How Long to Cook Cupcakes in an Air Fryer in the UK – Optimal Times and Tips Explained

So, you want to bake cupcakes in an air fryer? Timing really matters if you want them light and fluffy.
Usually, you’ll want to set your air fryer to 160°C (320°F) and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, give or take depending on cupcake size.

Smaller cupcakes might be ready in 8 to 10 minutes. If you’re making bigger ones, you could be looking at up to 25 minutes.

Air fryers move things along much faster than ovens. You can just poke a skewer or toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go.

This works for chocolate, vanilla, red velvet—whatever you fancy, honestly.

Air Fryer Cupcake Cooking Times in the UK

When you’re making cupcakes in an air fryer, you have to pay attention to temperature, cupcake size, and the quirks of your air fryer.
Different models can throw off your timing, so it’s worth getting a feel for yours.

Standard Air Fryer Cupcake Time and Temperature

Most of the time, you’ll set your air fryer to 160°C (320°F).
Cooking times bounce between 8 and 25 minutes, depending on how big your cupcakes are.

• Small cupcakes: 8-12 minutes
• Larger cupcakes: 23-25 minutes

Check your cupcakes after the minimum time, just to be safe.
No need to preheat the air fryer for cupcakes, which is a nice bonus.

Cupcake Size and Batch Variations

Size really does matter here.
Mini cupcakes? 8-12 minutes is usually enough.

Standard or jumbo cupcakes? Plan for 20-25 minutes.
If you’re only baking six cupcakes, they’ll fit well in most baskets and cook evenly.

Trying to squeeze in a bigger batch? You might want to split it into two rounds or add a couple minutes, so everything bakes through.

Testing Doneness of Air Fryer Cupcakes

Stick a toothpick or skewer in the center of a cupcake.
If it’s clean or just has a crumb or two, they’re done.

You want firm tops that bounce back when you touch them.
A golden or light brown color is a good sign, but recipes can vary.

Try not to open the air fryer too often—every time you do, the temperature drops and you’ll be waiting longer.

Adjusting Times for Different Air Fryer Models

Some air fryers run hotter, some cooler.
Compact models might bake faster, while big ones could take a bit longer.

If your air fryer seems extra hot, drop the temperature by 5-10°C and check your cupcakes early.
If it’s on the cooler side, tack on a couple extra minutes.

Pay attention the first few times you bake cupcakes, then tweak the times once you know how your machine behaves.
If you want a step-by-step, this air fryer cupcake recipe lays it out in detail.

Air Fryer Cupcake Preparation and Tips

Getting great cupcakes is about more than just timing.
You’ll want the right liners, spot-on ingredient amounts, and a good setup in your air fryer.

All these details make a difference in how your cupcakes bake and taste.

Choosing the Right Cupcake Liners for Air Fryers

Pick liners that actually fit your air fryer basket or tray.
Silicone liners are a solid choice—they’re heat resistant and you can reuse them.

Paper liners work, too, but go for sturdy ones so they don’t burn or crumple.
If you use paper, a light spray of oil can help prevent sticking.

Don’t use liners that are too big or flimsy.
The air fryer’s strong airflow can toss around delicate liners or even mess up your batter.

Make sure air can move around each cupcake.
That way, you won’t get undercooked or soggy spots.

Recommended Ingredients and Measurements

Stick to basic cupcake recipes, but measure carefully.
A classic vanilla base: 1 cup flour, ½ cup sugar, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ cup milk, 1 egg, ¼ cup melted butter.

Don’t add too much liquid—air fryers bake fast, and too much moisture leaves cupcakes dense or underdone.

Mix your batter until it’s smooth, but don’t overdo it or your cupcakes could turn out tough.
Fill liners about 2/3 full so the batter has room to rise without overflowing.

Air Fryer Placement and Airflow for Even Baking

Arrange your cupcakes in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between each one. This way, hot air can actually move around and do its thing.

Don’t cram too many cupcakes into the basket or tray. Overcrowding just blocks the airflow and, honestly, leads to cupcakes that bake unevenly.

If your air fryer feels a bit on the small side, just bake in batches. Never stack cupcakes—trust me, it doesn’t end well.

Try placing the basket on the middle rack; that spot usually works best for even baking.

Feel free to pause halfway through and give the cupcakes or the basket a quick spin. It helps with browning and keeps things looking nice.

Check for doneness near the end of the baking time. You don’t want to overdo it and end up with dry cupcakes.

As a general guideline, air fry at around 160-175°C (320-350°F) for 8-12 minutes. You’ll probably need to tweak this depending on your air fryer.

If you want more specific tips, check out air fryer cupcakes cooking times.