A delightful array of air fryer cupcakes, freshly baked
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Emma Lawson | 
14.07.2025

Cupcakes in Air Fryer

Fancy a delightful treat? Try making cupcakes in air fryer for a quick, delicious dessert. Whether you're craving air fryer vanilla cupcakes or want to experiment with air fryer chocolate cupcakes, this method is sure to impress. Perfect for a fun family activity or a solo baking adventure, these cupcakes use simple ingredients found in your kitchen. Discover how easy it is to bake box mix cupcakes in air fryer and how mini cupcakes in air fryer can be your new favourite snack!
Prep Time
10m
Cook
15m
Total Time
25m
Yield
serves 4
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Dessert
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Cakes

What You’ll Need for Cupcakes in Air Fryer

Essential Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder (optional for chocolate cupcakes)
  • 1 tsp baking powder

Sprinkles

Add some sprinkles on top before baking for a colourful twist. They melt slightly, creating a fun texture and adding a delightful crunch to the finished cupcakes.

Why Use Silicone Liners

Silicone cupcake liners are ideal when making cupcakes in air fryer; they are reusable, withstand high temperatures, and maintain the shape of your cupcakes evenly. These liners are an eco-friendly choice that ensures your cupcakes bake evenly without sticking, making them a fantastic option for batch-baking mini cupcakes in air fryer.

Steps to Cook Cupcakes in Air Fryer

These simple steps will guide you through making delicious cupcakes in air fryer.

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and cocoa powder (if using).
  3. Separately, whisk together melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
  5. Pour batter evenly into silicone cupcake liners.
  6. Place liners in the air fryer basket.
  7. Bake for 10-15 minutes, checking with a toothpick until done.
  8. Allow to cool before serving.

Avoid Overbaking

Be mindful of baking times as air fryers vary in power. Check cupcakes a few minutes before the timer goes off to prevent overcooking and ensure soft, fluffy treats.
The process of making mini cupcakes in air fryer inside the basket

Nutrition for Air Fryer Cupcakes

Calories: 180 | Protein: 3g | Carbs: 25g | Fat: 8g

Serving Suggestions for Cupcakes in Air Fryer

Cupcakes baked in an air fryer are lovely with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a mid-afternoon treat. They’re also perfect as a charming dessert after a meal, perhaps topped with whipped cream or served alongside a scoop of ice cream for indulgence.

Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes in Air Fryer

Cupcakes in air fryer are not only simple and quick to prepare, but also incredibly delicious and versatile. Perfect as air fryer vanilla cupcakes for a classic taste, or as air fryer chocolate cupcakes for a richer flavour. With the ease and efficiency of an air fryer, entertaining or satisfying a sweet tooth becomes a breeze. Explore more delicious air fryer recipes at airfryerrecipe.co.uk. You'll find creative ideas to make the most of your air fryer, enhancing your everyday baking adventures!

Explore other Recipes below!

FAQs for Baking Cupcakes in Air Fryer

Can I use paper liners in the air fryer?

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Yes, you can use paper liners, but silicone cupcake liners are recommended as they're sturdier in the air fryer.
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Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

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Yes, always preheat air fryer to 320°F for optimal baking.
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How do I check if the cupcakes are done?

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Use a toothpick to check if the cupcakes are baked through — it should come out clean.
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Can I use cake mix for these cupcakes?

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Absolutely, box mix cupcakes bake perfectly in the air fryer; just use cake mix evenly across the liners.
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