythritol. You can also use sugar, but this will no longer be a sugar-free dessert.

Dairy

To make your mug cake creamy, you can use Greek yoghurt, coconut milk, single or double cream, or even flavoured yoghurt. You can also use butter or full-fat cream as a topping.

Flour

While all-purpose flour is commonly used, you can also experiment with different types of flour, such as almond, coconut, or oat flour. If you want to make your mug cake gluten-free, you can substitute gluten-free flour or almond/coconut flour.

Mix-ins and Toppings

Feel free to add your favourite mix-ins to your mug cake, such as nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips. You can also top your mug cake with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, fresh fruit, sprinkles, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Flavour Variations

You can add different flavourings to your mug cake, such as orange zest, peppermint extract, cinnamon, or vanilla extract. You can also try using different types of milk, such as non-dairy milk, to change the flavour slightly.

Cooking Method

Mug cakes can be cooked in the air fryer, microwave, or oven, so you can choose the method that works best for you. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as each appliance varies.

With these customisation options, you can create a mug cake that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting and indulging in your delicious creation!

Frequently asked questions