Can You Bake a Cake in an Air Fryer

Can You Bake a Cake in an Air Fryer? A Complete Guide to Delicious Results

Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many, known for their ability to crisp up fries, wings, and veggies with minimal oil. But can you bake a cake in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes! While it may not be the first tool that comes to mind for baking, an air fryer’s compact convection technology can produce surprisingly moist and tender cakes with a few tweaks and some know-how. I’ve spent hours experimenting with my air fryer to bake cakes, and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned to help you create a delicious dessert without ever turning on your oven.

Why Bake a Cake in an Air Fryer?

Baking a cake in an air fryer might sound unconventional, but it comes with some fantastic benefits. First, air fryers preheat in just a few minutes—often 2 to 3 minutes compared to the 25 to 30 minutes it takes for a traditional oven. This makes them a time-saver when you’re craving a quick dessert. They’re also energy-efficient, using less electricity or gas since you’re not heating a large oven. Plus, they keep your kitchen cool, which is a game-changer during hot summer months. And let’s be honest—there’s something fun about exploring new ways to use your air fryer!

That said, air fryers aren’t perfect for every type of cake. Their high airflow and compact size mean they’re best suited for smaller cakes or recipes that don’t require a perfectly even rise, like a classic sponge or a dense chocolate cake. If you’re dreaming of a towering layer cake or a delicate chiffon, you might want to stick with your oven. But for single-layer cakes, cupcakes, or even a decadent lava cake, an air fryer can work wonders.

Choosing the Right Pan for Air Fryer Cakes

One of the biggest challenges with air fryer baking is finding a pan that fits. Most air fryers can accommodate a 6- or 7-inch round cake pan, but some larger models can handle an 8-inch pan. My go-to is a 6-inch round pan with 3-inch high sides for smaller batches, or a half-size Bundt pan (about 3-cup capacity) for better heat distribution. The center tube in a Bundt pan allows hot air to circulate through the cake’s core, helping it bake more evenly.

Before you start, measure your air fryer basket to ensure your pan fits comfortably. Silicone baking molds are another great option, especially for cupcakes, as they’re flexible and easy to remove. Avoid overfilling the pan—fill it just over halfway to allow room for rising and to prevent batter from spilling. For easy release, grease the pan well with butter or oil, and consider lining the bottom with parchment paper. King Arthur Baking recommends using a basic recipe like their Original Cake Pan Cake to get started, as it’s forgiving and adaptable to air fryer quirks.

Adjusting Recipes and Settings

Air fryers are essentially mini convection ovens, circulating hot air rapidly to cook food. This means you’ll need to adjust traditional oven recipes to avoid over-browning or undercooking the center. A good rule of thumb is to lower the temperature by 10-25°F (5-15°C) and reduce the baking time by about 20% compared to an oven recipe. For example, if a recipe calls for 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes in an oven, try 325°F (160°C) for 20-25 minutes in the air fryer.

Most air fryers don’t require preheating, but if your recipe includes baking powder or baking soda, preheating for 2-3 minutes can help activate the leavening agents for a better rise. I typically set my air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for a sponge cake and check it after 20 minutes. Use the “bake” setting if your air fryer has one, but if not, the standard air fry setting works fine—just keep an eye on the temperature.

One common issue is that the top of the cake can brown too quickly due to the heating element’s proximity. If you notice this happening (usually around the 10-15 minute mark), loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil to slow browning while the center cooks through. Be sure to secure the foil so it doesn’t touch the heating element. For thinner batters, like those for cupcakes, covering from the start can prevent splattering and ensure even cooking.

Testing for Doneness

Checking if your cake is done is crucial, as air fryers can be unpredictable. Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If it’s still wet, continue cooking in 3-5 minute increments. For precision, you can use an instant-read thermometer; a fully baked cake should register around 200-210°F (93-99°C) in the center. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent crumbling and makes frosting easier.

Tips for Air Fryer Cake Success

Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your air fryer cake turns out perfectly:

• Start Simple: Begin with a basic recipe, like a vanilla or chocolate single-layer cake, to learn how your air fryer behaves. Boxed cake mixes, such as Pillsbury or Betty Crocker, are great for beginners because they’re consistent and easy to scale down.
• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This promotes even mixing and better rise, especially for butter-based batters.
• Check Often: Air fryer models vary widely in wattage and fan speed, so check your cake every 5-10 minutes, especially the first time you try a recipe. Homes & Gardens suggests checking three times during baking to monitor progress.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure there’s enough space around the pan for air to circulate. Overcrowding can lead to uneven baking.
• Store Smart: Air fryer cakes can develop a slightly harder crust than oven-baked ones. Store them in a plastic container to soften the crust, or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Unfrosted cakes can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Recipes to Try in Your Air Fryer

Ready to give it a go? Here are two simple recipes that work beautifully in an air fryer. For a classic option, try a vanilla sponge cake. Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup softened butter, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Pour into a greased 6-inch pan and air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil if the top browns too quickly.

For a decadent treat, a chocolate lava cake is a showstopper. Combine 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup chopped dark chocolate, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup flour, and a pinch of salt. Divide into four greased ramekins and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should remain gooey. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of ice cream.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Baking in an air fryer isn’t without its challenges. The most common issue is uneven cooking, where the top burns while the center stays raw. This happened to me the first time I tried a larger 8-inch cake—disaster! To fix this, use a smaller pan, lower the temperature, and cover with foil as needed. Another issue is cakes collapsing if the batter is too wet or the air fryer is opened too often. Stick to recipes designed for air fryers, like those from Supergolden Bakes, and resist the urge to peek too frequently, as this can disrupt the heat and cause a flat cake.

Final Thoughts

Baking a cake in an air fryer is not only possible but also a fun and efficient way to satisfy your sweet tooth. With the right pan, a few recipe adjustments, and a bit of patience, you can create cakes that are just as moist and flavorful as their oven-baked counterparts. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dessert for two or experimenting with your air fryer’s capabilities, this method is worth a try. So, grab your favorite cake mix or scratch recipe, fire up that air fryer, and enjoy a slice of homemade goodness in no time!