Why I Love This Recipe
Making cupcakes in the Air Fryer is an absolute game-changer! This recipe is not only quick and easy but also results in perfectly fluffy, moist cupcakes every time. The best part? You don’t need to preheat the oven, and there’s no need for a cupcake pan. The Air Fryer Cupcakes come out soft, delicious, and perfectly golden in just 16 minutes. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple treat or looking to impress guests, these cupcakes are a foolproof and speedy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite frosting or toppings, making them perfect for any occasion.
Air Fryer Cupcakes
The easiest way to make moist, fluffy cupcakes in an air fryer! Just grab your favorite box cake mix, follow a few simple steps, and you’ll have fresh cupcakes in under 20 minutes.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Yield: 6-8 cupcakes (depends on the size of muffin liners)
Calories per Cupcake: Varies depending on the cake mix used
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
- Silicone muffin liners (or paper liners)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
Ingredients
- 1 box of cake mix (your choice of flavor)
- Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (usually water, eggs, and oil)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Select your cake mix of choice. Whether it’s chocolate, vanilla, or any other flavor, the process remains the same.
- Gather the ingredients listed on the cake mix box (typically water, eggs, and oil) and follow the instructions to prepare the batter. Use a whisk or hand mixer to blend until smooth.
Step 2: Set Up the Muffin Liners
- Place silicone muffin liners into your air fryer basket. Silicone works best as it allows the cupcakes to bake evenly, but you can also use paper liners if that’s what you have on hand.
- Fill each muffin liner about ¾ full with the prepared batter. This ensures they have enough room to rise without overflowing.
Step 3: Air Fry the Cupcakes
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176°C) if required, or simply set it to the appropriate temperature.
- Place the muffin liners in the basket and air fry for 11 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cupcakes—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Step 4: Cool and Frost
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. This step helps prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off. Once cooled, you can decorate them with your favorite frosting, sprinkles, or toppings!
Recipe Notes
- Nutrition Information:
The nutrition will vary based on the cake mix you select and the specific ingredients you use (e.g., type of oil, eggs, frosting). Always check the packaging for precise details. - Customizing Your Cupcakes:
- Add-ins: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, sprinkles, or fruit into the batter before air frying. Just make sure not to overfill the liners to give the cupcakes room to rise.
- Toppings: These cupcakes are a great base for frosting, whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple touch.
- Using an Air Fryer Oven:
If you’re using an air fryer oven, make sure to place the muffin liners on the middle rack and select the “Air Fry” function. The cooking time may vary slightly based on the model of your air fryer.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t Overfill the Muffin Liners: Filling the liners more than ¾ full may result in cupcakes overflowing as they rise. Stick to this portion for best results.
- Check for Doneness Early: Air fryer models can vary in their heat distribution, so check your cupcakes after 9-10 minutes to ensure they don’t overbake.
- Even Air Frying: If you’re baking multiple batches, be sure to let the basket cool slightly between batches to ensure even cooking.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make these cupcakes without silicone muffin liners?
Yes! You can use paper liners, but silicone liners are ideal for air frying since they allow better heat circulation. If you’re using paper liners, make sure they are sturdy enough to hold the batter.
Q2: Can I use a homemade cake batter instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! As long as the batter is similar in consistency to a box mix, it should bake up perfectly in the air fryer.
Q3: Can I double this recipe?
You can double the recipe, but be mindful of the number of muffin liners you use and how they fit in the air fryer basket. You may need to bake the cupcakes in batches if your air fryer is small.
Q4: My cupcakes sank in the middle—why did this happen?
This could happen if the batter was overmixed or the cupcakes weren’t cooled completely before frosting. Be gentle when mixing, and allow the cupcakes to cool before decorating to ensure they set properly.
Storage
- Room Temperature:
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they will keep well for a few days. - Refrigeration:
If you’ve frosted your cupcakes or if you live in a warm climate, store them in the fridge for up to 1 week. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. - Freezing:
You can freeze un-frosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature and frost when ready.
Air fryer cupcakes are a quick and fun way to make delicious treats without the need for a traditional oven. Perfect for last-minute cravings or small batches, this recipe is incredibly easy, with minimal mess and maximum flavor! Whether you’re baking for yourself or making a treat for your loved ones, these cupcakes will always hit the spot
