Air Fryer Baking: Cake In The Secura

Air fryers are essentially mini convection ovens that can be used to fry, roast, bake, reheat, or grill. They are a great alternative to traditional ovens as they are smaller, faster to heat up, and more energy-efficient. You can bake a cake in an air fryer, but you may need to adapt a traditional oven recipe as air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently, so they can cook food faster and at lower temperatures. You will also need to ensure your cake tin fits inside your air fryer.

Choosing a recipe

• Keep it simple: Opt for a basic recipe, especially if you're new to baking cakes in an air fryer. A simple chocolate or vanilla cake is a good place to start. Once you master the basics, you can experiment with more complex recipes.
• Consider the size: Select a recipe that will fit the size of your air fryer. Smaller cakes are generally recommended for air fryers, as they bake more quickly and evenly. Look for recipes that use an 8" or 6" round cake pan, or a half-size Bundt pan.
• Choose the right pan: The type of pan you use is crucial. A half-size Bundt pan is an ideal choice for many air fryers, especially bucket-type fryers. It ensures even baking and allows hot air to circulate through the centre of the cake. Alternatively, a 6" round cake pan or an 8" round pan can also work well.
• Adjust for air frying: If you're using a traditional oven recipe, you'll need to make some adjustments. Reduce the temperature by about 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit from what you'd typically use in a conventional oven. Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently, so they bake at lower temperatures.
• Consider prep time: Choose a recipe that fits your schedule. Some recipes may require prep work, such as soaking cake strips or making a special batter. Make sure you have the necessary ingredients and equipment before starting.
• Account for cooking time: Air fryers often bake cakes faster than traditional ovens. Set aside enough time to monitor the baking process, as you may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time to ensure your cake is cooked through without burning.

Selecting the right pan

When it comes to selecting the right pan for baking a cake in your Secura Air Fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the pan should fit snugly within the air fryer basket to allow for optimal air circulation. The size of your air fryer will determine the size of the pan you can use. For basket-type air fryers, the best size is a 5- to 8-inch round or square cake pan, or a 6-cup bundt pan. If you have an oven-style air fryer, you may be able to use slightly larger pans.

The depth of your air fryer is another important consideration. Choose a pan that isn't too deep or tall so that it doesn't touch the heating element. Shallow pans will also result in faster baking. A good option is a half-size Bundt pan, which is about 3 cups in capacity and fits well in most air fryers. This size is also ideal for the convection baking of air fryers as the centre tube allows hot air to circulate through the cake.

Another good option is a 6-inch round pan, which is big enough to make a cake for two or a batch of snack bars. You can also use an 8-inch round pan, but you may need to take measures to prevent the top of the cake from burning while the centre bakes. You can do this by covering the cake with aluminium foil once it's almost done or using a heat-safe frying pan lid or a heat diffuser that fits inside the air fryer.

When it comes to the material of the pan, you can use aluminium pans, stoneware, or high-quality heat-resistant silicone. Dark-coated pans tend to absorb and distribute heat faster, so your cake may bake faster than in a light-coloured pan. Keep in mind that most air fryer baking accessories are dark-coloured, so if you use these, keep a close eye on your cake to prevent overcooking.

In summary, when selecting a pan for baking a cake in your Secura Air Fryer, choose one that fits well inside your air fryer with enough room for air circulation. Opt for a pan that is no more than 3 inches high to prevent it from touching the heating element. Dark-coloured pans made of aluminium or stoneware are good choices, but remember to adjust your baking time accordingly.

Determining time and temperature

Your Secura Air Fryer has a dial for the timer and temperature. You can set the temperature to whatever you want, and then turn on the timer to activate the air fryer. The Secura Air Fryer also has recommended temperatures for different types of food, which makes cooking a breeze.

When baking a cake, set the air fryer to 350 F (176 C) and the time for about 20 minutes. Let the air fryer preheat for 1 to 3 minutes before putting the cake in.

The baking time will depend on the size of your cake pan. Smaller pans will require less time, while larger pans may need up to 30 minutes. Check the cake after 17 to 18 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, put it back in the air fryer for another 5 minutes.

Remember, the challenge is to get the centre of your cake fully baked before the crust gets too dark, so it's better to bake at a lower temperature for longer.

If the cake is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminium foil before putting it back in the air fryer. This will prevent further browning while allowing the centre to cook through.

If your air fryer has a bake cycle, start there. The default temperature is probably lower than what you'd usually use for baking a cake, as the fryer is a small convection oven, which bakes most effectively at a slightly lower temperature.

If your air fryer doesn't have a bake cycle, set the temperature to 325 F. The baking time will probably be a bit longer than what your recipe calls for if you use a full-size (e.g. 8" round) pan.

You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check if your cake is baked. Insert the probe into the middle of the cake (not touching the bottom of the pan) and check that it measures around 209 F (98 C).

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. This will prevent it from becoming overly brown or burnt. When the timer is halfway done, open the fryer and check the top of the cake. If it has reached the desired colour and texture, wrap the foil over the surface, ensuring that it is crinkled over the edges of the pan. This will keep the top protected from the heating elements.

Another option is to use a heat-safe frying pan lid or a heat diffuser (burner cover) to shield the top of the cake. These options are preferable to foil as the convection fan can blow the foil around, leaving the cake uncovered.

You can also add an edible topping to the cake, which will prevent the top from burning and save you from having to frost the cake later. For example, you could add a streusel topping to the cake once the top has set, or around halfway through the bake.

Checking for doneness

• Use a toothpick or skewer : After the suggested baking time has elapsed, remove the cake from the air fryer using oven mitts or silicone lobster claws to protect your hands from the hot pan. Insert a toothpick or skewer into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean, without any wet batter sticking to it, your cake is done. If not, put the cake back into the air fryer and bake for a few more minutes, then check again. Be careful not to overbake the cake, as this can make it dry.
• Check the colour : The colour of the cake is another indicator of doneness. Look for a golden brown colour on the surface of the cake. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminium foil or a heatproof lid to prevent over-browning while the centre continues to bake.
• Touch the cake : You can also check for doneness by gently pressing the centre of the cake with your finger. If it springs back, your cake is likely done. If it leaves an indent, it may need a few more minutes in the air fryer.
• Use an instant-read thermometer : For an accurate reading, insert the probe of an instant-read thermometer into the centre of the cake, making sure it doesn't touch the bottom of the pan. The ideal internal temperature for a cake is around 209°F (98°C).
• Consider the type of cake : Different types of cakes will have different doneness indicators. For example, a lava cake will have a gooey centre, while a sponge cake should be light and airy. Adjust your expectations based on the type of cake you are baking.
• Adapt and experiment : Air fryer models vary, so you may need to adapt the recipe and baking time accordingly. Be prepared for some trial and error, and don't be afraid to experiment with different temperatures and timings to find what works best for your particular air fryer.

Frequently asked questions