Easy Air Fryer Cupcakes
Learn how to make cupcakes in air fryer without the hassle of the oven! Chocolate air fryer cupcakes are deliciously moist and fluffy, and a perfectly portable sweet treat.
Suitable for vegetarian diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.
There is just something about a cupcake that makes people smile. And these Air Fryer Cupcakes cook quickly without all the hassle of using an oven, which gives you even more reason to smile.
If you’re an air fryer fanatic like I am, you’ve probably asked yourself the question, can you bake cupcakes in the air fryer? And after making this recipe, you’ll know that the answer is a resounding YES!
Delicious, individually portioned, and portable (you don’t even need a plate or a fork), air fryer cupcakes are perfect for bake sales, birthday parties, after-school and sports snacks, or as an anytime sweet treat.
These air fryer chocolate cupcakes get their decadent chocolate flavor from a combination of hot cocoa mix and chocolate sauce. Serve them plain, dusted with a bit of powdered sugar, or pile on your favorite frosting for an extra special treat.
Looking for more easy desserts? Then try these Air Fryer Donuts or these super easy and kid friendly Air Fryer Fried Oreos.
Alternatively, you can also try these Air Fryer Pistachio Pudding Cookies and these delicious Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies and breakfast and dessert Air Fryer Apple Fritters. Yeap, I got you covered.
Why Make This Recipe
- Easy – Make cupcakes in just a few minutes without heating the oven (and the house).
- Incredibly Moist – These cupcakes cook fast and retain their moisture, so they are perfectly delectable.
- Rich and Decadent – Made with chocolate sauce and hot cocoa powder, these air fryer cupcakes are truly irresistible.
Ingredient Notes
- Flour – Use all-purpose flour for the best results.
- Sugar – A combination of white sugar and brown sugar will be used.
- Hot Chocolate Powder – The amount needed equals about one and a half packets of hot cocoa.
- Baking Soda – This will help your cupcakes to rise.
- Butter – Butter has a nice flavor, but you can also use shortening .
- Eggs – Large, room temperature eggs.
- Chocolate Sauce – Use your favorite jarred or bottled chocolate sauce or syrup.
- Icing (optional) – If you prefer, you can top the cupcakes with your favorite storebought icing or frosting.
Ready to learn how to make cupcakes in the air fryer? Gather your ingredients and I will show you…
How To Make Air Fryer Cupcakes
Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
- Preheat the air fryer to 275 degrees F / 135 degrees C.
- In a bowl, cream butter (or shortening) and sugar together until fluffy, then stir in the eggs and chocolate sauce. You can also use a stand mixer.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, hot chocolate mix, and baking soda.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.
- Line the air fryer basket with silicone baking cups and add batter until each is three-quarters of the way full.
- Air fry for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool, then top with frosting, if desired.
Expert Tips
- To make batter smoother, bring butter and eggs to room temperature before using.
- Scoop dry ingredients into a measuring cup and then level the top with a knife for the most accurate measurements.
- Use an ice cream or cookie scoop to add the batter into the baking cups without making a mess.
- Make sure cupcakes are in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook in batches as needed.
- You can line the silicone baking cups with paper liners to make it easy to remove the cupcakes.
- Cool the cupcakes on a wire baking rack before frosting.
- Air Fryer temperatures can vary based on make and model. Use the cooking time listed as a guide, check for doneness, and adjust as needed.
Delicious Variations
- Top With Powdered Sugar – Sprinkle the tops with powdered sugar for a tasty dessert that’s a little less indulgent.
- Swap the Frosting – Use your favorite flavor of frosting. Store-bought frosting makes an easy shortcut.
- Add Sprinkles or Candy – After frosting the cupcakes, top with sprinkles, nuts or crushed candy.
Prep And Storage
- Store – Store cupcakes in an airtight container and consume them within 2-3 days.
- Freeze – Bake cupcakes and wrap in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let them defrost on the counter for about an hour before frosting and eating.
FAQs
Yes! It is very easy to bake cupcakes in an air fryer. They cook quickly and taste moist and delicious.
While you can successfully use paper cupcake liners in the air fryer, they will need the aid of a baking tray. Silicone cups are preferred so they will stand on their own, and you do not have to worry about batter oozing out or the cupcakes becoming misshaped.
The fan in the air fryer makes the batter move around just a bit while they cook. This can cause your cupcakes to be lopsided. Even if you rotate the cups after a few minutes, you may still notice this. That is why I recommend frosting your cupcakes. Frosting covers up any imperfections.
More Recipes You May Like
- Air Fryer Pistachio Pudding Cookies.
- Easy Air Fryer Gluten Free Chocolate Cake.
- Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- Air Fryer Churros.
- Air Fryer Brownie Mix Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Weight Watchers Points
There are 9 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
Thank you for reading my how to make cupcakes in Air Fryer recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.
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Easy Air Fryer Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups (272g) flour
- 1 cup (200g) white sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ⅓ cup (35g) hot chocolate powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ cup (113g) butter or shortening
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons chocolate sauce
- frosting or icing optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 275 degrees F / 135 degrees C.
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar together until fluffy, then stir in the eggs and chocolate sauce. You can also use a stand mixer.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, hot chocolate mix, and baking soda.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.
- Line the air fryer basket with silicone baking cups and add batter until each is three-quarters of the way full.
- Air fry for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool, then top with frosting, if desired.
Video
Notes
- To make batter smoother, bring butter and eggs to room temperature before using.
- Scoop dry ingredients into a measuring cup and then level the top with a knife for the most accurate measurements.
- Use an ice cream or cookie scoop to add the batter into the baking cups without making a mess.
- Make sure cupcakes are in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook in batches as needed.
- You can line the silicone baking cups with paper liners to make it easy to remove the cupcakes.
- Cool the cupcakes on a wire baking rack before frosting.
- Air Fryer temperatures can vary depending on the make and model. Use the cooking time listed as a guide, check for doneness, and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Storage – keep baked cupcakes in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- There are 9 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
These are absolutely incredible! Will definitely be making them again!
Very good and fluffy