Air-Fryer Baking: Cake Perfection

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens for baking cakes. They are faster, more energy-efficient, and keep the kitchen cool. However, cakes baked in air fryers may not be as light and fluffy as those baked in ovens, and the process requires more attention, adjustment, and patience. Here are some tips for baking a cake in an air fryer:

- Use a basic recipe and a small pan, preferably a half-size Bundt pan or a 6 round pan, to ensure even baking and prevent burning.

- Preheat the air fryer at a lower temperature than you would for a conventional oven (around 320-325°F).

- Adjust the baking time and temperature if using a traditional oven recipe. Air fryers cook faster and at lower temperatures, so reduce the temperature by about 10-20 degrees.

- Be prepared to adapt and improvise as air fryers vary, and check on your cake regularly during the baking process.

- Cover your cake with a lid or aluminium foil to prevent the top from burning.

- Check for doneness with a skewer or toothpick. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.

Choosing a recipe

• Keep it simple: Choose a basic recipe, especially if you're new to air frying cakes. A simple chocolate or vanilla cake is a good place to start. Once you've mastered the technique, you can experiment with more complex recipes.
• Consider the size: Air fryers work best with smaller cakes. Look for recipes that use a half-size Bundt pan (about 3-cup capacity) or a 6" round pan. These smaller cakes bake more quickly and evenly than larger ones, reducing the risk of a burnt crust and an undercooked centre.
• Match your pan to your fryer: Many air fryers can only accommodate pans up to 8" round, so check the size of your fryer before selecting a recipe. You want to make sure your chosen pan fits comfortably inside with some space around the edges for airflow.
• Use the right ingredients: Air fryers excel at producing foods with a crispy exterior and a moist interior. Keep this in mind when choosing a recipe, and consider recipes that include toppings or ingredients that benefit from this cooking style.
• Adjust for your fryer: Each air fryer is unique, so you may need to adjust the recipe to suit your particular model. Be prepared to experiment and adapt as you learn the ins and outs of your fryer.
• Preheat for leavening: If your recipe includes baking soda or powder, preheat your air fryer. The initial burst of heat will help your cake rise.
• Lower temperature: Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently than conventional ovens, so you'll need to lower the temperature in your recipe by about 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help prevent overbrowning and ensure even cooking.

Selecting the right pan

First, check the size of your air fryer and choose a pan that fits comfortably inside. Many air fryers can accommodate an 8-inch round or square cake pan, but it's important to measure the space to ensure the pan will fit. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to use a 6 or 7-inch pan. The key is to leave enough space for air to circulate around the pan.

Second, consider the type of pan. You can use metal, glass, ceramic, or silicone cake pans in an air fryer. Silicone pans are a good option because they allow the cake to rise more evenly. If you're using a metal or ceramic pan, it's a good idea to grease the pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.

Third, choose a pan with a capacity that matches your cake recipe. A half-size Bundt pan (about 3-cup capacity) is a great option for air fryers as it allows hot air to circulate through the centre, baking the cake more evenly. If you're making a larger cake, you may need to use a full-size Bundt pan or an 8 or 9-inch round layer pan.

Finally, remember that smaller pans are generally more successful in air fryers because they bake more quickly and evenly. If you're using a larger pan, you may need to take additional measures to prevent the top of the cake from burning, such as covering it with foil or using a heat diffuser.

Determining 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 note that baking times and temperatures can vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer. Therefore, it's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's instruction manual for specific guidelines. However, as a general rule of thumb, air fryers tend to bake cakes faster than conventional ovens due to their small size and efficient air circulation.

Most sources recommend preheating your air fryer to between 320°F and 350°F (160°C to 176°C) before adding your cake batter. The bake time will depend on the size of your cake and the type of pan you're using. For a full-size cake (using an 8-inch or 9-inch round pan), the baking time can range from 20 to 35 minutes at 325°F (162°C). However, it's important to keep an eye on your cake and adjust the time as needed, as air fryers can sometimes bake cakes unevenly, with the outside browning faster than the inside cooks.

For smaller cakes, using a 6-inch round pan or a half-size Bundt pan, the baking time will be shorter, typically ranging from 15 to 20 minutes at the same temperature. Again, it's crucial to monitor your cake's progress and use a toothpick or skewer to check for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, your cake is ready.

Additionally, it's worth noting that some air fryers come with a bake setting or cycle, which can be a good starting point for determining the appropriate temperature and time. However, you may need to make adjustments based on your specific air fryer model and the type of cake you're baking.

Finally, to prevent the top of your cake from burning, you can cover it with a heat-safe lid or aluminium foil once it reaches the desired level of browning. This will allow the inside to continue cooking without the outside getting too dark.

Preventing the cake's top crust from burning

To prevent the top crust of your cake from burning, you can cover the cake's surface with aluminium foil once it has reached your desired level of brownness. This will prevent it from burning while the inside continues to bake.

You can also use a heat-safe frying pan lid or a heat diffuser to shield the top of the cake.

Another option is to add an edible topping to the cake halfway through the baking process. This will prevent the top from burning and save you from having to frost the cake later.

If you notice that the top of your cake is burning but the inside is not cooked, you can place aluminium foil over the cake and continue cooking it for a few more minutes.

Adapting your recipe

Air fryers are a great alternative to using a traditional oven to bake a cake. They are faster, use less energy, and keep your kitchen cool. However, they do not always produce the same results as a conventional oven, so you may need to adapt your recipe. Here are some tips to help you adjust your recipe for an air fryer:

• Keep it simple: Start with a basic recipe and use everyday ingredients. Avoid recipes that are too complex or require special ingredients.
• Select the right pan: Most air fryers can only accommodate pans up to 8" in diameter. Smaller pans are better as they bake more quickly and evenly than larger ones. A half-size Bundt pan or a 6" round pan are good options.
• Determine time and temperature: Air fryers usually bake at a lower temperature than a conventional oven. Set your air fryer to 320-350°F (160-176°C). The baking time will likely be longer than your traditional recipe, especially if you are using a full-size pan.
• Prevent the cake's top crust from burning: If you are baking a full-size cake, you will need to shield the top from burning. You can use aluminium foil, a heat-safe frying pan lid, or a heat diffuser. Alternatively, add an edible topping midway through the baking process to prevent the crust from burning and add flavour to your cake.
• Adjust as needed: Air fryers are not all created equal, so be prepared to adapt and improvise. Check on your cake regularly during the baking process and be ready to make adjustments.

Frequently asked questions