Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens, and they can be used to bake cakes. While the results may not be perfect, air fryers can produce delicious cakes with a soft and moist interior and a golden exterior. They are also more energy-efficient, as they preheat much faster than conventional ovens.
Baking a cake in an air fryer requires some adjustments, such as using a smaller cake pan, preheating the air fryer, and adjusting the baking time and temperature. It is also important to ensure that the cake tin fits comfortably in the air fryer with enough space for airflow.
Fruit cakes, in particular, can be successfully baked in an air fryer. By following a recipe and making the necessary adjustments, you can create a delicious and healthy fruit cake with a soft, moist texture.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Possible | Yes |
Time taken | Less than in an oven |
Taste | Delicious |
Texture | Crispy and golden exterior, soft and moist interior |
Temperature | 320°F or 160°C |
Baking time | 35-40 minutes |
Baking temperature | Lower than in a conventional oven |
Preheat temperature | 320°F or 160°C |
Preheat time | 5 minutes |
Baking challenges | Preventing the top from burning while the centre bakes |
Pan size | 8-inch cake pan |
Pan type | Metal, glass, ceramic or silicone |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right pan
- Size: Select a pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer. The size of the pan will depend on the capacity of your air fryer. For smaller air fryers, a 6 or 7-inch cake pan may be necessary, while larger models can accommodate an 8-inch pan. Ensure there is enough space around the pan for proper airflow.
- Material: You can use various materials for the cake pan, including metal, glass, ceramic, or silicone. Silicone pans are a good option as they promote even rising.
- Depth: Opt for a pan with sufficient depth to accommodate the batter. A pan that is 8 inches wide and 3 inches deep is suitable for most recipes.
- Type: You don't need to purchase a special "air fryer-specific" cake tin. Any heat-resistant pan that fits in the air fryer can be used.
- Capacity: Consider the capacity of the pan in relation to the cake recipe. A half-size Bundt pan (about 3-cup capacity) is ideal for smaller bucket-type fryers, as it allows hot air to circulate through the centre, baking the cake evenly.
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Adjusting the baking time and temperature
- Lower the temperature: Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently than conventional ovens, so you can bake your fruit cake at a lower temperature. Reduce the temperature by about 10-20 degrees Celsius from what you'd typically use in a conventional oven. For example, if your oven recipe calls for baking at 170 degrees Celsius, aim for 160 degrees Celsius in your air fryer.
- Adjust the baking time: The baking time will depend on the size of your fruit cake and the specific model of your air fryer. As a general guideline, a fruit cake in an air fryer may take around 30-40 minutes to bake. However, it's important to monitor the cake's progress and be prepared to adjust the timing.
- Check for doneness: Since baking in an air fryer is not an exact science, it's crucial to check if your fruit cake is done by inserting a skewer or toothpick into the centre. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If not, continue baking in small increments of 5-10 minutes until the skewer comes out clean.
- Adapt to your air fryer: Not all air fryers are the same, so you may need to adapt and improvise based on your specific model. Be prepared for some trial and error, and get to know how your air fryer handles baked goods. Check on your fruit cake regularly during the baking process to ensure it's cooking evenly and adjust the temperature or timing as needed.
- Prevent overbrowning: Fruit cakes, especially those with a lot of sugar, can sometimes brown too quickly on the top while the centre is still undercooked. To prevent overbrowning, you can cover the cake tin with a heatproof lid or aluminium foil once it reaches the desired level of browning. This will allow the centre to continue cooking without burning the exterior.
- Use the right cake pan: Choose a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer, leaving enough space for airflow. The size of the cake pan will impact the baking time and temperature, so ensure it's suitable for your air fryer model. Silicone cake pans are a good option as they promote even rising.
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Preventing the cake's top crust from burning
Yes, you can bake a fruit cake in an air fryer. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to prevent the top crust from burning:
Firstly, it is important to select the right pan. Air fryers usually cannot accommodate anything bigger than an 8-inch round pan. Smaller pans are preferable as they allow the cake to bake more quickly and evenly. A half-size Bundt pan is a good option, as it allows hot air to circulate through the centre of the cake, helping it bake more evenly.
Secondly, you should adjust the baking time and temperature. Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently than traditional ovens, so you will need to reduce the temperature by about 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit and expect the cake to bake more quickly.
Thirdly, you can cover the cake with a lid or aluminium foil to prevent the top from burning. If using foil, be sure to crinkle it over the edges of the pan to prevent it from blowing off. Alternatively, you can use a heat-safe frying pan lid or a heat diffuser to shield the top of the cake from direct exposure to the heating elements.
Finally, you can add a streusel or other edible topping to the cake once the top has set. This will prevent the top from burning and also means you won't need to frost the cake afterwards.
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Selecting the right cake tin
- Size of the Cake Tin: Many air fryers can only accommodate cake tins up to 8 inches in diameter. Smaller cake tins are preferable because they bake more evenly and reduce the risk of the crust burning before the centre is cooked. If you want to bake a larger cake, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time to prevent burning.
- Type of Cake Tin: You can use any type of cake tin that fits comfortably inside your air fryer, including metal, glass, ceramic, or silicone. Silicone cake tins are a good option for even rising. However, make sure the tin is not too wide for your air fryer basket.
- Fitting the Cake Tin in the Air Fryer: It is important to ensure that your cake tin fits inside your air fryer basket. Check the capacity of your air fryer basket before you start baking to avoid disappointment. You may need to adjust the size of your cake tin or use a different air fryer if it does not fit properly.
- Adjusting the Recipe for the Air Fryer: When using an air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time of your recipe. Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently, so they cook at lower temperatures than conventional ovens. Reduce the temperature by 10-20 degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit from what you would typically use in a conventional oven.
- Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer, especially if your recipe includes baking soda or powder. The initial burst of heat will help your cake rise. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, that is fine, as long as it heats up quickly and powerfully.
- Covering the Cake Tin: If your cake batter is thin and runny, it is recommended to cover the cake tin with a heatproof lid to prevent splattering and the risk of liquid damage to the heating element. You can uncover it towards the end of the cooking time to allow the top of the cake to turn golden brown.
- Checking for Doneness: Since baking in an air fryer is not an exact science, it is important to check if your cake is done by inserting a skewer or toothpick into the centre. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
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Using the right ingredients
Select the right flour:
Use all-purpose flour or self-raising flour (also known as self-rising flour). If you use plain flour (all-purpose flour), add 2-2.5 teaspoons of baking powder to give your cake the right rise.
Choose the right sugar:
Ideally, use caster sugar (a.k.a superfine sugar) for a lighter, fluffier cake. However, you can also use granulated sugar.
Pick the perfect fat:
Use softened unsalted butter or margarine. Make sure it's at room temperature before you start baking. If your butter is cold, you can soften it by blasting it in the microwave on the defrost setting for a few seconds.
Don't forget the dairy:
You will need milk or buttermilk for your fruit cake batter. Again, make sure it's at room temperature.
Add some flavour:
Vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, or vanilla powder will add a delicious aroma to your fruit cake. You can also experiment with other extracts like almond or orange extract.
Leavening agents:
Baking powder or baking soda is essential for helping your cake rise and giving it a light, fluffy texture.
Fruits and nuts:
The beauty of a fruit cake is in its mix of dried fruits and nuts. You can use a variety of dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, apricots, candied peel, and mixed peel. Chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans can also add a nice crunch. Soak your dried fruits in fruit juice or brandy for a few hours or overnight for a more intense flavour.
Spices:
Depending on your preference, you can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, mixed spice, or ginger to enhance the flavour of your fruit cake.
Salt:
A pinch of salt will enhance the other flavours in your cake.
Remember, the key to successful fruit cake baking in an air fryer is to use room temperature ingredients and not to overfill your cake pan. Happy baking!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bake a fruit cake in an air fryer. It is a healthy alternative to oven-baked cakes and ensures a soft, moist, and evenly cooked cake.
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F or 160°C for optimal results. This temperature setting will help you achieve a crispy exterior and a soft, moist interior.
The size of the cake pan depends on the model and capacity of your air fryer. For smaller air fryers, a 6 or 7-inch cake pan is recommended, while larger models can accommodate an 8-inch pan. Ensure the pan fits comfortably with enough airflow around it.
The baking time varies based on the size of the cake and the air fryer model. On average, bake the fruit cake for around 35-50 minutes at the set temperature. Perform the toothpick test to check for doneness; if the toothpick comes out clean, your cake is ready.
Yes, here are some tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- Don't overfill the cake pan—fill it only about halfway.
- Cover the cake with foil or a heat-safe lid if the top starts browning too quickly to prevent over-browning and ensure even cooking.
- Check for doneness with a skewer or toothpick; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.