Air Fryer Cupcakes
Air fryer cupcakes bake in about 14 minutes and come out soft, level and ready for frosting. This vanilla recipe uses silicone cups that fit a 4–6 qt basket, so you can bake a dozen in two quick batches without heating the oven. A simple vanilla buttercream finishes them.
- Temperature
- 320°F160 °C
- Total time
- 1:18hrs
- Prep time
- 20min
- Servings
- 12
- Per serving
- 350kcal
Why the air fryer works for cupcakes
Cupcakes are small, so they bake quickly, which makes them a good match for an air fryer. The chamber is compact and the heat is strong, so the batter sets fast and the cupcakes rise evenly. You also skip heating a full-size oven for a small batch, which is useful in summer.
The main rule is to bake at a lower temperature than the oven recipe calls for. At 320 °F, the cupcakes stay light and golden instead of dark on top, and the centers finish cooking. Because the fan blows air across the cups, silicone cups are better than paper liners alone. They are heavy enough to stay put, and they release the cupcakes cleanly.
How to make cupcakes in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Cream the butter and sugar Beat ½ cup butter and the granulated sugar with a hand mixer or whisk for , until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then 1 tsp of the vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients and milk Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together. Add to the butter mixture in two parts, alternating with the ½ cup milk, and stir until just smooth.
- Fill the cups Divide the batter among 6 standard silicone muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Six cups fit a 5–6 qt basket, and 4 cups fit a 4 qt air fryer. If you use paper liners, set each one inside a silicone cup so it cannot flutter in the airflow.
- Bake Preheat the empty air fryer to 320 °F for , then set the filled cups in the basket, touching each other. Bake for . A toothpick in the center should come out clean, and the tops should spring back when pressed.
- Cool and repeat Let the cupcakes cool in the cups for , then move them to a wire rack. Bake the second batch at 320 °F for . Cool all of them completely, about , before frosting.
- Make the frosting Beat the remaining ½ cup butter until creamy, then beat in the powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk and the remaining 1 tsp vanilla for , until smooth and fluffy. Pipe or spread onto the cooled cupcakes.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Cupcakes | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard cupcakes, silicone cups6 per batch | 320 °F (160 °C) | 14 min |
| Mini cupcakes | 320 °F (160 °C) | 8–10 min |
| From a cake mixFill cups half full | 320 °F (160 °C) | 12–15 min |
| Chocolate cupcakes | 320 °F (160 °C) | 14–15 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Use room-temperature butter and eggs. They blend into a smooth batter that holds air, which gives a light crumb.
- Spoon and level the flour. Scooping packs too much flour into the cup and makes dry cupcakes.
- Frost only when cool. A warm cupcake melts the buttercream, so wait the full 30 minutes.
What to serve with cupcakes
Frosted cupcakes are a classic for birthday parties and bake sales, and they go with a glass of cold milk or coffee. For a dessert table, set them next to brownies and cookies. Sprinkles, fresh berries or a drizzle of melted chocolate dress them up in a minute.
Storing and reheating
Store frosted cupcakes in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving. Unfrosted cupcakes freeze well for 2 months. To refresh an unfrosted cupcake, warm it in the air fryer at 300 °F for 2–3 minutes, then frost.
Variations
- Chocolate cupcakes: Swap ¼ cup of the flour for ¼ cup cocoa powder. See the chocolate muffins for a richer version.
- Lemon cupcakes: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest to the batter and 1 tbsp lemon juice to the frosting.
- Funfetti: Fold 2 tbsp rainbow sprinkles into the batter before filling the cups.
- Cake from Box Mix: For a dedicated recipe, see air fryer cake from box mix.
If it does not turn out right
- The cupcakes have peaks or cracks
- The tops set before the centers rose. Lower the temperature to 300 °F and add 2 minutes, and fill the cups no more than two-thirds full.
- The cupcakes are dry
- They baked too long or the flour was packed into the cup. Spoon and level the flour, and begin testing at 12 minutes.
- The frosting melts and slides off
- The cupcakes were still warm. Wait until they are completely cool, or chill the frosted cupcakes for 15 minutes.
Questions and answers
How long do cupcakes take in the air fryer?
About 14 minutes at 320 °F for standard-size cupcakes. Mini cupcakes need 8–10 minutes. Test with a toothpick, since every air fryer runs a little differently.
What temperature should I bake cupcakes in the air fryer?
Use 300–330 °F. Oven recipes at 350 °F are best lowered by about 25–30 degrees in an air fryer, so the tops do not brown before the middle bakes.
Can I make cupcakes from a cake mix?
Yes. Mix the batter as the box says and bake in silicone cups at 320 °F for 12–15 minutes. Fill the cups only half full, since mixes rise a lot.
Can I make cupcakes without eggs?
Yes. Replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or plain yogurt. The crumb is a little denser, and you may need 1–2 extra minutes.
What did you think of this recipe?
Be the first to rate this recipe.
