Air Fryer Vanilla Cupcakes
Ready in about 20 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Light vanilla cupcakes with a soft crumb and simple bakery-style charm. Perfect for small-batch baking.
Written for 6. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 120 g flour
- 80 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 80 ml milk
- 60 g butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla
Method
- 1Mix the flour and sugar, then stir in the egg, milk, melted butter and vanilla.
- 2Spoon into lined cups.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 160°C / 320°F.
- 4Air fry for 9-12 minutes until risen and cooked through.
- 5Cool before frosting if desired.
Tips for the best results
- A simple buttercream turns these into party cupcakes.
- Silicone moulds are especially handy for air fryer baking.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer vanilla cupcakes steams instead of browning.
- Pulling air fryer vanilla cupcakes the moment the timer ends without checking the centre.
- Letting wet coating pieces touch, which peels the crust and keeps it soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer vanilla cupcakes?
A typical starting point is 160°C / 320°F for 9-12 min. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
Can I make air fryer vanilla cupcakes ahead?
Cook it, cool it quickly, and refrigerate. Reheat in the air fryer at a slightly lower temperature so the outside does not dry before the middle is hot.
How many people does air fryer vanilla cupcakes serve?
This recipe is written for 6. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.