Air Fryer Sponge Cake: Baking Innovation

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens for baking cakes, especially in hot weather. While cakes baked in air fryers may not be perfect, they are still delicious. You can bake any type of cake in an air fryer, including chocolate cake, apple cake, and sponge cake.

Ingredients for an air fryer sponge cake

You will need the following ingredients to make a sponge cake in an air fryer:

• Caster sugar (golden caster sugar can also be used)
• Unsalted butter or margarine (softened)
• Eggs (medium in the UK, large in the US)
• Vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, or vanilla powder
• Self-raising flour (or plain flour with baking powder)
• Milk (semi-skimmed)
• Baking powder
• Icing sugar
• Fresh fruit (optional)
• Jam (optional)
• Cream (optional)

The exact quantities of each ingredient will depend on the size of your cake, but as a guide, a basic sponge cake recipe typically includes:

• 200-250g of sugar
• 105-230g of butter
• 2-4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 180-200g of self-raising flour
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• 120ml of milk

You will also need a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer. The size of the pan will depend on the size of your air fryer, but a deep 6-8 inch cake pan is typically recommended.

Note that if you are using plain flour instead of self-raising flour, you will need to add baking powder to your cake batter. The amount of baking powder needed will vary depending on the size of your cake, but a good rule of thumb is to add 1 teaspoon of baking powder for every 100g of flour.

Additionally, if you plan to decorate your sponge cake with buttercream frosting, you will need additional ingredients such as softened butter, icing sugar, and milk.

Step-by-step instructions to bake a sponge cake in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Self-raising flour (or plain flour with baking powder)
• Caster sugar
• Softened unsalted butter or margarine
• Medium eggs
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Icing sugar (optional)
• Buttercream or chocolate frosting (optional)

Utensils

• Cake pan (8-inch or smaller, depending on the size of your air fryer)
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Spatula
• Skewer or toothpick
• Cooling rack

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F).
• Grease an 8-inch cake pan with butter or cake release and line the bottom with parchment or baking paper.
• Measure the flour and sugar into a mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
• Add the butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla. Beat together using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer until the batter is smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and level the top.
• Place the cake pan into the air fryer basket and bake for 30 minutes at 160°C (320°F).
• Lower the temperature to 150°C (300°F) and continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes.
• Check if the cake is baked by inserting a skewer or toothpick into the centre. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, continue to cook for a further 5 minutes and check again.
• Remove the cake from the air fryer using oven mitts and allow it to cool for 5 minutes in the pan. Then, invert it onto a cooling rack.
• If desired, slice the cake in half horizontally and fill with buttercream or frosting. Alternatively, simply dust with icing sugar.

Tips:

• It is recommended to use room temperature ingredients. You can soften butter by heating it in the microwave on the defrost setting for a few seconds, and if your eggs are cold, you can submerge them in warm water for a few minutes.
• Do not overfill the cake pan—fill it about halfway.
• Baking times may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, so adjust as needed.

Air fryer baking tips and tricks

Baking a cake in an air fryer is possible, but it may not be as straightforward as using a traditional oven. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results:

Choose the Right Air Fryer and Cake Tin:

Before you start, ensure your cake tin fits comfortably inside your air fryer. The tin should not be too wide or too tall for the air fryer basket. Silicone cake pans are a great option as they are flexible and don't need to be greased or lined. If using a metal tin, grease it or line it with baking parchment to prevent the cake from sticking.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheating is essential if your recipe includes baking soda or powder. The initial burst of heat will help your cake rise. Most air fryers do not have a preheat setting, but that's okay—they heat up quickly and powerfully.

Adjust Baking Time and Temperature:

Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently than conventional ovens, so you'll need to lower the temperature to achieve similar results. Reduce the temperature by about 10-20 degrees Celsius from what you'd typically use in a conventional oven. For example, if you bake a sponge cake at 170 degrees Celsius in a fan oven, aim for 160 degrees Celsius in your air fryer.

Be Prepared to Adapt:

Not all air fryers produce the same results, so be prepared to adapt and improvise. There may be some trial and error involved as you get to know your specific air fryer's quirks. Check on your cake periodically during the baking process and be ready to make adjustments.

Cover Your Cake:

To prevent overbrowning, cover your cake tin with a heatproof lid or foil after the first 10 minutes of baking. Foil can be tricky to secure, so crumple it around the edges of the tin to prevent it from blowing off. A metal lid is a better option if you have one, as it will stay in place and help maintain the temperature.

Check for Doneness:

Since baking in an air fryer is not an exact science, it's essential to check if your cake is done by inserting a skewer into the centre. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. This is a more reliable method than relying solely on cooking times, as air fryers can vary significantly.

Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature:

Allow your butter and eggs to come to room temperature before using them. This will help create a smooth and creamy batter. You can speed up the process by blasting the butter in the microwave on the defrost setting for a few seconds and submerging cold eggs in warm water for a few minutes.

Don't Overfill the Cake Tin:

Fill your cake tin only about halfway to avoid overflow and ensure even cooking. The ideal cake tin size for an air fryer is typically 6 to 8 inches in diameter and 3 inches deep.

Bake at a Lower Temperature:

Baking your cake at a lower temperature will help it cook more evenly and result in a fluffier, lighter texture. Air fryers can sometimes brown the outside of the cake too quickly, so reducing the temperature can help prevent this issue.

Cool Completely Before Frosting:

Allow your cake to cool completely on a wire rack before adding any frosting or decorations. This will prevent the frosting from melting and ensure a neat and professional finish.

Air fryer cake pans

When choosing an air fryer cake pan, it is important to consider the size of your air fryer and select a pan that fits comfortably inside the air fryer basket. Additionally, some pans come with non-stick coatings, which can make removing the cake from the pan easier and promote even baking.

• Kozart 8-inch Air Fryer Cake Pizza Oven Barbecue Frying Pan Tray, priced at $16.89.
• JuLam Baking Pan Nonstick Cake Baking Pan, priced from $15.99. This pan is suitable for pressure cookers, air fryers, and ovens.
• Carbon Steel Round Cake Pan, 7-inch, priced at $17.99. This pan is also suitable for pressure cookers and air fryers and comes with a non-stick chocolate mould.
• 2-piece set of Air Fryer Accessories, including a steel pizza pan and a baking cake barrel, priced at $29.68.
• 2-piece set of Air Fryer Silicone Liners, 8-inch square, priced at $14.99. These liners are reusable and can be used as an alternative to parchment paper.
• Air Fryer Cake Pan, 2-piece set, 6-inch baking pans, priced at $17.98. These pans are non-stick and dishwasher-safe.

These are just a few examples of the variety of air fryer cake pans available. It is important to note that the availability and pricing of these products may vary depending on the retailer and your location.

Storing an air fryer cake

If you want to freeze your cake, you can do so for up to 2-3 months. Let the cake cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or use your microwave or air fryer to reheat it.

If you've frosted your cake, it's best to store it in the fridge, which will extend its shelf life.

Frequently asked questions