Who knew you could bake perfect cupcakes without turning on the oven? These quick and easy air fryer cupcakes deliver soft, fluffy results in just 11 minutes using your favorite box mix.
They’re an ideal solution for hot summer days or small-batch baking when you don’t want a full dozen. With only 5 minutes of prep time, you’ll have warm, freshly-baked treats that are just as delicious as traditionally-baked versions – but with way less hassle.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cupcakes
- Box Cake Mix: Any flavor of your choice – ensure it’s a standard 15.25 oz box
- Additional Ingredients: Follow the box instructions (typically eggs, oil, and water)
- Silicone Muffin Liners: Essential for air fryer baking
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation: Select your favorite cake mix flavor and gather all ingredients listed on the box
- Mixing: Combine cake mix with required ingredients following package directions until smooth
- Liner Setup: Place silicone muffin liners carefully in your air fryer basket
- Filling: Pour batter into each liner, filling about 3/4 full to allow room for rising
- Baking: Set air fryer to 350°F (176°C) and bake for 11 minutes
- Testing: Insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean
- Cooling: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before adding any frosting
- Decorating: Once cooled, add your favorite frosting if desired
Best Air Fryer Tips
Hey there! Using your air fryer for cupcakes is super fun and easy. Make sure your silicone liners aren’t too close together – leave a little space between them so the hot air can flow nicely. Don’t have silicone liners? Paper ones might work, but they can be a bit wobbly, so silicone is your best friend here. Also, try not to open the air fryer too much while baking – every peek lets out that precious hot air!
Mix It Up: Easy Variations
The beauty of using cake mix is how simple it is to make it your own! Try adding a handful of chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts to the batter. Love vanilla? Add an extra splash of vanilla extract. For chocolate cake mix, a spoonful of instant coffee can make it taste extra chocolatey. And don’t forget – any frosting works great on these little treats!
Storage Tips
These cupcakes stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days in an airtight container. If you’ve frosted them, pop them in the fridge where they’ll keep for up to 5 days. Want to save them longer? You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months – just wrap them well and put them in a freezer bag. Let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them!
Quick Troubleshooting
If your cupcakes aren’t quite done at 11 minutes, add just 1-2 minutes at a time. They cook fast in the air fryer! If they’re browning too quickly on top but aren’t done inside, lay a small piece of foil over them. Remember that every air fryer is a bit different, so your first batch is like a tasty experiment to find the perfect timing for your machine.
Air Fryer Cupcakes (from a mix)
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Silicone Muffin Liners
Ingredients
- 1 box cake mix
- ingredients called for on the cake mix box
Instructions
- Select the cake mix that you’d like to use.
- Gather ingredients needed for the cake mix. Follow instructions on the box. Mix all ingredients together.
- Put silicone muffin liners into air fryer basket. Fill each silicon liner about 3/4 full.
- Air Fry the cupcakes at 350 F (176C) for 11 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool completely, then frost if you’d like.
