Air Fryer Cake Baking: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens, but can you bake a cake in one? The short answer is yes, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, air fryers are essentially small, mini convection ovens that circulate hot air more efficiently, resulting in faster cooking times and lower temperatures compared to conventional ovens. This means that you'll need to adjust your baking time and temperature accordingly when using an air fryer. Additionally, not all air fryers are created equal, so you'll need to adapt and experiment with your specific model. Another important factor is the size of your cake tin; make sure it fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. The type of cake batter and the thickness of your batter can also impact the baking process. A thin, runny batter may require covering the cake tin to prevent splattering, while a thicker batter may need a longer baking time to ensure even cooking. Lastly, be prepared to improvise and don't rely solely on cooking times. Check on your cake regularly and use a skewer or toothpick to test for doneness. While air fryer cakes may not turn out perfectly patisserie-worthy, they can still be delicious and offer a unique, satisfying treat.

Choose a simple recipe

When choosing a recipe for an air fryer cake, it's best to keep it simple. You may experience some failures before you nail the right combination of recipe, pan, time, and temperature for your particular air fryer, so start with a basic recipe.

A single-layer chocolate cake using everyday ingredients is a good place to start. Once you've figured out how to use your fryer to bake this easy cake, you can apply what you've learned to other recipes.

If you're using a boxed cake mix, follow the instructions provided. If you're baking from scratch, you'll need:

• Self-raising flour (also known as self-rising) or plain flour plus baking powder
• Sugar (ideally caster sugar/superfine sugar)
• Softened unsalted butter or margarine
• Eggs (medium in the UK, large in the US)
• Milk
• Vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, or vanilla powder

Select the right pan

Selecting the right pan is crucial when baking a cake in an air fryer. Here are some tips to help you choose the right one:

• Ensure the pan fits: It is essential to choose a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer. Measure the dimensions of your air fryer basket and select a pan that will fit with some space around it for airflow.
• Heat-resistant material: The pan should be made of heat-resistant material, such as metal, glass, ceramic, or silicone. Silicone pans are a good option as they allow for even rising.
• Size matters: Opt for a smaller pan, such as a 6 or 8-inch round pan. Smaller cakes bake more quickly and evenly than larger ones, reducing the risk of a burnt crust and an undercooked centre.
• Special features: Consider using a pan with a non-stick coating to make cake removal and cleaning easier. Additionally, a pan with a lid can be useful for preventing over-browning and splattering during baking.
• Accessories: If your air fryer didn't come with a cake pan, you can purchase one specifically designed for air fryers, or use any heat-resistant pan that fits. You may also need a trivet with handles to place the pan in the air fryer basket.
• Fill level: Regardless of the pan size, fill it only about halfway to allow room for the cake to rise.

Determine time and temperature

When it comes to determining the time and temperature for baking a cake in an air fryer, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to remember that air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently than traditional ovens, so you'll need to lower the temperature to achieve similar results. A good rule of thumb is to reduce the temperature by about 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit from what you'd typically use in a conventional oven. For example, if you usually bake a sponge cake at 170 degrees Celsius in a fan oven, you'd want to aim for around 160 degrees Celsius in your air fryer.

The ideal temperature for baking a cake in an air fryer seems to be around 320-325 degrees Fahrenheit (160-163 degrees Celsius). However, this may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to refer to your specific air fryer's instructions. If your air fryer has a bake cycle, start there, as the default temperature is usually lower than what you'd use in a conventional oven.

In terms of baking time, a cake in an air fryer will typically take around 25-30 minutes to bake. However, this will depend on the size of your cake and the type of pan you're using. Smaller cakes baked in smaller pans will generally require less time, while larger cakes may need a few extra minutes. It's important to keep an eye on your cake as it bakes and be prepared to adapt, as not all air fryers produce the same results.

To check if your cake is done, insert a skewer or toothpick into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If not, continue baking in short intervals until the skewer comes out clean.

Additionally, it's worth noting that air fryers with a fan can cause the top of your cake to brown too quickly. To prevent this, you can cover your cake with a heatproof lid or aluminium foil after it has started to brown but is still wobbly in the centre. This will allow the cake to continue baking without burning the top.

In summary, baking a cake in an air fryer requires a slightly lower temperature and a similar or slightly shorter baking time compared to a conventional oven. Be sure to keep an eye on your cake and adjust the temperature or time as needed to ensure perfect results.

Prevent the cake's top crust from burning

Baking a cake in an air fryer can be tricky as the top crust can burn while the centre remains undercooked. Here are some tips to prevent this:

Use Foil or a Heavy Cover

Drape the cake with aluminium foil once it is nearly brown enough. The foil will slow down any further browning while the centre cooks through. However, the convection fan in the air fryer may blow the foil around, so it may be better to use something heavier like a heat-safe frying pan lid or a heat diffuser.

Add a Topping

Instead of using foil or a cover, you can add an edible topping to the cake halfway through the cooking process. This will prevent the top from burning and also means you don't need to frost the cake. Examples of cakes with edible toppings include Lazy Daisy Cake, which has a topping of caramelised butter, sugar and coconut, and streusel cake.

Choose the Right Pan

The challenge of baking a cake in an air fryer is to get the centre fully cooked without burning the crust. Smaller cakes bake more quickly and evenly than larger ones, so it is recommended to use a smaller pan. A half-size Bundt pan is a good option as it has a centre tube that funnels hot air through the middle of the cake.

Adjust the Temperature and Timing

Air fryers are small convection ovens, so they bake most effectively at a slightly lower temperature than a conventional oven. It is recommended to bake the cake at 325°F. The baking time will probably be longer than for a conventional oven, especially if you are using a full-size pan. Remember, the key is to get the centre fully cooked without burning the crust, so it is better to bake at a lower temperature for longer.

Be prepared to adapt

Not all air fryers are created equal, so be prepared to adapt and improvise. There will likely be some trial and error as you get to know your specific air fryer and how it handles baking. Here are some tips to help you adapt and achieve the best results:

• Check on your cake regularly during the cooking process. Set a timer for 30 minutes and then check on it every 10 minutes to see how it's doing and if any adjustments are needed.
• If your cake is browning too quickly, cover it with a heatproof lid or aluminium foil to prevent further browning. This is especially important if you have a thin, runny batter, as it will prevent splattering and reduce the risk of liquid damage to the heating element.
• If using aluminium foil, make sure it's wrapped securely around the tin. Loose foil can blow off and catch on the air fryer's heating element.
• Be prepared to adjust the temperature and cooking time. Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently, so they can cook food faster and at lower temperatures. Lower the temperature by about 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit if following a traditional oven recipe.
• If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, don't worry. Air fryers heat up quickly and powerfully, so it should be fine to start baking without preheating.
• If you're using a boxed cake mix, be sure to read the directions carefully to determine the exact ingredients and measurements needed.
• If you're making a full-size cake, you may need to shield the top from burning as it bakes. You can use aluminium foil or something heavier like a heat-safe frying pan lid or a heat diffuser.
• If your cake doesn't turn out perfectly the first time, don't be discouraged. Air fryer baking requires some experimentation to find the right combination of recipe, pan size, temperature, and cooking time for your particular air fryer.

Frequently asked questions