Air-Fried Fruit Cake: A Quick, Easy Treat

Fruit cake is a delicious dessert, but can you cook it in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryers can be used to make a variety of cakes, including fruit cakes. This alternative method of baking a fruit cake yields a dessert that is soft, moist, and packed with flavour. The air fryer's hot air cooking technology ensures that the cake is cooked to perfection, with a crispy and golden exterior and a soft and moist interior. This article will explore the process of making a fruit cake in an air fryer, the benefits of using an air fryer, and provide a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious treat.

Ingredients

The ingredients you will need for an air fryer fruit cake include:

• Unsalted butter (225g)
• Brown sugar (150g)
• Eggs (2)
• All-purpose flour (250g)
• Baking powder (2 tsp)
• Salt (1/2 tsp)
• Candied fruit mix (300g)
• Whole milk (4 tbsp)
• Apricot jam

Some recipes suggest adding ground almonds and vanilla and almond flavouring to the above list of ingredients. You can also add spices like allspice or ground mixed spice, and dried fruit such as raisins, currants, and sultanas. If you're making a Christmas cake, you can add a festive twist with brandy or rum, and orange zest.

If you're making a boiled fruit cake, you'll need to boil the fruit first, and you can also add chopped nuts to the mix.

How to make the batter

To make the batter for a fruit cake in an air fryer, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Unsalted butter (some recipes specify the amount as 225g)
• Sugar (one recipe specifies brown sugar, with an amount of 150g)
• Eggs
• Flour (one recipe specifies all-purpose flour, with an amount of 250g)
• Baking powder (one recipe suggests an amount of 2 tsp)
• Salt (one recipe suggests 1/2 tsp)
• Milk (one recipe suggests whole milk, with an amount of 4 tbsp)
• Dried fruit (one recipe suggests a vibrant candied fruit mix, with an amount of 300g)
• Ground almonds
• Brandy or rum (for a Christmas cake)
• Orange zest and juice (for a Christmas cake)
• Golden syrup (for a Christmas cake)

You will also need a large pot or saucepan, a whisk or electric beaters, a large bowl, and a cake tin or mould.

To make the batter:

Begin by adding the butter and sugar to your pot or saucepan. Whisk or beat until the mixture is creamy and velvety. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is thoroughly incorporated before adding the next. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. You can also add ground almonds at this stage if you are making a Christmas cake.

Slowly pour in the milk, continuing to mix until the batter becomes smooth and lush. Finally, add the dried fruit, distributing it evenly throughout the batter. If you are making a Christmas cake, you can also add brandy or rum, orange zest and juice, and golden syrup to the batter.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend setting the air fryer to around 140-160°C. Allow a few minutes for the air fryer to reach the desired temperature and establish a consistent baking environment. This preheating step is essential for even cooking.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to place your filled cake pan inside. The baking time will vary depending on the recipe and the size of your cake. For smaller cakes, 35-40 minutes at 160°C should be sufficient. However, for larger cakes or those with denser batter, you may need to extend the baking time to around 50 minutes or even slightly longer.

During the baking process, it's a good idea to perform the toothpick test to check for doneness. Simply insert a toothpick or a skewer into the centre of the cake at the 40-minute mark. If the toothpick comes out clean, without any batter sticking to it, your cake is ready. If not, you can extend the baking time in small increments until the toothpick test comes out clean.

After baking, it's crucial to allow the cake to cool. Leave the cake in the pan for at least 5-10 minutes before removing it. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or decorating. This cooling process helps set the structure of the cake and prevents it from crumbling when handled.

Remember, the timing guidelines provided may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model and the ingredients used. Always refer to your recipe for the most accurate temperature and timing instructions, and adjust as needed based on your observations during the baking process.

How to check if the cake is cooked

To check if your cake is cooked, you can use a toothpick, skewer, fork, or thin knife to test it. Insert your chosen utensil into the centre of the cake – if it comes out clean, without any batter sticking to it, then your cake is cooked. If there is batter on the utensil, the cake needs to be cooked for longer.

It is important to be careful with the temperature when cooking cakes in an air fryer, as the high heat can burn the exterior of the cake before the inside is cooked. To avoid this, you can cover the cake with tinfoil once it starts to brown, allowing the inside to cook without the outside burning.

If you are using an oven-based recipe, you should also halve the cooking time when using an air fryer. For example, if a cake takes 40 minutes to bake in an oven, set the air fryer to 20 minutes.

It is also recommended to write down the time and temperature you use so that you can remember what works for next time.

How to store the cake

Fruit cakes can be stored in a variety of ways to keep them moist and delicious. One popular method is to wrap the cake in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, making sure the two layers do not touch. The cake can then be placed in an airtight container and stored in a cool, dry place such as a pantry or cupboard. This method can keep the fruitcake fresh for up to six months.

Another option is to soak a cheesecloth in brandy, rum, or another liquor, and wrap it around the cake before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will also keep the cake moist and flavourful for up to six months. It is important to note that the cheesecloth should be re-soaked once a week, and the cake should be aged for at least six weeks before consuming.

If you prefer to freeze your fruit cake, it is recommended to wrap it tightly in cling film, followed by a layer of foil, and then placed inside a Ziploc bag or airtight container. Fruit cakes can be frozen for up to six months, but it is important to let them age for at least four weeks before freezing, as the alcohol does not mellow while frozen.

Additionally, some bakers like to "feed" their fruit cakes by drizzling brandy or rum over them every fortnight to keep them moist and flavourful. This can be done before storing the cake in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Finally, it is worth noting that fruit cakes without alcohol should be consumed within a few days of baking or stored in the freezer, as they tend to dry out more quickly.

Frequently asked questions