Air Fryer Baking: Can Cake Tins Go Inside?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens for baking cakes, especially in hot weather. You can use cake tins in an air fryer, but it's important to ensure they fit inside with enough space for airflow. Most cake tins are oven-proof and can be used in an air fryer, but glass baking dishes should be avoided as they can crack due to rapid temperature changes. Air fryer cakes may not be perfect, but they are a fun way to experiment with new culinary possibilities.

Finding cake tins that fit in an air fryer

Yes, you can use a normal cake tin in an air fryer, but finding the right size can be tricky. The best size for basket-type air fryers is a 5-8 inch round or square cake pan, or a 6-cup bundt pan. The depth of the air fryer is also important to consider, as you want to choose a pan that isn't too deep or tall so that it doesn't touch the heating element. Shallow pans will also bake cakes faster.

For example, one source mentions that they found 6-inch round cake tins that fit perfectly in their Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone AF400 air fryer. However, all air fryers are different, so it's important to measure the capacity of your air fryer basket before purchasing cake tins.

If you are unable to find cake tins that fit your air fryer, there are alternative options. Oven-safe glass dishes, such as Pyrex, can be used in an air fryer, as can oven-safe stoneware that fits inside the appliance. Additionally, any container that can be used in a conventional oven can also be used in an air fryer.

Adjusting the temperature and timing

When baking a cake in an air fryer, it is important to adjust the temperature and timing to ensure it is cooked properly. Air fryers are essentially mini fan ovens, so you will need to lower the temperature compared to a conventional oven, and the cooking time is often reduced too.

If you are following a traditional oven recipe, lower the temperature by 10-20 degrees Celsius. Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently, so they can cook food faster and at lower temperatures. For example, if you bake a sponge cake at 170 degrees Celsius in a fan oven, you should reduce the temperature to 160 degrees Celsius when using an air fryer.

The cooking time will depend on the size of your cake. A 6-inch air fryer sponge cake will take about 25 minutes to bake. If you are making a larger cake, it will take longer. If you use a smaller tin but make the same amount of batter, it may also take longer. It is recommended to check the cake about 5 minutes before the end of the cooking time and adjust the timing as needed.

Remember that all air fryers vary from brand to brand, and this can affect cooking times. It is important to get to know your specific air fryer and be prepared to adapt and improvise. Check on your cake three times during the cooking process to see if any adjustments are needed.

Additionally, make sure to preheat your air fryer, especially if your recipe includes baking soda or powder. The initial burst of heat will help your cake rise.

Using a skewer to check if the cake is done

Using a skewer to check if your cake is done is a tried and tested method. It is also known as the toothpick test. This is how you do it:

Firstly, make sure your cake passes the visual test. The top crust should look fully set and may have lost some of its shine. The edges may have browned slightly, and the cake may be pulling away from the sides of the tin. If you gently press the top of the cake with your finger, it should spring back.

Once it passes these tests, get your skewer or toothpick and insert it into the centre of the cake, pushing it right down to the bottom. If the skewer comes out clean, your cake is done. If it comes out with batter or sticky crumbs sticking to it, pop the cake back into the air fryer and check again in 5-10 minutes.

If you want to be extra sure, you can also try the knife test. Insert a thin-bladed knife into the centre of the cake. Even if the skewer comes out clean, the larger surface area of the knife may show some uncooked batter.

Finally, the most accurate way to tell if your cake is done is to use a probe thermometer. Take the cake out of the air fryer and insert the thermometer into the centre of the cake, making sure it doesn't touch the bottom of the tin. The internal temperature should be around 98-99°C or 210°F.

Brushing the cake with milk to soften the crust

Yes, you can bake a cake in an air fryer, but there are some things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure your cake tin fits in the air fryer, as they can vary in size. You'll also want to preheat the air fryer, especially if your recipe includes baking soda or powder, as this initial burst of heat will help your cake rise.

Now, onto the topic of brushing the cake with milk to soften the crust. This technique is indeed a great way to moisten a dry cake and soften its crust. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do it:

• Prepare a milk soak by mixing a few tablespoons of milk with a few drops of vanilla extract. You can adjust the amount of milk and vanilla extract according to the size of your cake.
• Once your cake is baked and slightly cooled, use a pastry brush to generously brush the milk soak onto the top and sides of the cake. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for even softening.
• Allow the cake to absorb the milk soak. This may take a few hours, depending on the size and dryness of your cake.
• If desired, repeat the process to ensure the cake is evenly moistened and the crust is softened to your liking.
• Finally, frost your cake as usual. The frosting will help lock in the extra moisture from the milk soak.

Some additional tips to keep in mind:

• It's important to cool the cake slightly before brushing with milk to avoid melting your frosting.
• If your cake is very dry, you can poke some holes with a skewer, cake tester, or toothpick to help the milk soak penetrate deeper into the cake.
• Experiment with different types of milk, such as coconut milk or flavoured milk, to enhance the flavour of your cake.
• If you want to avoid using milk, you can also use simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar) or other liquids like juice or brewed tea.

Storing air fryer cake

Now that you've successfully baked a cake in your air fryer, you'll want to make sure it stays fresh and delicious. Here are some tips for storing your air fryer cake:

• Room Temperature Storage: If you plan on eating the cake within a few days, you can simply keep it at room temperature. Place the cake on a plate or cake stand and cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a cake dome. This will help keep it moist and protect it from dust or other contaminants.
• Refrigerator Storage: If you want to extend the shelf life of your air fryer cake, you can store it in the refrigerator. Place the cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for about a week in the fridge.
• Freezer Storage: If you don't plan on eating the cake right away or want to save it for a later date, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• Slicing and Storing: If you know you won't finish the entire cake in one sitting, it's a good idea to slice it and store the individual slices. That way, you can take out a slice or two as needed, rather than letting the whole cake go stale.
• Frosting and Storage: If your air fryer cake is frosted, it may not last as long at room temperature due to the perishable ingredients in the frosting. It's best to store a frosted cake in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.
• Proper Handling: When storing your air fryer cake, make sure to use clean utensils and containers to prevent contamination. Wash your hands before handling the cake, and avoid touching the cake with your hands when possible.
• Storing in the Pan: If you baked your cake in a pan, you can store it in the same pan by covering it tightly with plastic wrap. This is especially convenient if you plan on transporting the cake to a different location.
• Serving: When you're ready to serve the cake, simply remove it from the refrigerator or freezer and let it come to room temperature before slicing and serving. If it's frozen, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

By following these simple storage tips, you can enjoy your air fryer cake for several days or even months!

Frequently asked questions