Indulge in the sweet and nutty flavors of Air Fryer Maple Pecan Cupcakes, made with rich maple syrup and crunchy pecans for a perfect fall-inspired treat. These easy-to-make cupcakes are light, moist, and cooked to perfection in the air fryer!
I made this batch for my kid’s after-school treat with a few ingredients, and let me tell you if you have never baked in the Air Fryer.
The baked goods, including cupcakes, come out truly earth-shattering! You get a light, fluffy, and delicious dessert every single time. And without preheating the oven, the cupcakes are done in minutes!
The maple pecan frosting on top really makes for a fantastic treat! This recipe is perfect for any time, including game day, family get-togethers, graduation parties, and even a night of Netflix Binging!
If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Dessert Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER BACON SALTED CARAMEL DONUTS, AIR FRYER CINNAMON CHURRO BITES, AIR FRYER GARLIC BREAD, and AIR FRYER 7-UP CAKE.
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Maple Pecan Cupcakes
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cupcake, providing structure and a light, fluffy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the rich, nutty flavors of the cupcakes.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise, creating a light and airy texture.
- Vegetable Oil: Contributes to moisture, ensuring the cupcakes are soft and tender.
- Milk: Adds richness and helps bring all the ingredients together into a smooth batter.
- Maple Syrup: Infuses the cupcakes with a warm, sweet, and distinct maple flavor.
- Eggs: Provide structure and stability to the cupcakes, helping them rise and set.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor in the cupcakes.
- Pecans: Add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with maple syrup.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the batter, helping the cupcakes brown beautifully.
- Powdered Sugar: Perfect for dusting or making a glaze to top the cupcakes for a sweet finish.
How To Make Air Fryer Maple Pecan Cupcakes
Step One: Line 12 muffin tins with liners, or spray them with nonstick baking spray. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder. In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, milk, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
Step Two: Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix gently until no large lumps of flour remain. You don’t want to over-mix!
Step Three: Add the chopped pecans and fold them in gently.
Step Four: Divide the batter between the cupcake tins (I used a ¼ cup cookie scoop to ensure they’re all the same size).
Step Five: Place the cupcake tray into the air fryer basket or tray, and set the temperature to 320 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cupcakes to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before icing.
Step Six: Add the softened butter and maple syrup to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until the butter is light and the maple syrup is fully combined– about 2 minutes. Aadd the vanilla and mix to combine. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the powdered sugar. Once all the sugar has been added, turn the mixer to high speed and beat until the icing becomes smooth and aerated.
Step Seven: Transfer the mixture to a piping bag with your choice of tip and frost the cooled cupcakes as desired.
Air Fryer Maple Pecan Cupcakes Recipe Tips
- Make sure to measure your flour correctly. This way, the mixture comes together. If you use too much or too little flour, the recipe will not work.
- Mix your frosting unit it comes together. If you need to add more powdered sugar to the mix, add it. You really want a stiff frosting so it easily goes on.
- Sprinkle the pecans on the frosting right after you frost your cupcakes so the pecans stick to the frosting.
- For best results, use room-temperature ingredients.
- This recipe has been tested in the Ninja Foodi, Instant Pot Vortex, Emeril’s 360 Air Fryer, and other Air Fryer Basket and Oven Models. The cupcake’s timing will vary by a few minutes.
Storing
These cupcakes will keep for a few days. I recommend that you cover the leftover cupcakes and place them in the refrigerator.
If you want to freeze them, freeze them before you ice them. Defrost them at room temperature and then add the icing.
Equipment Used
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER CARROT CAKE LOAF
- AIR FRYER GRILLED PANZANELLA SALAD
- EASY AIR FRYER VANILLA DONUTS
- AIR FRYER HOMEMADE CINNAMON ROLLS {CINNABON COPYCAT}
- AIR FRYER PIZZA HUT BREAD STICKS
- EASY AIR FRYER COPYCAT DUNKIN DONUTS CHOCOLATE GLAZED DONUTS
- AIR FRYER COOKIE DOUGH CRESCENT BITES
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Air Fryer Maple Pecan Cupcakes
Description
Ingredients
Cupcake Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Maple Pecan Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 stick butter, softened
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup chopped pecans, for garnish
Instructions
- Line 12 muffin tins with liners, or spray them with nonstick baking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, milk, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix gently until no large lumps of flour remain. You don’t want to over mix!
- Add the chopped pecans and fold them in gently.
- Divide the batter between the cupcake tins (I used a ¼ cup cookie scoop to ensure they’re all the same size).
- Place the cupcake tray into the air fryer basket or tray, and set the temperature to 320 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Add the softened butter and maple syrup to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until the butter is light and the maple syrup is fully combined– about 2 minutes.
- Next, add the vanilla and mix to combine. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the powdered sugar. Once all of the sugar has been added, turn the mixer to high speed and beat until the icing becomes smooth and aerated.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with your choice of tip and frost the cooled cupcakes as desired.
- Sprinkle with diced pecans.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Muffin Pan, or Cupcake Liners
Nutrition
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