Air Fryer Baking: Can You Use Cake Pans?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens, especially when you want to avoid heating up your kitchen. While you can bake a cake in an air fryer, it may not be as effortless as using a conventional oven. The key challenge is to prevent the top of the cake from burning while ensuring the centre is cooked through. Here are some tips to help you bake a cake in your air fryer successfully.

Air fryer cake pan size

Air fryer cake pans come in a range of sizes, with the most versatile size being 6 inches. This size is small enough to fit in drawer-style air fryers but still big enough to make a main dish for two or a batch of snack bars.

When choosing a cake pan for your air fryer, it is important to consider the capacity of your air fryer basket. For example, the GoWISE USA Air Fryer Non-Stick Cake Baking Pan comes in two sizes: small (compatible with 2.75 Qt - 5.8 Qt Air Fryers) and large (compatible with 3.7 Qt - 5.8 Qt Air Fryers).

Another option is the Baking Pan for Pressure Cookers, Air Fryers, and Ovens, which has a diameter of 6.7 inches (inner diameter of 6 inches) and a height of 3 inches. This pan fits a variety of air fryer brands, including Instant Pot, Cosori, Philips, and Ninja.

It is also possible to use a bowl, souffle dish, or nonstick cake pan that fits into the air fryer basket to hold liquidy items. Just be sure to use oven-safe vessels and avoid using glass baking dishes, as the rapid changes in temperature can cause them to crack.

Air fryer cake pan material

When choosing a cake pan to use in an air fryer, it is important to consider the material of the pan. Here are some of the best materials to use:

Metal Pans

Metal pans, such as muffin pans, cake pans, or sheet pans, are excellent for conducting heat quickly and evenly. They are a good choice for air fryer cakes because they allow for even baking and help to prevent the cake from doming in the middle.

Non-stick Dark Pans

Non-stick, dark pans are fantastic for achieving a crispy texture on your food without it sticking to the pan. They absorb heat well, which helps to cook food more quickly. These pans are a good choice for air fryer cakes because they are easy to clean and can help to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.

Cast Iron Pans

Cast iron pans are perfect for recipes that require high heat and crispiness. They retain heat very well and are great for searing meats. While they may not be the first choice for cakes, they could be used for baking a cake in an air fryer, especially if you are looking for a crispy, browned crust.

Silicone Molds

Silicone molds are ideal for delicate items like muffins and cakes, as they allow for easy removal after cooking. They don't conduct heat in the same way that metal pans do, so cooking times may need to be adjusted. Silicone molds are a good choice for air fryer cakes because they are pliable, heat resistant, and dishwasher-safe.

Aluminum Pans

Aluminum pans heat up quickly and cook food evenly. They are lightweight and disposable options are available, making cleanup easy. Aluminum pans are a good choice for air fryer cakes because they are lightweight and easy to handle.

Ceramic Pans

Ceramic pans are great for cooking food at a consistent temperature. They are also non-reactive, which means they won't alter the taste of acidic foods. Ceramic pans are a good choice for air fryer cakes because they are non-stick and easy to clean.

Tempered Glass Pans

While heavier, tempered glass pans are excellent for casseroles and dishes that require a longer cooking time at a steady heat. They are a good choice for air fryer cakes because they can withstand high temperatures without warping or melting.

Air fryer cake pan depth

The depth of your cake pan is an important consideration when baking a cake in an air fryer. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you choose the right depth for your cake pan:

• Choose a cake pan that isn't too deep or tall: Select a pan that won't touch the top of your air fryer or come into contact with the heating element. A good guideline is to choose a pan that is no more than 3 inches high. If you have a 4-inch-high cake pan, try not to fill it more than halfway.
• Shallow pans bake cakes faster: The shallower the pan, the faster your cake will bake. This is due to the concentrated heat circulation in the compact space of the air fryer.
• Consider using a half-size Bundt pan: A Bundt pan with a centre tube helps to funnel hot air not just around the edges but also through the centre of the cake. This design makes it a better match for the air fryer's convection baking than a standard round cake pan.
• Fill the pan a little over halfway: Filling the pan a little over halfway will give your cake room to rise without overflowing.
• Use cake strips: Cake strips can help promote even baking and prevent the sides of the pan from browning too much or becoming more done than the middle. They also help to keep the cake from doming in the middle.
• Check your cake regularly: Baking times may vary, so it's important to keep an eye on your cake to prevent over-browning or under-baking. Check your cake regularly, especially if you're using a deeper pan, to ensure even cooking.

Air fryer cake pan alternatives

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens, especially when you want to avoid heating up your kitchen. They are also perfect for smaller portions and preheat in a flash. However, the design of the air fryer basket may prevent you from baking cakes or cooking juicy, liquid-y foods.

If you're looking for alternatives to a cake pan for your air fryer, here are some options:

• Oven-safe vessels: Using oven-safe vessels such as a bowl, souffle dish, or non-stick cake pan that fit inside your air fryer basket can be a great alternative. These can hold liquid-y items and prevent leaks, making cleanup easier. The most versatile option is a 6-inch cake pan, which fits in most drawer-style air fryers and is big enough to make a main dish for two or a batch of snack bars.
• Silicone baking mats: If you're using a basket-style air fryer, you can try circular silicone baking mats that are small enough to leave a gap around the edges for proper air circulation.
• Aluminum foil: Although some people have had negative experiences with aluminum foil in air fryers, it can be used to capture grease from foods like bacon. Just be sure to wait until the foil has cooled before removing it from the air fryer to avoid burns.
• Parchment paper: Using a round piece of parchment paper at the bottom of your air fryer can help prevent your cake from sticking to the pan.
• Other containers: Depending on what you're cooking, you can use terra cotta cookery, aluminum muffin-sized containers, or even a small Pyrex glass container for charring onions.

When baking a cake in an air fryer, remember to adjust the temperature and baking time, as air fryers cook food faster and at lower temperatures than conventional ovens. Additionally, be prepared to adapt and improvise, as different air fryers may produce varying results. It's also a good idea to cover your cake with a lid or foil to prevent over-browning and splattering.

Air fryer cake pan greasing

Greasing your cake pan is an important step in the cake-making process, and this is no different when using an air fryer. Here are some tips and tricks for greasing your cake pan before baking a cake in your air fryer:

Use a cake release

Aerosol cooking sprays are a no-go when it comes to air fryers, as they can damage the non-stick coating of the appliance and impart a bitter flavour to your cake. Instead, opt for a cake release, such as Wilton Cake Release, which is a solution of soybean oil and starch. This will help to grease and flour your cake pan in one easy step, ensuring your cake releases easily from the pan after cooling.

Opt for non-pressurised fats

If you don't have access to cake release, you can use non-pressurised fats like butter. Simply rub a stick of butter around the pan before filling it with batter. This will create a layer that helps prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.

Parchment paper

Another option is to use parchment paper. Cut a round piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of your cake pan. This creates a barrier between the batter and the pan, making it easier to remove the cake once it's baked.

Flour

A light dusting of flour can also be used to prep your cake pan. After greasing the pan with shortening or butter, sprinkle a small amount of flour and coat the inside of the pan. Tap out any excess flour before adding your batter.

Silicone liners and stick-proof inserts

Air fryer accessories like silicone liners or stick-proof inserts are designed to make removing your cake from the pan a breeze. These accessories are typically stick-resistant, providing an easy release for your cake.

Remember, when it comes to greasing your cake pan for an air fryer, it's important to avoid aerosol cooking sprays and oils with a low smoke point, as these can damage your appliance and affect the taste of your cake. Instead, opt for cake releases, butter, parchment paper, flour, or air fryer accessories like silicone liners.

Frequently asked questions