Air Fryer Recipe: Mango Cupcakes

 

Air Fryer Mango Cupcakes

These air fryer mango cupcakes are a tropical delight, bursting with the sweet, fragrant flavour of fresh mango. They're incredibly moist and tender, with a light and fluffy texture that's perfect for a treat or dessert. The air fryer makes them surprisingly quick and easy to bake, resulting in beautifully golden-brown tops.

Ingredients:

For the Mango Puree:

• 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced (about 1 cup of pulp)

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened¹
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup² milk (full-fat or semi-skimmed)

Optional (for Mango Buttercream Frosting):

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2-3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2-3 tablespoons mango puree (from above, or extra)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions and Method:

1. Prepare the Mango Puree:

* Blend the diced mango in a food processor or blender until smooth. If it's too thick, add a tiny bit of water (1 tsp at a time) to help it blend. You'll need about ½ cup for the cupcakes and extra if you're making frosting.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

* In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Prepare the3 Wet Ingredients:

* In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

* Beat in the eggs one at a4 time, mixing well after each addition.

* Stir in the vanilla extract5 and ½ cup of the prepared mango puree.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined.6 Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough cupcakes.

5. Prepare for Air Frying:

* Line your air fryer-safe muffin pan or silicone cupcake liners with paper cupcake liners. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to bake in batches. Generally, most air fryers can fit 2-4 standard-sized cupcakes at a time.

* Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.

6. Air Fry the Cupcakes:

* Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for 3-5 minutes.

* Carefully place the filled cupcake liners into the air fryer basket.

* Air fry for 10-15 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the centre of a cupcake comes out clean. Cooking time will vary based on your air fryer model and the size of your cupcakes.

* Once done, carefully remove the cupcakes from the air fryer and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.7

7. Make the Mango Buttercream Frosting (Optional):

* In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth.

* Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined, then increasing to medium speed.

* Beat in 2-3 tablespoons of mango puree (start with 2 and add more if needed for consistency and flavour) and the vanilla extract (if using).

* Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. If it's too thick, add a tiny bit more mango puree or milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.

8. Frost and Serve:

* Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the mango buttercream, if desired. You can use a piping bag or simply spread it with a knife.

Tips:

• Ripe Mango is Key: Use a very ripe mango for the best flavour and sweetness in your puree.
• Don't Overfill: Only fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full to prevent overflow during baking.
• Batch Baking: Unless you have a very large air fryer, you will likely need to bake these in multiple batches. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• Check for Doneness: The skewer test is the most reliable way to check if your cupcakes are baked through.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: If you try to frost warm cupcakes, the frosting will melt.
• Parchment Liners: Some air fryer baskets work better with parchment paper liners to prevent sticking, or silicone cupcake moulds.
• Air Fryer Models Vary: Always remember that air fryer cooking times can differ significantly between brands and models. Keep an eye on your first batch and adjust cooking time or temperature as needed.
• Storage: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator if frosted with buttercream.