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Air Fryer Donut Mug Cake

Name: Air Fryer Donut Mug Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Ingredients: 4 teaspoons granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted and melted); 1 small egg; 1 tablespoon milk; 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/8 teaspoon salt

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: January 18, 2021

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Air Fryer Donut Mug Cake—Looking for an air fryer recipe that is delicious and easy to make?

This air fryer donut mug cake is the perfect dessert for you! Made with just a few simple ingredients, it is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. So why not give it a try today?

My husband is home today for a holiday, so I whip up a batch of Air Fryer Donut Mug Cakes. The recipe is for one, but I doubled it for him and me. There is nothing like a homemade treat in the morning!

This is your place if you have been looking for an air fryer recipe for one or two. I love making baked goods in small amounts, and the air fryer is perfect for them. You really only need a package of ramekins, and you can make almost anything.

If you have never made homemade Donuts, they are unique and easy! I love a great quick and easy (and don’t forget delicious) breakfast, baked in a few minutes. They are super soft and so easy to make. They taste like old-fashioned donuts tossed in a cinnamon and sugar mixture! Amazing!

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What Are Donut Mug Cakes?

Donut mug cakes are a delightful and innovative dessert concept that combines the ease and quick preparation of a mug cake with the sweet, familiar flavors of a donut. These treats are made using simple cake ingredients that mimic the taste and texture of donuts, cooked in a microwave within a mug or a similar microwave-safe container. This method provides a single-serving cake with donut-like qualities, including flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, or glazed, and can be customized with various toppings like sprinkles, icing, or powdered sugar.

The appeal of donut mug cakes lies in their convenience and the instant gratification they offer. They require just a few minutes to prepare and cook, making them an ideal solution for sudden cravings or when you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert option. This concept allows for endless creativity, enabling you to experiment with different donut flavors and toppings based on your preferences or whatever ingredients you have.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Donut Mug Cake

Creating an Air Fryer Donut Mug Cake is a delightful twist on traditional mug cakes, offering the flavors and textures of a donut in a quick and accessible format. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need:

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Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake, ensuring it has that beloved donut flavor profile. Sugar also contributes to the golden exterior and tender crumb.
Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the cake with warm, spicy notes reminiscent of a classic cinnamon sugar donut. Cinnamon adds depth and warmth, enhancing the overall flavor.
Butter: Provides moisture and richness, giving the cake a soft, tender texture. Melted butter also helps to mimic the slightly greasy, comforting mouthfeel of traditional donuts.
Egg: Acts as a binding agent, ensuring all the ingredients meld together smoothly. Eggs contribute to the structure and fluffiness of the cake, making it airy and light.
Milk: Adds moisture and lightness to the batter, helping to create a soft and not-too-dense cake. It is essential for achieving the right consistency and richness.
Vanilla Extract: Offers a subtle, sweet aroma and flavor, elevating the cake with a hint of vanilla. This extract is key to adding depth and enhancing the overall taste profile.
All-Purpose Flour: The main building block of the cake, providing structure. All-purpose flour is versatile and ensures your mug cake has a classic, cake-like texture.
Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise, making it fluffy and light. Just the right amount ensures the cake doesn’t become too dense.
Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients. It enhances the overall taste and prevents the cake from tasting flat.

How To Make Air Fryer Donut Mug Cake

Making an Air Fryer Donut Mug Cake is a fun and quick way to enjoy the flavors of a donut with the convenience of a mug cake. Here’s a simple guide to creating this delightful treat:

In a small bowl mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

In the ramekin, add melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and then add 1/2 of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Mix well. Pour the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, press it down with a spoon.

Place the ramekins into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 350 degrees F, using the air fryer setting for 5-7 minutes.

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Air Fryer Donut Mug Cake involves a blend of simplicity and a few professional tips to elevate your dessert from good to great. Here are some pro tips to help you achieve the best results:

Correct Mug Size: Tip: Use a microwave-safe mug or ramekin large enough to allow the cake to rise without spilling. A capacity of at least 8 ounces is ideal. Why It’s Important: Ensuring your mug has enough space prevents overflow during cooking and allows for optimal rise, resulting in a perfectly cooked mug cake.
Even Mixing: Tip: Mix your batter until just combined to avoid overworking the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough cake. Why It’s Important: A lightly mixed batter ensures your donut mug cake remains light and fluffy, mirroring the soft texture of a classic donut.
Don’t Skip Greasing: Tip: Even if using a non-stick mug, lightly greasing helps remove the cake easily and adds a slight crispness to its exterior. Why It’s Important: This ensures your mug cake comes out smoothly and adds a delicious texture to the edges, similar to a donut’s exterior.
Customizing Flavors: Tip: Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding ingredients like cocoa powder for a chocolate version or apple pie spice for a spiced variation. Why It’s Important: Tailoring the flavor to your liking or to mimic your favorite donut type makes the experience more enjoyable and personalized.
Cooking Time Adjustments: Tip: Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested cooking time, as air fryer temperatures can vary. Why It’s Important: Avoiding overcooking ensures your mug cake stays moist and tender, not dry or overly browned.
Cooling Before Topping: Tip: Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before adding glazes or toppings, especially if using icing, to prevent it from melting off.
Why It’s Important: This ensures your toppings stay put and look as good as they taste, making for a more appealing presentation.

By keeping these pro tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making an irresistible Air Fryer Donut Mug Cake that’s perfectly cooked, deliciously flavored, and beautifully presented.

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