There is nothing particularly novel about a mug cake. The single-serving, chocolate-forward dessert had its rightful moment in the sun as a quick, easy, and delicious indulgence, requiring only a handful of ingredients, a microwave and — you guessed it — a mug to yield sweet, fudgy perfection.
Of course, plenty of variations of mug cake have been made, with crave-worthy additions such as marshmallow fluff, peanut butter and caramel, though little has changed in its simple preparation.
We at CNET are big fans of the mighty air fryer: The appliance seemingly does it all, from crisping vegetables to making hard-boiled eggs. But one recipe we haven’t tested is our tried-and-true mug cake recipe. Does it convert?
Spoiler alert: It totally does. Here is a complete rundown.
How to make a chocolate mug cake
First, we assembled the ingredients and instructions, converting only the microwaving step (#4) into one tailored for the air fryer. If you’re wondering, you can adapt almost any oven or stovetop recipe for the air fryer.
Ingredients for air fryer mug cake
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 to 4 tablespoons sugar (depending on how sweet you want your cake to be)
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- A few drops of vanilla extract
- Chocolate chips to taste (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Add flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt to a 12-ounce oven-safe mug. (Note that if you are using a smaller cup, your cake may rise and spill over the rim.) Mix thoroughly with a fork until ingredients are well combined.
3. To the same mug, add the milk, vegetable oil, egg and vanilla. Whisk all the ingredients together with a fork until the mixture is homogeneous and free of lumps. Stir in chocolate chips, if desired.
4. Air fry your mixture for 10-16 minutes, depending on the preferred texture. A shorter cooking time will obviously yield a gooier consistency, but this may take some trial and error, depending on your air fryer model. (Pro tip: Always undercook versus overcook, as it will continue to set as it cools.)
5. Stick a butter knife into the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If batter is stuck to the knife, expect a gooey middle and possibly an undercooked center.
5. Carefully remove the mug from the air fryer. Allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Top the cake with more chocolate chips, powdered sugar or ice cream, and enjoy.
What to consider when making a mug cake in an air fryer
While the outcome was equally, if not more, scrumptious, it certainly takes longer than a standard microwave mug cake (which cooks in less than 2 minutes). That said, an air fryer allowed for a bit of a crust and caramelization to form around its edges, making it completely worth the wait and superior to its microwave version.
The air fryer model used was a Kalorik MAXX. Its French double-door design makes it easier to accommodate bulkier cooking and baking vessels. If your air fryer is limited to smaller trays and baskets, opt for a ramekin or something more shallow so your batter actually fits and cooks evenly. Be mindful of measurements, as well — this mini cake rises, and you’ll want to leave enough space for it to do so without spilling over.
Lastly, make sure your cookware can withstand higher temperatures so it doesn’t crack and potentially destroy your homemade confection (or pose a significant fire risk!).
Final thoughts
While a microwave will certainly satisfy a sweet tooth quicker, an air fryer will elevate your dessert experience with a concoction that tastes, feels and looks more gourmet. After all, nothing rivals an oven-baked smell and texture, and you owe it to yourself to get the most out of a sudden hankering for a late-night treat.
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