Air Fryer Cake Tins: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are essentially mini fan ovens, so you can bake cakes in them. However, you will need to make some adjustments to your recipe, such as reducing the temperature and cooking time. You can use a normal cake tin in an air fryer, but you need to make sure it fits. The tin should be no more than 3 inches high, and you should leave some space around it to ensure proper airflow. You might need to adapt the recipe if your tin is too big, for example, by making cupcakes instead of a large cake.

Air fryer cake tins should be shallow

Secondly, shallow tins are more likely to fit in an air fryer, which has limited space. Air fryers come in different sizes, and the tin must fit inside with some space around it for airflow. Shallow tins increase the chances of a good fit and help avoid the disappointment of realising your tin is too tall.

Thirdly, shallow tins are easier to manage when it comes to removing the cake. Air fryers can be tricky to handle due to their compact size and powerful heating elements. A shallow tin makes it easier to handle the cake without burning yourself or damaging the cake.

Finally, shallow tins are better for monitoring the cake's progress. Air fryer cakes require close attention, and you may need to adapt your approach as you go. With a shallow tin, it is easier to observe the cake's colour, texture, and rise, allowing you to make adjustments and ensure a successful bake.

In conclusion, using shallow cake tins in an air fryer is advantageous for several reasons, including improved airflow, better fit, easier handling, and more effective monitoring of the baking process.

Use a normal cake tin

Yes, you can use a normal cake tin in an air fryer! The tricky part is finding a tin that fits. You'll want to make sure that your tin leaves some space on either side when placed in the basket to ensure airflow can pass around it. The best size for basket-type air fryers is a 5-8 inch round or square cake tin. If you have an oven-type air fryer, you might be able to get away with a slightly bigger pan.

When using a normal cake tin in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the tin is not too deep or tall so that it doesn't touch the top of the air fryer and the heating element. Shallower pans will also bake cakes faster. Second, always place the tin inside the basket, never directly in the pan, as this will eliminate airflow and only heat the top of the cake. Finally, always wear oven mitts when handling the tin, as it will get very hot.

If you're using a recipe designed for a conventional oven, you'll need to reduce the temperature and baking time. Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently, so they can cook food faster and at lower temperatures. Reduce the temperature by about 10-20 degrees and start checking the cake for doneness a few minutes early. The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

To avoid over-browning the top of your cake, cover it with aluminium foil about halfway through the baking process. This will shield the cake from the direct heat of the air fryer and help it bake more evenly.

Adjust the temperature and time

Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently than conventional ovens, so you'll need to reduce the temperature and baking time when using an air fryer. A good rule of thumb is to lower the temperature by 10-20 degrees Celsius and reduce the baking time by about 20%. For example, if you usually bake a sponge cake at 170 degrees Celsius in a fan oven, you would want to reduce the temperature to 160 degrees Celsius and bake for around 20 minutes in the air fryer.

However, not all air fryers are created equal, and you may need to adapt and improvise with your specific model. It's a good idea to check on your cake a few times during the cooking process to see if any adjustments are needed.

If you're using a recipe that calls for a higher temperature in a conventional oven, you may need to make further adjustments. For example, if your recipe calls for baking at 180 degrees Celsius, you may need to reduce the temperature to 160 degrees Celsius and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

It's also important to note that air fryers heat from the top, which can be tricky for baked goods, especially cakes. To bake cakes effectively, it's best to reduce the temperature and baking time to allow the heat to gradually reach the bottom of the cake.

Additionally, the size and depth of your cake pan can impact the baking time. Shallower pans will bake cakes faster, while deeper pans may require a longer baking time. If you're using a 4-inch high cake pan, it's best not to fill it more than halfway to ensure even cooking.

Another tip is to cover your cake with aluminium foil if you notice the top browning too quickly. This will help prevent over-browning and ensure your cake bakes evenly.

Finally, it's important to remember that baking in an air fryer is not an exact science, and the best way to check if your cake is done is to insert a skewer into the centre. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. With a little trial and error, you'll be able to perfect your air fryer cake-baking technique!

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in achieving the best results for your food. While not all air fryers require preheating, doing so can speed up cooking time and make your food crispier. Here are some detailed instructions on how to preheat your air fryer:

Firstly, consult your air fryer's manual to see if preheating is recommended for your specific model. Some manuals will provide clear instructions on whether or not to preheat, while others might not mention it at all. If the manual advises preheating, be sure to follow their instructions.

If your air fryer has a preheat setting, simply hit the preheat button, set the desired temperature, and enter the cooking time. The air fryer will alert you when it reaches the set temperature.

However, if your air fryer doesn't have a preheat button, you can manually preheat it. Remove all removable parts, ensure they are clean and dry, and insert them back into the unit. Then, select the air fry setting and set the temperature to 400 °F (204 °C) or the cooking temperature specified in your recipe. Let the air fryer run for 3 to 5 minutes to complete the preheating process.

It's important to note that preheating is particularly beneficial when baking cakes, as it helps avoid underbaked treats by ensuring an even temperature from the start of the baking process. Additionally, if your recipe includes baking soda or powder, preheating is essential to help your cake rise.

Remember, every air fryer is different, so adapt these instructions as needed based on your specific model.

Cover the cake tin with a lid

Covering your cake tin with a lid is an important step in baking a cake in an air fryer. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the best results:

Timing is crucial: Covering the cake tin at the right time can make a big difference. Check your cake after about 10 minutes of air frying. If the top is browning too quickly, it's time to cover it with a lid. This will prevent over-browning and ensure even cooking.

Choose the right lid: Use a heatproof lid that fits securely on your cake tin. Make sure it is large enough to cover the entire surface of the cake to protect it from the direct heat of the air fryer.

Consider the batter consistency: If you are using a thin, runny batter, it is a good idea to cover your cake tin from the start. This will prevent splattering and reduce the risk of liquid damage to the heating element. You can uncover it towards the end of the baking process to allow the top of the cake to brown.

Adapt to your air fryer: Not all air fryers are the same. Some may not have a preheat setting, or they may heat up very quickly. Be prepared to adapt and improvise based on your specific air fryer model. You may need to check on your cake more frequently and make adjustments as needed.

Avoid using foil: While foil can be used to cover cakes in a traditional oven, it is not recommended for air fryers. Foil can blow off and catch on the heating element if not secured properly. If you need to use foil, make sure to wrap it securely around the tin, but keep in mind that this will disrupt the baking process as you will need to remove the cake from the air fryer.

By following these tips, you can successfully cover your cake tin with a lid when baking in an air fryer, ensuring even cooking and preventing over-browning.

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