Air Fryer Cupcakes

Air Fryer Cupcakes are light and fluffy cupcakes that cook up quickly in your air fryer. These air fryer cupcakes are super easy to make and taste just like they came from a bakery.

Scroll down for the printable recipe card or read on for tips and full baking instructions!

AIR FRYER CUPCAKES

Have you tried baking in the air fryer yet? Using the air fryer to bake anything other than fries is just amazing, the results are always amazingly delicious. You can make cupcakes in the air fryer, and they turn out perfectly moist.

If you love the convenience of an air fryer but also crave a dessert, then this recipe is for you. Air Fryer Cupcakes are easy to make and have all the delicious flavors of your favorite cupcake with none of the guilt. The best part about them? They only take 10 minutes!

So what’s stopping you from making these amazing Air Fryer Cupcakes today?

CAN I BAKE CAKES IN AN AIR FRYER?

Absolutely! That’s why I wanted to share this delicious chocolate cupcake recipe.

My children love cupcakes. I was so thrilled with how well these turned out in the air fryer. The cupcakes are light, fluffy, and moist. Perfectly sweet but not too sweet. You could frost them or eat them plain. They are easy to make and perfect for an after school treat!

The best thing about using the air fryer is that you don’t have to heat up my house by turning on the oven. Not only is using the air fryer more energy-efficient, but it’s also a quick way to get the kids helping with the baking process. 

HOW TO MAKE CUPCAKES IN AIR FRYER

This recipe makes about 24 cupcakes and only takes about 5 minutes to prep. Using a box cake mix helps save you time.

To make these cupcakes you will need:

• Box of cake mix (any flavor)
• Eggs
• Oil
• Frosting
• Rainbow sprinkles
• Silicone cupcake liners (I often serve these cupcakes in the liners so I have a few sets.)

Exact measurements are listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

CAN YOU USE CUPCAKE LINERS IN AIR FRYER?

You can use paper cupcake liners in the air fryer.

I prefer to use silicone liners because the silicone liners hold their shape without the aid of a baking pan.

If you are using a paper liner your cupcakes will spread out wide instead of tall unless you use a muffin tin. If you do decide to use paper cupcake liners without a muffin tin, I strongly recommend that you double the liners. Doubling the liners will make your liners more sturdy and prevent them from spreading as much.  

I also recommend using a muffin tin that fits in your air fryer.

If needed, preheat your air fryer to 350. Not all air fryers require time to preheat so be sure to check yours.

Then prepare your cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix box.

Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ of the way full with cake batter. Then place the liners in the air fryer basket.

Cook the air fryer cupcakes for 10 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcakes comes out clean, they are fully baked.

Continue cooking the cupcakes in batches until you have used all of the cake batter. This will depend on the size of your air fryer.

Allow the cupcakes to cool on a wire rack.

Frost and decorate with sprinkles.

Note: Every batch I made came out lopsided because the air circulation caused the batter to move as it cooked. I tried rotating the cupcakes halfway through the cooking time, but it didn’t seem to make much of a difference. Once you top with icing, you can’t really tell they’re lopsided. This is one reason I often serve them in the silicone cupcake liners.

WHAT KIND OF FROSTING SHOULD YOU USE?

You can use any type of frosting that your family enjoys. Pair your favorite flavors together and don’t be afraid to mix it up! This recipe works for any type of cake and frosting. 

CAN YOU MAKE THESE AIR FRYER CUPCAKE WITH ANY TYPE OF CAKE MIX?

You can definitely use any type of cake mix for this recipe. It’s an easy way to make seasonal cupcakes. You can also make your own homemade cake batter and back the cupcakes in the air fryer.

WHY SHOULD I BAKE CUPCAKES IN THE AIR FRYER?

They are a quick and easy dessert option. You get moist and delicious cake without having to heat up the oven. Everyone enjoys them too!

HOW TO STORE AIR FRYER CUPCAKES

Keep these cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature.

You can frost them or eat them plain. 

HOW LONG DO I BAKE CUPCAKES IN THE AIR FRYER?

Bake these air fryer cupcakes for 10 minutes. 

Check them after 10 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center of one of the cupcakes, if no batter sticks to your toothpick then they are done. 

Just keep in mind that every air fryer cooks separately so your cupcakes may need to cook a little longer.

MORE AIR FRYER DESSERTS

• Air Fryer Cookies
• Air Fryer Apple Fritters
• Air Fryer Donut Holes

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Air Fryer Cupcakes

Use a box cake mix to make moist and delicious cupcakes in the air fryer!

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time7 mins

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 1 box cake mix (prepared)
• 2 containers frosting
• Rainbow sprinkles
• Silicone cupcake liners

Instructions

• Preheat the air fryer to 350° if necessary.
• Prepare the cake batter according to the directions on the package
• Fill each cupcake liner ¾ of the way full of cake batter and place them in the basket of the air fryer.
• Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcake comes out clean. Continue cooking in batches until all the batter has been used.
• Allow the cupcakes to cool completely, then frost and add sprinkles.

Notes

These cupcakes may not be completely consistent in size and shape. The air circulation can cause the batter to move as it bakes. But they will still come out moist and delicious!