Air Fryer Baking: Cake Perfection

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens for baking cakes. While it may not produce a perfect, patisserie-worthy cake, it is still a delicious option. The cake may turn out denser with larger pockets of air bubbles and a wrinkly texture. Air fryers are also great for baking smaller portions and they preheat in a flash, which is perfect if you're in a hurry!

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

To prevent this, you can cover the cake with a heat-safe lid or aluminium foil once the top is as brown as you like. This will slow down the browning process and give the centre of the cake more time to cook through.

You can also try baking the cake at a lower temperature than you would in an oven. Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently, so they can cook food faster and at lower temperatures. Reducing the temperature by about 10-20 degrees from what you would use in a conventional oven should give you similar results.

Another option is to use a different type of cake pan. A half-size Bundt pan, for example, has a centre tube that funnels hot air through the middle of the cake, which can help it bake more evenly.

Finally, be prepared to adapt and improvise. Not all air fryers are created equal, so you may need to experiment with different recipes, pan sizes, temperatures and cooking times to find what works best for your particular air fryer.

Air fryer cakes may not be as light and airy as oven-baked cakes

• Size Constraints: Air fryers typically have limited space, accommodating only smaller pans such as an 8" round pan or a half-size Bundt pan. Smaller cakes tend to bake more quickly and evenly, increasing the chances of success.
• Temperature Control: Air fryers often require lower baking temperatures than conventional ovens. Adjusting the temperature and cooking time is crucial to prevent the cake from burning on the outside while remaining undercooked on the inside.
• Top Crust Burning: The convection fan in an air fryer can cause the top crust of the cake to burn before the centre is fully baked. This can be mitigated by shielding the cake with aluminium foil or a heat-safe lid, or by adding an edible topping that protects the cake from over-browning.
• Moisture Retention: Air fryers are known for producing foods with a crispy exterior and moist interior. Achieving the desired level of moisture in a cake can be tricky, and you may need to experiment with different recipes and techniques to find the right balance.
• Learning Curve: Baking a cake in an air fryer may require some trial and error to master. It's important to understand the ins and outs of your particular air fryer, including its unique features and settings, before attempting to bake a cake.

While it is possible to bake a cake in an air fryer, it may take some practice to achieve the desired level of lightness and airiness compared to oven-baked cakes. The key is to be patient, experiment with different approaches, and make adjustments based on your specific air fryer model and cake recipe.

Air fryer cakes may require more effort and attention than oven-baked cakes

Firstly, air fryers are typically smaller than conventional ovens, so you'll need to choose the right pan size to fit inside. It's recommended to use a smaller pan, such as a half-size Bundt pan or a 6" round pan, to increase the chances of success. The smaller the pan, the more quickly and evenly the cake will bake.

Secondly, air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently than ovens, so you'll need to adjust the baking time and temperature accordingly. Lowering the temperature by about 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit from what you'd use in a conventional oven is a good starting point. However, this may require some trial and error, as not all air fryers are created equal. Be prepared to adapt and improvise based on your specific air fryer model.

Thirdly, air fryers can cause the outside of the cake to brown or burn before the inside is fully cooked. To prevent this, you may need to cover the cake with a heatproof lid or aluminium foil, especially if your batter is thin and runny. Checking the cake regularly during the baking process and making adjustments as needed is crucial.

Lastly, while air fryers preheat quickly and don't heat up the kitchen like ovens do, they may require more effort in terms of recipe adaptation, frequent checking, and additional cleaning if you use a lid or foil to prevent overbrowning.

In summary, while it is possible to bake a cake in an air fryer, it may require more attention and adjustments than traditional oven baking. The key to success is understanding your specific air fryer's capabilities and adapting your recipe and baking techniques accordingly.

Air fryer cakes may not be as tall as oven-baked cakes

The size of the cake pan affects the height of the cake. A smaller cake pan means a smaller cake. Therefore, if you want a taller cake, you should use a larger cake pan. However, this may not be possible if your air fryer is not big enough.

Additionally, air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently than conventional ovens, which means they can cook food faster and at lower temperatures. As a result, air fryer cakes may not rise as much as oven-baked cakes, leading to a shorter cake.

To increase the height of your air fryer cake, you can try using a larger cake pan, adjusting the temperature and baking time, or using a different type of cake pan, such as a silicone cake pan, which has been found to create a more even rise.

Air fryer cakes may have a swirly brown pattern and wrinkly texture

To prevent this from happening, you can cover your cake with a lid or aluminium foil to prevent the top from burning while the centre finishes baking. You may also need to experiment with different temperatures and cooking times to find the perfect balance for your particular air fryer model.

Additionally, using a smaller cake pan can help ensure even baking, as smaller cakes bake more quickly and evenly than larger ones. With some trial and error, you can achieve a delicious and impressive air fryer cake that is tall, dense, and comforting.

Frequently asked questions