Air Fryer Cake

Did you know you can use an air fryer for a number of different dishes? One, in particular, I am fond of and that is an air fryer cake. Wait, what? You can make a cake in an air fryer? Yes! Absolutely! The best part is they also bake faster than in a traditional oven.

Maybe you live in a small flat, or have a motor home, or a tiny house and don’t have a traditional oven, pick one of these up. Or maybe it is summertime and you don’t want to turn that oven on. Using this tool to make a cake is a genius idea and a perfect way to put that cool kitchen gadget to good use.

What is an air fryer?

First, let me explain exactly what an air fryer is. Air fryers are medium-sized kitchen appliances that are essentially mini convection ovens. They have a coil heating element at the top inside the unit which heats up.

There is a mini fan above the heating coil which blows air passed the coil causing the air to heat up. The hot air then circulates all around on the inside cooking the food. And the result is healthier food since you don’t have to use much oil at all.

How to make a cake in an air fryer

Now it is time to bake a cake using this neat little contraption. First, you will need a few ingredients and tools.

• Cake batter – Use your favorite homemade cake batter or get a storebought cake mix.
• Air Fryer – The star of this recipe is, of course, the air fryer. There are a variety of brands out there to choose from.
• Cake pan  – that fits the air fryer. You don’t have to use the one in a kit, just measure the inside of your air fryer basket and use a cake pan smaller than that.
• Cake Strips  – are nice but they are optional. They help to keep the cake level when in bakes instead of doming in the middle.

Step 1: Make the cake batter

First, make the cake batter whether you are following your favorite cake recipe or you have a cake mix. Just follow the instructions on the back of the box.

Most likely you will need some oil, eggs, and water for it. If you like chocolate cake check out this recipe.

Step 2: Prepare the cake pan

Next prepare your cake pan. I use a special cake pan that came in my air fryer accessory kit which works perfectly. You don’t have to use that particular cake pan.

Any cake pan that will fit inside the basket will work just fine. Prep the pan by adding shortening all around on the inside. Then add in some flour and tap the pan around allowing the flour to coat the shortening.

Also as an extra precaution, you can put a round piece of parchment paper on the bottom of your pan. We don’t want the cake to stick to the bottom!

Step 3: Fill up the pan

Now just fill up the pan with your cake batter until it is a little over halfway full. If you have a cake strip, soak it in water, wring it out, then place it around your pan.

Cake strips help to ensure even baking, so the outsides of the cake don’t get more done than the middle. They also help to prevent the cake from doming and cracking in the middle.

If you have any cake batter leftover you have a few options, you can just fill up the cake pan only half full and then once it is cooked, remove it and fill up the pan again with the remaining batter, or what I usually do is just make some cupcakes with the leftovers.

Step 4: Air Frying time!

Set the air fryer to 350 F (176 C). There will also be a timer on it. Set the timer to 20 minutes. Allow the air fryer to heat up for 1 to 2 minutes, then pull out the basket. Place the cake pan full of batter inside the basket and then slide the basket into the air fryer.

Step 5: Checking the cake for doneness

After 17 to 18 minutes slide the basket out of the air fryer. Poke the cake in the middle with a toothpick. If it comes out clean the cake is ready to go.

If not, slide the basket with the cake back into the air fryer and turn it on for another 5 minutes or so. Be very careful handling the basket and cake pan, they will be extremely hot!

If the cake is not done and it is getting too brown on top, place aluminum foil over it before cooking it a bit longer.

Step 6: Allow the air fryer cake to cool

After the cake has finished baking, remove it from the air fryer and place the pan on a hot pad. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.

Next, flip the cake over and remove the cake, it should come right out. Remove the parchment paper and place the cake on a wire rack and let it cool completely.

Step 7: Cake decorating time

Once the cake has cooled you can decorate it however you like. Add some yummy homemade buttercream frosting or use storebought frosting. Place some chocolate sprinkles or other types of sprinkles on top, whatever you would like to do, it is your cake. Enjoy!

How long will this cake last?

If you take the unfrosted cake and wrap it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container it will last a few days at room temperature or about a week in the fridge. If it is frosted, it is best to cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the fridge for about a week.

Can I freeze this air fryer cake?

Yes! Wrap the unfrosted cake in plastic wrap and freeze it for several months. If it is frosted, place it in the freezer on a freezer safe sheet pan uncovered and allow it to freeze for 4 to 5 hours. Then wrap it with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for several months.

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4.65 from 14 votes

Air Fryer Cake

Did you know you can bake your cake in an air fryer? It is super simple to do, and perfect if you don't have a traditional oven, or if you just don't want to turn that oven on.

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time20 mins

Cooling Time20 mins

Total Time45 mins

Course: Cakes, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer, easy, fast, moist

Servings: 12 slices

Calories: 269kcal

Author: In the Kitchen with Matt

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Cake pan that fits the air fryer
• Cake Strips (optional)
• Wire rack
• cake spatula

Ingredients

• Cake batter of some sorts I have plenty here on my show
• Frosting
• Other toppings
• Shortening for pan
• Ingredients for the cake batter

Instructions

• Prepare your cake batter by following a homemade recipe or the back of the cake mix box.
• Take a cake pan that is small enough to fit in your air fryer basket and grease up the sides and bottom with shortening. Flour the sides and bottom as well, tapping the pan to remove the excess flour. Optionally add a round piece of parchment paper on the bottom of the pan.
• Fill up the pan a little bit over halfway full. If you have any cake batter remaining you can make cupcakes with it. If using cake strips, soak them in water, wring them out, and then encircle the cake pan. This will help to evenly bake the cake and prevent doming.
• Turn the air fryer temp to 350 F (176 C). Set the timer for 20 minutes. Allow it to heat up for a minute or two. Remove the basket and put it in your cake pan. Put the basket back inside the air fryer and let it do its thing. The cake will cook for 18 to 19 minutes.
• After the timer goes off check it with a toothpick. Poke the cake in the middle; if the toothpick comes out clean it is ready to go. If there is still a bit of cake batter on it, cook the cake for 3 to 5 more minutes. BE CAREFUL when handling the cake pan it will be hot. If the pan has a handle do not grab it without wearing an oven mitt or silicone mitt.
• Once baked, allow the cake to cool down in the pan for 10 to 12 minutes. Then remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Frost and decorate the cake however you like. Enjoy!

Video

How to Make a Cake in Air Fryer | Easy Air Fryer Cake

Notes

*Note – Nutritional facts will vary depending on the cake and frosting that you use. The below information is for a common yellow cake mix and white frosting. 

Do you like the recipe? Please give it a rating and comment down below, I really appreciate it. If you make it tag me on Instagram @inthekitchenwithmatt. Also, sign up for the newsletter so you won’t miss out on any of my new posts and recipes.

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