Make fluffy and moist air fryer mug cake in no time, using minimal ingredients. The single-serving confetti cake dessert is easy and delicious! Plus, it’s super kid-friendly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What You Need to Make this Recipe
- Butter: Making a cake, even a mug cake, should be balanced. The butter helps the cake be moist but firm enough to maintain its structure without drying out. It also prevents the cake from sticking to the mug.
- Flour: I use all-purpose flour for this recipe, but if you prefer a lighter cake, consider using cake flour.
- Sugar: Sweeten the single-serving treat with white sugar.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder adds a perfect amount of lift.
- Sprinkles: What is confetti cake without rainbow sprinkles? If you’re not making a confetti cake, leave them out or use other sprinkles.
- Milk: Use milk to combine the ingredients.
- Vanilla Extract: Boost the sweetness with a small amount of vanilla extract.
Additions and Substitutions
- Chocolate Mug Cake: Stir in unsweetened cocoa powder and chocolate chips to make a mug cake with a chocolatey flavor.
- Vanilla Mug Cake: Replace the rainbow sprinkles in the recipe with another dash of vanilla extract.
- Banana Mug Cake: Replace some of the milk in the recipe with mashed banana or use banana slices as a topping.
Tools Used to Make this Recipe
No need for fancy equipment. Make this quick and easy dessert with ramekins or two small microwave-safe mugs and an air fryer. I use an Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer.
How to Make an Air Fryer Mug Cake
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 2: Add flour, sugar, baking powder, and sprinkles to a liquid measuring cup and whisk to combine.
Step 3: Then, add the milk and vanilla extract. Stir to combine, careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 4: Divide the batter into the prepared ramekins. Wipe down the sides of the ramekins and cook for 6-8 minutes or until the center is set (depending on the strength of your air fryer).
Tip: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean.
Step 5: Let the mug cake cool before adding your frosting, or leave it unfrosted.
Expert Tips
- Divide the batter into two ramekins for sharing.
- Stir the ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well combined and that the batter is smooth.
- Use a toothpick or a fork to check if the mug cake is done. If it comes out clean, the mug cake is ready.
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If you love this recipe, try one of these air fryer favorites!
Serving Suggestions
Experiment with the toppings and add-ins to make the air fryer mug cake your own.
Toppings:
- Cream Cheese
- Whipped Cream
- Frosting
- Nutella
- Nut or Seed Butter
- Fresh Fruit
Mix-Ins:
- Chocolate Chips
- Nuts
- Crushed cookies or candy like Oreos.
- Shredded Coconut
What to do With the Leftovers
- Refrigerate – Air fryer mug cakes are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, cover them with plastic wrap until you’re ready to dig in. Keep it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a mug in the air fryer?
Since air fryers are mini convection ovens, any oven-safe dish should be safe, including glass, ceramic, metal, or silicone.
Can I make this cake without an air fryer?
Yes, microwave mug cakes are even easier. Simply microwave the cake for 60-90 seconds, or until it’s fully cooked.
More Mug Cake Recipes:
Air Fryer Mug Cake
- 2 Ramekin
- Whisk
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon rainbow sprinkles
- 3 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Add flour, sugar, baking powder, and sprinkles to a liquid measuring cup and whisk to combine. Then, add the milk and vanilla extract. Stir to combine, careful not to overmix the batter.
- Divide the batter into the prepared ramekins. Wipe down the sides of the ramekins and cook for 6-8 minutes or until the center is set (depending on the strength of your air fryer).Tip: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean.
- Let the mug cake cool before adding your frosting, or leave it unfrosted.
- Divide the batter into two ramekins for sharing.
- Stir the ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well combined and that the batter is smooth.
- Use a toothpick or a fork to check if the mug cake is done. If it comes out clean, the mug cake is ready.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.