Air Fryer Cake Pan: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens, but can you use a cake pan in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, you can. Air fryers are like mini convection ovens, and they work by circulating hot air in the compartment, helping food cook faster. This means that anything you can cook in an oven, you can cook in an air fryer, and vice versa. However, there are some key differences to be aware of when using a cake pan in an air fryer. Firstly, air fryers tend to heat up quickly due to the size of the cooking section. Secondly, baked goods tend to bake faster in air fryers because of their compact space and concentrated heat circulation. As a result, you will need to reduce the temperature and baking time compared to what you would use in a conventional oven. Additionally, the design of the air fryer basket may require you to use a smaller cake pan, typically between 5 and 8 inches in diameter. Lastly, it is important to note that air fryers heat from the top, which can be tricky for baked goods like cakes. To bake a cake effectively in an air fryer, reduce the temperature and baking time, and cover the cake pan with foil if the top is browning too quickly.

Air fryer cake pans are available in kits

The cake pan is typically made of non-stick material and is designed to fit inside the air fryer basket. It is important to ensure that the size of the cake pan is compatible with your specific air fryer model. The ideal size for basket-type air fryers is usually a 5-8 inch round or square cake pan, or a 6-cup bundt pan.

When preparing the cake pan for baking, it is recommended to grease the inside with shortening or butter and then flour it. Additionally, lining the bottom of the pan with parchment paper can further prevent the cake from sticking.

Air fryer cake pans allow you to bake cakes, as well as explore a variety of other recipes. You can toast nuts and spices, make frittatas, meatballs, and even toast orzo in olive oil and garlic. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating delicious treats and meals with your air fryer and the right accessories.

Remember, air fryers are like mini convection ovens, so you might need to adjust your baking time and temperature accordingly. Always refer to your air fryer's instruction manual for specific guidelines and recommendations.

Pans should be greased and floured, or lined with parchment paper

Greasing and flouring your pan is a great way to prep your cake pan for air frying. This is a similar process to preparing a cake pan for a conventional oven. You can also use a cake release, or cake goop, which is a mix of shortening, flour, and vegetable oil. If you use cake release, you won't need to flour the pan after greasing it.

Another option is to grease the pan and line it with parchment paper. This is a good way to ensure your cake doesn't stick to the pan. You can also place a round piece of parchment paper at the bottom of the pan. This can be useful if you want to remove the cake from the pan easily after baking.

Using these methods to prepare your cake pan will help ensure your cake doesn't stick and will make it easier to remove from the pan once it's baked. It's important to note that air fryers heat from the top, so you'll want to reduce the baking time and temperature to allow the heat to gradually reach the bottom of the pan.

Pans should be shallow to speed up baking

It is possible to bake a cake in an air fryer, but it may not be as perfect as a traditionally baked cake. The cake may be denser, with larger air bubbles, and may require more effort to bake. However, it is a fun way to explore new culinary possibilities, especially if you are avoiding heating up your kitchen or are curious to experiment.

When baking a cake in an air fryer, it is important to use the right type of pan. The pan should be shallow to speed up the baking process. A deeper pan may touch the heating element of the air fryer, affecting the cooking time and results. A 6-inch cake pan is a good size for drawer-style air fryers, and a 5-8 inch pan is suitable for basket-type air fryers. The pan should also be oven-safe and made of a material such as aluminium, stoneware, or high-quality heat-resistant silicone.

Additionally, it is important to adjust the baking time and temperature when using an air fryer. Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently, so they can cook food faster and at lower temperatures. For example, if you usually bake a sponge cake at 170 degrees Celsius in a fan oven, you may need to reduce the temperature to 160 degrees Celsius when using an air fryer. Checking the cake with a skewer or toothpick is a good way to determine if it is done, as cooking times may vary.

Another tip for successful cake baking in an air fryer is to cover the cake pan with a lid or foil to prevent over-browning. This is because air fryers heat from the top, which can cause the top of the cake to brown too quickly. Covering the pan will also trap some heat, helping the cake to bake faster.

In conclusion, while it is possible to bake a cake in an air fryer, it may require some adjustments and experimentation to get the desired results. Using a shallow pan, adjusting the temperature and time, and covering the pan can help speed up the baking process and improve the final product.

Pans should be covered with foil if browning too quickly

If you're baking a cake in an air fryer, it's important to keep an eye on it to make sure it's not browning too quickly. Air fryers bake differently from traditional ovens, with more concentrated heat circulation, so you'll need to reduce the temperature and baking time. If you notice that the top of your cake is browning too fast, you can cover the cake pan with foil to slow down the browning process.

There are two methods you can use to cover your cake with foil. The first method involves letting the cake bake for 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered, and then covering the top of the pan with foil before placing it back in the air fryer for another 15 minutes or until the cake is fully cooked. This method allows the cake to brown a little before slowing down the process.

The second method involves covering the cake pan with foil from the beginning of the baking process. Cover the pan for about 15 minutes, then remove the foil and let the cake continue to bake. If you find that the crust is browning too quickly again, you can cover it with foil once more to finish off the baking process.

It's worth noting that using foil in an air fryer requires some caution. Foil cannot be placed loosely, as it could blow off and catch on the heating element. To keep it secure, you need to wrap it tightly around the pan. This may involve disrupting the baking process by lifting the cake pan out of the air fryer to wrap the foil around it.

Additionally, when covering your cake with foil, be sure to leave some puffy room above the cake to avoid sticking. The foil will help trap heat, allowing the cake to bake faster while preventing it from browning too quickly.

Air fryers heat from the top, so cakes need to cook on low heat

Air fryers are essentially small, mini convection ovens. They work by circulating hot air in the compartment, helping food cook faster. However, unlike conventional ovens, where heat comes from the bottom, most air fryers heat from the top. This can be tricky for baked goods, especially cakes.

To bake cakes effectively in an air fryer, you need to reduce the temperature and time you would usually use in the oven. Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently, so they can cook food faster and at lower temperatures. Therefore, if you're following a traditional oven recipe, you'll need to lower the temperature for the air fryer. I recommend reducing the temperature by about 10-20 degrees and checking on the cake regularly to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Additionally, it's important to choose a cake pan that isn't too deep or tall so that it doesn't touch the top of the air fryer and the heating element. Shallow pans are preferable as they allow the cake to bake faster and more evenly. If you notice the top of the cake browning too quickly, you can cover the pan with foil to slow down the browning process and trap some heat to help the cake bake faster.

It's also worth noting that not all air fryers are created equal, and you may need to adapt and improvise with your specific model. Be prepared for some trial and error as you get to know your air fryer's unique characteristics.

Frequently asked questions