Air Fryer Baking: Cake Perfection

Yes, you can bake a cake in an air fryer! It's a great option if you want to avoid heating up your kitchen, you're short on time, or you only want to make a small cake. The process is similar to baking a cake in a conventional oven, but with a few key differences. Air fryers take less time to preheat, so you'll save energy and time. However, you'll need to adjust the baking time and temperature, as air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently. You'll also need to make sure your cake tin fits in the air fryer, and you may need to cover your cake with a lid or foil to prevent over-browning. Finally, be prepared to adapt and experiment as you get to know your specific air fryer's quirks and how it handles baked goods.

Choose the right pan

Choosing the right pan is crucial when it comes to baking a cake in an air fryer. Here are some tips to help you select the appropriate pan:

• Pan Size: Many air fryers can only accommodate pans up to 8 inches in diameter. Smaller pans are preferable because the fryer's main challenge is baking the cake evenly without burning the crust. In this case, a 6-inch or 7-inch pan is a better choice.
• Pan Type: A half-size Bundt pan (about 3-cup capacity) is an excellent choice for air fryers, especially the smaller bucket-type models. The centre tube allows hot air to circulate through the cake, resulting in more even baking. If you don't have a Bundt pan, an 8-inch round pan or a 6-inch round pan will also work.
• Pan Material: You can use any type of cake pan that fits comfortably in the air fryer basket, including metal, glass, ceramic, or silicone. Silicone pans are a good option because they promote even rising.
• Pan Accessories: If you plan to bake frequently in your air fryer, consider investing in an air fryer accessory kit. These kits often include special air fryer cake pans and parchment paper liners that fit perfectly in the air fryer.
• Pan Filling: Avoid overfilling the cake pan. Fill it only about halfway to prevent the batter from spilling or overflowing during baking.
• Pan Preparation: Before adding the batter, prepare the pan by greasing it with shortening or cooking spray and flouring it. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn't stick.

Adjust the temperature and time

Adjusting the temperature and time is crucial when baking a cake in an air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you get the best results:

• Lower the temperature: Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently than conventional ovens, so you can bake your cake at a lower temperature. If your oven recipe calls for a temperature of 170 degrees Celsius, for example, reduce it to 160 degrees Celsius for your air fryer. This adjustment will help you achieve similar baking results as a conventional oven.
• Adjust the baking time: The baking time for your cake in an air fryer may differ from the time specified in a traditional oven recipe. In general, air fryers can bake cakes faster due to their efficient hot air circulation. Therefore, you may need to reduce the baking time by a few minutes. Keep in mind that the actual adjustment will depend on your specific air fryer model and the size of your cake pan.
• Preheat the air fryer: If your cake recipe includes baking soda or baking powder, preheating the air fryer is essential. The initial burst of heat will help your cake rise properly. Most air fryers preheat in just a few minutes, which is much quicker than a conventional oven.
• Monitor the cake during baking: Baking in an air fryer is not an exact science, so it's important to keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Check on your cake at regular intervals and be prepared to make adjustments. You may need to cover your cake with a lid or foil if the top starts browning too quickly to prevent over-browning and ensure even baking.
• Check for doneness with a skewer or toothpick: To ensure your cake is baked through, insert a skewer or toothpick into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean, without any wet batter, your cake is ready. This test is more reliable than solely relying on cooking times, as air fryers can vary in performance.
• Experiment and adapt: Not all air fryers are created equal, so you may need to experiment and adapt your recipe to suit your specific air fryer model. Be prepared for some trial and error, and don't be afraid to make adjustments to temperature and baking time. Each air fryer has its unique characteristics, and you'll become more familiar with yours the more you use it.

Cover the cake with a lid

Covering your cake with a lid is a great way to prevent over-browning and to ensure even baking. If you don't have a lid that fits your cake tin, you can use foil to cover it. However, bear in mind that foil can't be placed loosely as it could blow off and catch on the air fryer's heating element. To keep it secure, you'd need to wrap it around the tin, which would mean lifting the cake out of the air fryer and disrupting the baking process.

If you have a thin, runny batter, you might want to cover your cake from the start to prevent splattering and the risk of liquid damage to the heating element. You can uncover it in the last few minutes so the top can get golden brown.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cake-making process. It ensures that your cake begins to bake at the right temperature, allowing for even cooking and better rising. Most air fryers will have a preheat function, but if yours does not, you can simply run it at your desired baking temperature for about 3-5 minutes before adding your cake batter. This step is crucial to achieving a good texture and helps prevent your cake from being dense or undercooked.

When preheating your air fryer, it is important to follow a few key steps. First, ensure that your air fryer is clean, plugged in, and ready to use. If there is a preheat button, press it and set the temperature to your desired baking temperature. If there is no preheat button, set the temperature to 400 °F (204 °C) or your desired baking temperature and let it heat up for 3-5 minutes.

It is also important to note that not all air fryers are the same, and you should always refer to your air fryer's instruction manual for specific directions on preheating. Some models may advise against preheating, so it is crucial to read the caution page carefully. Additionally, some air fryers may not be equipped for preheating, and attempting to do so could be dangerous.

By preheating your air fryer, you can speed up the cooking process, improve the texture of your cake, and ensure even cooking. So, if you're looking to bake a cake in your air fryer, don't skip this important step!

Check the cake is done with a skewer

Once your cake has been baking for around 15-20 minutes, it's time to check if it's done. But how? Well, one way is to use a skewer.

Take the cake out of the air fryer using oven mitts, and insert a skewer into the centre of the cake. If the skewer comes out clean, with no batter sticking to it, then your cake is done. If the skewer comes out with wet batter or crumbs stuck to it, then the cake needs to be cooked for a little longer.

If the skewer comes out clean, take the cake out of the air fryer and leave it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, flip the pan over and place the cake on a wire rack to cool completely. If the skewer doesn't come out clean, put the cake back in the air fryer for another 5 minutes or so, and then check again.

It's worth noting that some recipes suggest using a toothpick instead of a skewer to check if your cake is done. This works in exactly the same way as a skewer, so just use whatever you have to hand.

Happy baking!

Frequently asked questions