Craving a rich, chocolatey dessert but short on time? This Air Fryer Chocolate Mug Cake is the perfect solution! Ready in minutes, this single-serve treat is soft, moist, and packed with chocolate flavor—no oven required. Whether it’s a late-night craving or a quick sweet fix, this mug cake will hit the spot!

A warm and gooey Air Fryer Chocolate Mug Cake in a white mug, topped with melted chocolate and a dusting of cocoa powder.
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Craving something sweet but short on time? This Air Fryer Chocolate Mug Cake is the perfect solution! Made with simple ingredients, it delivers a rich, moist, and chocolatey treat in just minutes.

No need to turn on the oven—just mix, air fry, and enjoy a warm, decadent dessert straight from your favorite mug. Whether you’re satisfying a late-night craving or looking for a quick single-serve treat, this easy mug cake is sure to hit the spot!

A warm, gooey chocolate mug cake cooked in an air fryer, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Quick & Easy – Ready in just minutes, this mug cake is the perfect last-minute dessert!
  • No Oven Needed – Skip the hassle and bake it right in your air fryer for a perfectly cooked, moist cake.
  • Healthier Option – Made with simple ingredients and no excess butter or oil, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
  • Single-Serve Treat – Perfect for when you want something sweet without making a whole cake.
  • Rich & Chocolatey – Packed with deep chocolate flavor, this mug cake satisfies all your cravings!

Ingredients Needed

Air Fryer Chocolate Cake Mix Mug Cake
  • Chocolate Cake Mix: Provides the base for the cake, simplifying the process while ensuring a rich chocolate flavor.
  • Unsweetened Applesauce: Acts as a substitute for oil, adding moisture to the cake while keeping it lower in fat.
  • Water: Provides additional moisture to the batter, helping to create a tender texture in the cake.
  • Optional: Frosting or Whipped Cream: Elevates the indulgence of the mug cake, adding a creamy and decadent finishing touch.

How To Make Air Fryer Chocolate Mug Cake

A small bowl filled with cake mix, water, unsweetened applesauce, and chocolate chips being mixed together.

Step One: Mix the cake mix, water, unsweetened apple sauce, and chocolate chips/chunks in a small bowl.

Mixing ingredients together, then pouring batter into a sprayed ramekin before air frying at 320°F for 7-9 minutes.

Step Two: Mix all of the ingredients, paying careful attention to getting all dry mixes into the wet liquids. Spray your ramekin with cooking spray, and then fill your ramekin or mug up with the batter. Set into the air fryer, and set cook time for 7-9 minutes at air fryer temperature of 320 degrees F, air fryer setting.

A delicious Air Fryer Chocolate Mug Cake, ready in minutes with rich chocolate flavor.

Air Fryer Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe Tips

  • Don’t Overfill the Mug: Make sure to leave some room in the mug or ramekin for the cake to rise as it cooks. Overfilling can cause the batter to overflow, making a mess.
  • Check for Doneness: Air fryers can vary in temperature, so start checking your cake around the 7-minute mark. The cake is done when it’s firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Customize Your Flavor: You can add extra flavor by mixing in a spoonful of peanut butter, caramel, or even a few pieces of chopped fruit before air frying for a twist on this classic recipe.
  • Use a Microwave-Safe Mug: If you don’t have a ramekin, an oven-safe mug works well in the air fryer too, just make sure it fits comfortably.
  • Top It Off: For an extra indulgent treat, top your chocolate mug cake with whipped cream, chocolate chips, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream once it’s finished cooking.

Storing

  • Storing: To store your Air Fryer Chocolate Mug Cake, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days for the best freshness.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the chocolate mug cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
  • Reheating: To reheat, microwave the mug cake for 20-30 seconds or pop it back in the air fryer at 320°F for a few minutes until warm. Be sure to check the cake frequently to avoid overcooking.
    Air Fryer Chocolate Mug Cake served in a ramekin with rich chocolate flavor and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.

    Air Fryer Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe Faqs

    Can I use a different type of cake mix for the Air Fryer Chocolate Mug Cake? Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you prefer! Just be sure to adjust any added ingredients to fit the type of cake you’re making, such as swapping in vanilla or red velvet cake mix.

    How do I prevent the mug cake from overcooking? Keep a close eye on the cake as it cooks in the air fryer. The cooking time can vary based on the size of your ramekin or mug, so start checking around the 7-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

    Can I make this cake without chocolate chips? Absolutely! If you prefer a simpler cake, you can skip the chocolate chips or substitute them with other additions like nuts, marshmallows, or dried fruit.

    Can I make the cake in a regular oven instead of an air fryer? Yes, you can bake it in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 15-18 minutes, depending on your oven and mug size. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.

    Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Be sure to double-check the ingredients on your cake mix to ensure it’s completely gluten-free.

    Air Fryer Chocolate Mug Cake served in a ramekin, with a warm, fudgy texture.

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    air fryer chocolate mug cake

    Air Fryer Chocolate Mug Cake

    4.59 from 12 votes
    Author: Laurie Fleming
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 9 minutes
    Total Time: 14 minutes
    Servings: 2 Servings
    Print

    Description

    Make a delicious, gooey Air Fryer Chocolate Mug Cake in just minutes! This quick dessert is perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings with a moist, rich flavor and no need for an oven.
    YouTube video

    Ingredients 

    • 6 tablespoons chocolate cake mix
    • 1 tablespoon water
    • 2 tablespoons unsweetened apple sauce
    • 1-3 tablespoons chocolate chips or chunks

    Serve with ice cream, whipped cream or Greek yogurt

    Instructions

    • Mix the cake mix, water, unsweetened apple sauce, and chocolate chips/chunks in a small bowl.
    • Mix all of the ingredients, paying careful attention to getting all of the dry mixes into the wet liquids.
    • Spray your ramekin with cooking spray, and then fill your ramekin or mug up with the batter. Set into the air fryer, and air fry, with cook time of 7-9 minutes at air fryer temperature of 320 degrees F, air fryer setting.
    • Plate, serve, and enjoy!

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • Ramekin or Mug, any size, mug must be oven safe.
    • Cooking Spray

    Notes

    Depending on the size of the ramekins or mug, this will either make 1 or 2 servings. 
    Use either oven safe 4 ounce or 6 ounce ramekins.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ServingCalories: 234kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 367mgPotassium: 179mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 73mgIron: 2mg

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