Introduction

These keto air fryer chocolate cupcakes are a rich, fudgy treat perfect for low-carb diets. They’re quick to make, tender, and topped with creamy keto chocolate frosting for a decadent finish.

Keto Air Fryer Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 cup almond flour
1/4 cup brown sugar replacement
3 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp chocolate whey protein powder (see notes)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional)
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup sour cream
1 large egg
3 tbsp avocado oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp water (more as needed)
1/2 recipe keto chocolate frosting

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, sweetener, cocoa powder, protein powder, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt.
Step 2: Stir in the sour cream, egg, avocado oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add just enough water to thin the batter to a thick but scoopable consistency.
Step 3: Place 6 silicone muffin cups into an 8-inch round cake pan. Divide the batter evenly between the cups and cover the pan with foil, shiny side up.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 300ºF with the crisper basket inside. Once heated, set the cake pan on the basket and select the bake function at 300ºF.
Step 5: Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cupcakes have risen and the tops are just firm to the touch.
Step 6: Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting with the keto chocolate frosting.

Tips & Variations

Use silicone muffin cups for easy removal and clean-up in the air fryer.
Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
Adjust water quantity carefully to avoid making the batter too runny.
Try swapping avocado oil for melted coconut oil for a subtle flavor twist.

Storage

Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving or warm briefly in the microwave. Frosted cupcakes are best enjoyed within 2 days for freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein powder?

Yes, you can substitute chocolate whey protein powder with any unflavored or chocolate-flavored low-carb protein powder that you prefer.

Is it necessary to cover the cupcakes with foil during baking?

Covering with foil helps the cupcakes cook evenly and prevents the tops from browning too quickly while baking in the air fryer.

Keto Air Fryer Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 170 reviews

Delicious and low-carb keto chocolate cupcakes made quickly and easily in the air fryer. These moist and fluffy cupcakes use almond flour and cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor, topped with a creamy keto chocolate frosting. Perfect for a guilt-free treat that fits into a ketogenic lifestyle.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 6 cupcakes 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 cup almond flour
1/4 cup brown sugar replacement (e.g., erythritol or other keto-friendly sweetener)
3 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp chocolate whey protein powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional)
1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

1/3 cup sour cream
1 large egg
3 tbsp avocado oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp water (more as needed)

Frosting

1/2 recipe keto chocolate frosting (prepared separately)

Instructions

Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, brown sugar replacement, cocoa powder, chocolate whey protein powder, baking powder, espresso powder (if using), and salt until evenly combined.
Add wet ingredients: Stir in the sour cream, egg, avocado oil, and vanilla extract until well incorporated. Add water a little at a time until the batter reaches a thick but scoopable consistency.
Prepare muffin cups: Place 6 silicone muffin cups into an 8-inch round cake pan. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups and cover the pan tightly with foil, shiny side up.
Preheat air fryer: Insert the crisper basket into the air fryer and preheat it to 300ºF using the bake function.
Bake covered: Place the cake pan with the muffin cups on the crisper basket inside the air fryer. Bake at 300ºF for 15 minutes with the foil cover on.
Bake uncovered: Carefully remove the foil from the pan and return it to the air fryer. Continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes more, until the cupcakes have risen and the tops feel just firm to the touch.
Cool and frost: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting with the prepared keto chocolate frosting.

Notes

If you don’t have chocolate whey protein powder, you can substitute with unflavored or vanilla whey protein powder, but it may slightly affect the chocolate intensity.
Adjust water to achieve the correct batter consistency; it should be thick but easy to scoop.
You can prepare the keto chocolate frosting in advance or use a store-bought low-carb frosting if preferred.
Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor.
Ensure silicone muffin cups fit your air fryer pan or find similar size suitable for your model.

Keywords: keto chocolate cupcakes, air fryer cupcakes, low carb dessert, keto dessert, almond flour cupcake, sugar-free chocolate cupcakes