Yes, you can bake a cake in the air fryer! Try one of these delicious 20 Easy Air Fryer Cake Recipes for delicious cake in less time.
If you have an air fryer, you probably already know how amazing they are.
We use our air fryer multiple times a day, every day, for so many different air fryer recipes. From family fave dinners like Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken to easy side dishes like Air Fryer Garlic Bread.
With the rise in popularity of air fryers, more and more people are discovering the versatility of this kitchen gadget. From crispy onion rings to juicy chicken tenders, the air fryer can do it all.
But did you know you can bake cakes in an air fryer? You can, and they are delicious! Air fryers are definitely not just for savory recipes.
I’ve rounded up the best air fryer cake recipes for you to try. In general, air fryer cake recipes are similar to regular cake recipes baked in a traditional oven.
Now with a few adjustments to your favorite cake recipes, you can easily bake cakes in an air fryer and enjoy a sweet treat in no time!
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Understanding air fryer cake baking
If you’re new to air fryer baking, it can be a bit intimidating to figure out how to get started. But don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it may seem. In fact, air fryer baking is a lot like oven baking, with a few key differences.
First, it’s important to note that not all air fryers are created equal. Some have more features and accessories than others, such as an air fryer accessory kit that includes baking pans and racks. Some cook faster than others or have more capacity.
Before you start baking, make sure you have the right equipment for the job. This is my favorite air fryer that I use every day. It’s great for air frying cakes!
When it comes to baking in an air fryer, there are a few general guidelines to follow:
- Preheat your air fryer. Just like with an oven, it’s important to preheat your air fryer before baking. A preheated air fryer will ensure that your baked goods cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Use the right pan. Not all pans are suitable for air fryer baking. Pans that are oven safe are also safe to use in the air fryer. I love using silicone cake molds for easy cake release and cleanup.
- Adjust the temperature and time. Air fryers bake differently than ovens, so you may need to adjust the temperature and time for your recipe.
- Keep it simple. When you’re just starting out, it’s best to stick with simple recipes. Once you get the hang of it, you can start experimenting with more complex recipes.
Tips and tricks for perfect air fryer cakes
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make perfect air fryer cakes every time.
- Choosing the right cake pan – When it comes to baking in an air fryer, not all cake pans are created equal. It is important to choose a cake pan that is safe to use in an air fryer and fits comfortably inside the basket. A 7-inch oven-safe cake pan is a good size for most air fryers. You can use a silicone cake pan or a metal small cake pan, as long as it is oven safe, which means it is also air fryer safe.
- Alternatives to cake pans – If you don’t have a cake pan that fits in your air fryer, you can use ramekins or silicone muffin cups to make smaller cakes or mug cakes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Texture of the cake – The texture of your cake will depend on the type of batter you use. For a light and airy cake, use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also add a little cornstarch to your all-purpose flour to mimic cake flour. Sifting your flour and other dry ingredients will also help create a light and fluffy texture.
- Cooling and removing the cake – If you used a metal cake pan, line it with a round piece of parchment paper before air frying to make it easier to remove the cake. After your cake is done baking, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack or wire rack to cool completely. A piece of foil can help you remove the cake from the pan.
By following these tips and tricks, you can make delicious, moist air fryer cakes every time.
Ready to make an air fryer cake? Check out these best cake recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t have a cake pan for your air fryer, you can still bake a cake by using a silicone mold or a heat-resistant glass dish. Make sure that the mold or dish fits in your air fryer and that it is safe to use in high temperatures. You can also make a “foil sling” by folding a piece of aluminum foil into a long strip and placing it in the air fryer basket. Then, place the cake batter on top of the sling and use it to lift the cake out of the air fryer once it’s done.
The temperature to bake a cake in an air fryer can vary depending on the recipe and the size of the cake. However, a good rule of thumb is to start with a temperature of 320°F (160°C) and adjust as needed. Check the top of the cake by doing a toothpick test: if a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, it’s done.
Yes, you can use a regular cake pan in an air fryer as long as it fits inside the basket. However, it’s important to note that metal pans can scratch the non-stick coating of the air fryer basket over time. To prevent this, you can use a silicone mat or parchment paper to line the bottom of the pan.
There could be several reasons why your cake isn’t cooking properly in the air fryer. One common issue is that the temperature may be too low or too high. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully and adjust the temperature as needed. Another issue could be that the cake batter is too thick or too thin. Check the consistency of the batter and adjust as needed. Finally, it’s possible that the air fryer basket is overcrowded or that the cake pan is too large for the basket. Make sure to leave enough space around the cake for hot air to circulate.
Storing and freezing air fryer cakes
After making your delicious air fryer cake, you might be wondering how to store it properly. Here are some tips for storing and freezing your air fryer cakes:
Storing
- Allow the cake to cool completely before storing it.
- Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- If you want to store the cake for longer, you can freeze it.
Freezing
- To freeze an air fryer cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and type of cake.
- Freeze the cake for up to 3 months.
- When you are ready to eat the cake, allow it to thaw at room temperature for several hours before serving.
AIR FRYER CAKE RECIPES
You can bake cakes in an air fryer! I've rounded up these tasty, moist, and delicious air fryer cake recipes to make baking cakes faster.
This air fryer almond cake is one of the easiest cakes to make. Rich and buttery, this simple cake has minimal ingredients and tastes amazing.
The almond flavor really shines in this air fryer cake recipe. [Oven instructions provided.]
This delicious dessert got a rich molten chocolate center in the middle and a soft and fluffy chocolate cake layer on the outside.
It's the perfect dessert to prepare for romantic occasions like Valentine's Day, or a great recipe to bring your dinner party or special occasion to the next level!
This air fryer vanilla cake is a delicious sweet treat that's super simple to make.
It's perfect for those who want to satisfy their sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen.
This Air Fryer Lava Cake with a molten chocolate center is rich, decadent, and is heavenly topped with ice cream.
Ready in under 25 minutes, it is made without any flour and is sure to impress for any occasion.
With this amazing air fryer apple cake recipe, not only do you get that wonderful aroma, but you also get the wholesome goodness of juicy apples, warm spices, and a tender crust. All that in only 25 minutes total.
Whether it's a cozy family gathering, a weekend brunch, or a sweet treat to satisfy your dessert cravings, this Air Fryer Apple Cake adds a touch of warmth and comfort to any occasion.
This Air Fryer Banana Cake recipe is light and fluffy but still a super moist cake – man oh man – it’s so good with so much banana flavor! And – it is a really easy dessert to make!!!
It’s so easy and DELICIOUS!!!! This cake really hits the sweet tooth but because it’s banana cake – it’s not overly sweet.
If you love chocolate cupcakes then you will enjoy this quick and easy recipe. These eggless cupcakes made in an air fryer are perfect to satisfy your sweet tooth, celebrate a birthday party, or make for any special event. They are absolutely irresistible!
Cupcakes are an evergreen treat enjoyed by kids and adults alike. They are easy to make for any occasion like birthday parties, potlucks, get-togethers, or just for no special reason.
This air fryer vanilla cake has an incredibly moist and tender texture and delicate taste. It's not too sweet and is full of flavor.
You can either enjoy it as is or fill it with your favorite jams and frosting. The small size (6-inch) makes it ideal for small families and fits a variety of air fryer models.
A light sponge cake recipe doesn’t get any better than an air fryer Victoria sponge. A vanilla sponge is cooked in the air fryer, sliced in half, and then two halves are sandwiched together with jam and whipped cream.
This air fryer sponge cake is also very easy to mix and match with flavours and perfect for learning how to make cake the air fryer way.
This air fryer pound cake comes out perfectly moist and delicious anytime you’ve got a craving!
This recipe is simple, dependable, and delicious, and for an added bonus the baking time is nearly half of a traditional recipe!
You should give a try to this fluffy air fryer sponge cake! It is easy to make, requires from you minimum skills, and by baking it in the air fryer, you can’t go wrong with it. In the end, you can decorate the air fryer sponge cake as you need!
This cake is not your grandma’s old-fashioned sponge cake, oh no. It’s a modern twist on a classic dessert that’s light, fluffy, and downright irresistible.
Eggless Banana walnut cake is the alternative to commercially made cakes. You also avoid preservatives and commercial additives if you like to eat packaged tea-cakes.
This is just recipe for you cannot visit a cafe nearby. Easy breakfast deal for next time, some homemade sweet cake with a cup of coffee.
This easy dessert is a little more than one full serving, and plenty for two to share. Especially if you make this for a romantic evening at home.
You only need three ingredients to make this classic Air Fryer Peach Dump Cake recipe only this time you're going to bake it in the air fryer.
This spelt air fryer lemon cake is dense, fluffy, and melt-in-the-mouth delicious. It completely surpassed my expectations.
No bells and whistles for the decoration, either. All it needed is a sprinkling of icing sugar, a touch of lemon zest, and a couple of lemon slices.
Air Fryer Banana Bread Recipe - Something Sweet Something Savoury
This easy air fryer banana bread recipe takes under one hour to make from start to finish! Keep it plain and simple or throw in chopped nuts and chocolate chips.
Banana bread is such a classic, easy “go-to” bake for many people – but depending on which recipe you use,
This Vegan Burnt Basque Cheesecake is so creamy and silky with the perfect gooey center and is flavored with orange and sweet vanilla for a burst of springtime freshness. It is light, creamy, and made without dairy or nuts.
This eggless and dairy-free cheesecake is made with silken tofu and baked in the air-fryer to perfection. Just 5 main ingredients are required to make this crustless Spanish cheesecake.
This Air Fryer Banana Cake is wonderfully soft and fluffy with the perfect texture and flavor. With just 5 minutes of prep time, this is a foolproof recipe.
Over-mixing will create gluten development and might make the air fryer banana cake dense and tough, instead of the soft and fluffy texture you are aiming for.
Try this air fryer pistachio pudding coffee cake if you’re looking for new, exciting air fryer recipes. This air fryer cake with pistachio, coconut, and almonds is so tasty.
This easy-to-make pistachio coffee cake is made with pistachio instant pudding and other simple ingredients. It is like a Watergate cake and would be perfect for a sweet treat or for Christmas, Easter, or St Patrick’s Day.
The ultimate air fryer chocolate cake. If you want to try the cake in the air fryer, it doesn’t get any better or easier, or more delicious than this recipe.
You can then use this air fryer cake for birthday parties, family celebrations, or just for when you are craving cake.
Yeap, you can bake a cake in the air fryer. This recipe for One Bowl Gluten Free Chocolate Cake recipe is a delicious rich chocolate cake that is perfect for all seasons. Suitable for gluten-free diets.
Not only can you make an air fryer cake, you can make this One Bowl Gluten Free Chocolate Cake in it. And it comes out utterly delicious too.
My favorite air fryer to bake cakes
The Nina Foodi XL Deluxe Pressure Cooker/Air Fryer is my favorite! It’s the best one I recommend if you want to bake a cake in the air fryer. In fact, I wrote one of the official Ninja Foodi cookbooks!
Happy air fryer baking!
I hope these recipes show you how air fryer cakes are a versatile and easy-to-make dessert option that take less time and energy than traditional baking. With the right recipe and accessories, you can create delicious cakes that are moist and flavorful.
More air fryer recipes
Did you make any of these recipes? Don’t forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating and comment below letting us know which one you made and how it turned out. Thank you!
