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Air Fryer Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Name: Air Fryer Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces Devil's Food Cake Mix; 20 ounces cherry pie filling; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 16 ounces chocolate frosting

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Air Fryer Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes—These chocolate cupcakes with a cherry surprise inside are made in your air fryer!

They’re the perfect easy dessert for any chocolate and cherry lover. Because they’re baked using the air fryer, they’re healthier than traditional cupcakes. You won’t believe how fluffy and delicious they are—try them today!

Imagine a crispy chocolate cherry cupcake on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Now imagine it’s air fried! These Air Fryer Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes are the perfect summer dessert because they are light, refreshing, and satisfying. Plus, they only take about 15 minutes to make from start to finish! (Plus, clean-up is a breeze!) So if you’re looking for an easy yet delicious dessert recipe, try these Air Fryer Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes! You won’t be disappointed!

Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

If you love the delicious combination of chocolate and cherry flavors, you will love our new recipe for Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes! These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion and will surely be a hit with your friends and family. So what are you waiting for? Try out this fantastic recipe today!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

Quick and Easy to Make: These air fryer chocolate cherry cupcakes come together in a snap, making them perfect for when you crave something sweet without wanting to spend hours in the kitchen.
Rich Chocolate Flavor: The deep, luxurious chocolate batter pairs perfectly with the sweet cherries, offering a decadent taste in every bite.
Moist and Tender Texture: Air frying creates a beautifully moist cupcake, ensuring a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Convenient and Efficient: Using an air fryer for cupcakes means quicker cooking times and less energy used than traditional oven baking, making it an intelligent choice for efficient baking.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special celebration or a cozy night, these cupcakes add a touch of elegance and will impress your guests or family.
Customizable: The recipe can easily be adapted to include your favorite additions, such as nuts or different types of fruit, making it versatile and fun to experiment with.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Are you looking for a delicious and easy dessert to make in your air fryer? If so, then you have to try these chocolate cherry cupcakes! They are simple to make and require only a few ingredients. Plus, they taste amazing! So what are you waiting for? Get started on making these delicious cupcakes today!

Remember the step-by-step directions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Devil’s Food Cake Mix: This cake mix provides a deep, rich chocolate base that’s foolproof and delicious. It ensures your cupcakes are indulgently chocolatey every time.
Cherry Pie Filling: Adding cherry pie filling introduces sweet and tart flavors, creating a delightful contrast with the rich chocolate cake.
Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together, giving the cupcakes structure and ensuring a moist, tender crumb.
Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the chocolate and cherry flavors, adding depth and warmth to the overall taste.
Chocolate Frosting: Topping these cupcakes with chocolate frosting doubles down on the chocolate delight, making each bite a decadent experience.

How To Make Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes In Air Fryer

Making Air Fryer Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes is a delightful way to enjoy a decadent treat with the convenience of your air fryer. Here’s how to whip up these delicious cupcakes:

How To Make Air Fryer Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Reserve 20 cherries from cherry pie filling in a small bowl and set aside.

Mix cake mix, remaining cherry pie filling, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl.

Fill cupcake liners ⅔ full. Place several cupcakes in your air fryer basket and set the air fryer on-air fry at 320 degrees F, air fryer setting. Bake for 9-12 minutes or until your cupcakes are cooked through.

Work in batches until all the batter is used. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. Spread or pipe your chocolate frosting onto each cupcake. Top with one cherry per cupcake, and serve.

Recipe Variations

Exploring variations of Air Fryer Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes can add a fun twist to this delicious dessert. Here are some ideas to inspire your next baking adventure:

Black Forest Cupcakes: Before adding the chocolate frosting, add a layer of whipped cream to the cupcakes. Garnish with whole cherry and chocolate shavings for a nod to the classic Black Forest cake.
Chocolate Chip Cherry Cupcakes: Fold a handful of mini chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolatey bites. This adds texture and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Almond Cherry Cupcakes: Mix a teaspoon of almond extract into the batter to complement the cherry flavor. For added crunch, you can also sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the frosting.
Cherry Cheesecake Cupcakes: Before baking, drop a spoonful of cream cheese mixed with a little sugar into the center of each cupcake for a cheesecake-like surprise in every bite.
Double Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes: Swap out the regular chocolate frosting for a dark chocolate ganache. This variation is perfect for those who can’t get enough chocolate.
Spiced Cherry Cupcakes: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or mixed spice to the batter to introduce a warm, spiced flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cherries.

These variations allow you to customize the Air Fryer Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes to suit your taste preferences or to dazzle guests with an unexpected twist on a classic combination.

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Air Fryer Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes involves not just following the recipe but also knowing a few insider tricks that can elevate your baking game. Here are some pro tips to help you achieve cupcake perfection:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cherry pie filling (if refrigerated) are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter mix more evenly, resulting in a smoother texture.
Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes because it develops the gluten too much.
Check for Doneness Early: Air fryers can vary in how they cook, so start checking your cupcakes for doneness a few minutes before the recipe’s suggested cooking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Use a Water Bath for Moisture: If you find the air fryer dries out baked goods, try placing a small, oven-safe dish of water in the bottom of the air fryer. The steam can help keep the cupcakes moist.
Prevent Sticking: Even if you’re using silicone cupcake liners, lightly greasing them can ensure the cupcakes come out cleanly without sticking.
Fill Cups Evenly: Use an ice cream scoop or a measuring cup to fill your cupcake liners evenly. Consistent size ensures uniform cooking.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before applying frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off the cupcakes.
Customize Your Frosting: Beat the chocolate frosting with a mixer for a few minutes before applying. This can lighten the texture and make it easier to spread or pipe.
Decorate with Precision: Use a piping bag and tip to apply the frosting for a professional look. Garnish with fresh cherries, grated chocolate, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that extra touch.
Batch Cooking: If cooking in batches, make sure the air fryer is preheated again before adding the next set of cupcakes to ensure consistent results.

Following these pro tips, your Air Fryer Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes will not only taste great but also look professionally made, ready to impress your family and friends.

Faq’s

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling? Yes, you can use pitted and chopped fresh cherries. Consider adding a bit of sugar to them if they’re not very sweet. However, you may lose some moisture that the pie filling provides.

Do I need to adjust the cooking time if I use silicone liners instead of a metal cupcake pan? Silicone liners might require a slightly longer cooking time due to their insulating properties. Always check for doneness with a toothpick to ensure proper baking.

Can these cupcakes be made gluten-free? Absolutely! Simply substitute the Devil’s Food Cake Mix with your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Ensure that the rest of your ingredients are also gluten-free.

How do I store leftover cupcakes? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving, especially if they were refrigerated.

Can I freeze these cupcakes? Yes, you can freeze them without the frosting for up to 3 months. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.

Why did my cupcakes come out dry? This could be due to overcooking or not having enough moisture in your batter. Next time, try checking them a bit earlier and consider adding a bit more cherry pie filling for moisture.

Can I double this recipe in the air fryer? While you can prepare a double batch of batter, you’ll still need to cook the cupcakes in batches without overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

My frosting melted on the cupcakes, what did I do wrong? Frosting should be applied only after the cupcakes have completely cooled. If they’re even slightly warm, the frosting will melt.

Can I use a different type of frosting? Yes, feel free to use any frosting you prefer. Cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla buttercream can also pair wonderfully with the chocolate and cherry flavors.

The center of my cupcakes sank after cooling, why? This can happen if the cupcakes are underbaked or if there’s too much moisture from the cherry pie filling. Ensure they pass the toothpick test for doneness, and adjust the amount of filling if necessary.

Equipment Used

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