Air Fryer Baking: Can You Make Cakes?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens, especially in hot weather, for small portions, and for those who want to save time and energy on preheating. But can they bake cakes? The short answer is yes, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, air fryers are essentially small, mini convection ovens that circulate hot air more efficiently, resulting in faster cooking times and lower temperatures compared to conventional ovens. This means that recipes may need adjustments, and there might be some trial and error involved in getting the perfect bake.

Another challenge is ensuring that the cake is cooked evenly throughout. Air fryers tend to brown the exterior of cakes quickly while the interior may still be undercooked. To prevent this, it's recommended to use smaller cake pans, cover the cake with foil or a lid, and check for doneness with a toothpick or skewer. Additionally, not all air fryers are created equal, so results may vary depending on the model and size. It's important to follow the specific instructions for your air fryer and be prepared to adapt and improvise.

While air fryers may struggle to produce a perfect, patisserie-worthy cake, they can still deliver delicious results with a dense, comforting texture. With the right techniques and adaptations, you can successfully bake cakes in your air fryer.

Air fryers can bake cakes, but they may not be perfect

Choose the right recipe and pan: Select a simple recipe and a smaller pan, such as a half-size Bundt pan or a 6" round pan. The smaller the pan, the more likely your cake will bake evenly without burning.

Adjust time and temperature: Lower the temperature by about 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit compared to a conventional oven recipe. The baking time may be longer, especially if you're using a full-size pan.

Prevent overbrowning: Cover your cake with a heat-safe lid or aluminium foil if it's browning too quickly. You can also add an edible topping, such as streusel, halfway through the baking process to prevent overbrowning and add flavour.

Be prepared to adapt: Not all air fryers are the same, so be prepared to experiment and adapt your recipe. Check on your cake regularly during the baking process and be ready to make adjustments.

Follow these tips, and you'll be well on your way to baking a delicious cake in your air fryer, even if it's not quite as perfect as an oven-baked cake.

Air fryers are essentially small mini convection ovens

There are several things to consider when baking a cake in an air fryer. Firstly, make sure your cake tin fits in the air fryer. The size of the air fryer basket can vary, so check the capacity before starting. Secondly, preheat the air fryer. This is especially important if your recipe includes baking soda or powder as the initial burst of heat will help your cake to rise. Thirdly, adjust the baking time and temperature. Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently, so they can cook food faster and at lower temperatures. Reduce the temperature by about 10-20 degrees from what you would use in a conventional oven.

Additionally, be prepared to adapt and improvise as not all air fryers are created equal. You may need to do some trial and error to get to know how your specific air fryer handles baked goods. Check on your cake regularly during the cooking process and be prepared to adjust the temperature or time as needed. Finally, consider covering your cake with a lid or foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly.

Baking a cake in an air fryer can be a fun way to explore new culinary possibilities, but it requires more attention, adjustment, and patience than traditional oven baking.

Air fryer cakes may bake faster than in a regular oven

However, the baking time for cakes in an air fryer can vary. Some sources claim that cakes bake faster in an air fryer than in a regular oven, while others state that air fryer cakes can take longer. This discrepancy may be due to differences in air fryer models, cake recipes, and individual experiences.

To ensure optimal baking in an air fryer, it is essential to adjust the temperature and baking time from a traditional oven recipe. Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently, so they can cook food faster and at lower temperatures. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce the temperature by about 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit when baking a cake in an air fryer.

Additionally, the size of the cake pan is crucial. Smaller pans are preferable in an air fryer as they allow for more even baking and prevent the crust from burning before the centre is cooked. A half-size Bundt pan or a 6-inch round pan are often recommended for air fryer cakes.

In conclusion, while air fryer cakes may have a faster preheating time, the actual baking time can vary depending on various factors. To achieve the best results, it is important to experiment with temperatures, baking times, and pan sizes specific to your air fryer model.

Air fryers are ideal for smaller portions and quick preheating

Air fryers are also a great option if you want to avoid heating up your kitchen, as they stay cool while baking. They are also a breeze to clean and preheat in a flash—usually in just a couple of minutes, compared to a conventional oven's 25 to 30 minutes.

However, it's important to note that air fryers are not always effortless and may require some trial and error. You'll need to adapt recipes and keep a close eye on your bake to prevent over-browning.

When it comes to cake pans, smaller is better. An 8" round pan or a half-size Bundt pan (about 3-cup capacity) are good options, as they allow for more even baking. For air fryers with a basket design, you may need to use a smaller pan or a special air fryer cake pan to ensure it fits.

To prevent the top of your cake from burning, you can cover it with aluminium foil, a heat-safe frying pan lid, or a heat diffuser. Alternatively, you can add an edible topping, such as streusel or chocolate chips, midway through the baking process to protect the cake and add flavour.

While air fryers may not produce a perfect, patisserie-worthy cake, they can deliver delicious results with a dense, comforting texture. With the right recipe and some simple tweaks, you can bake very good cakes in your air fryer.

Air fryer cakes may be denser and have larger air bubbles than oven-baked cakes

Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently than ovens, which can result in denser cakes with larger air bubbles. This is because the intense direct heat of an air fryer can cause the outside of the cake to cook faster than the inside, leading to an uneven texture.

To prevent this, it is recommended that you lower the temperature of your air fryer by about 10-20 degrees compared to a conventional oven. You should also check on your cake regularly as it bakes and cover it with foil if it is browning too quickly.

Additionally, the size of your cake pan can impact the texture of your cake. Smaller cakes tend to bake more quickly and evenly than larger ones, so using a pan that is no bigger than 8 inches is recommended.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your air fryer cake turns out light and fluffy, rather than dense and uneven.

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