Air-Fried Cake: Baking A Cake In An Air Fryer

Air fryers are essentially small, mini convection ovens that can be used to bake cakes. The cakes are usually smaller, but the results are moist and tender. Air fryers are also more energy-efficient, as they preheat quickly and don't require a large oven space.

To bake a cake in an air fryer, you'll need a cake pan or silicone mould that fits comfortably inside the air fryer basket. You can use a boxed cake mix or make your own batter from scratch. Preheat your air fryer to around 320-350°F (160-176°C), prepare your cake batter, grease the cake pan, pour in the batter, and place it in the air fryer for 15-30 minutes.

Air fryer cakes may require some experimentation with temperature and cooking time, and it's important to keep an eye on the cake to prevent overbrowning. Additionally, using cake strips can help ensure even baking and prevent the cake from doming in the middle.

Choosing the right pan

• Size: Ensure that the cake pan fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. Measure the inside of your air fryer basket and choose a round pan that is smaller. For smaller air fryers, a 6 or 7-inch cake pan may be needed.
• Material: You can use various materials for the cake pan, including metal, glass, ceramic, or silicone. Silicone cake pans are a popular choice due to their flexibility, non-stick properties, and ease of removal. Aluminum cake pans are also suitable, as they are durable and conduct heat efficiently.
• Type: Springform cake pans are excellent for cheesecakes or delicate cakes, as they have a removable bottom. Stackable or tiered cake pans are ideal for creating layered cakes. Mini cake pans are perfect for individual-sized cakes or cupcakes.
• Accessories: Some air fryer models offer cake barrel accessories specifically designed for baking cakes. Additionally, cake strips can help promote even baking and prevent the cake from doming in the middle.
• Preparation: Grease the cake pan with shortening, butter, or non-stick cooking spray, and flour the sides and bottom. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.

Preparing the batter

Once your batter is ready, it's time to grease your cake pan. You can use a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer, and it's important to grease it well to prevent the cake from sticking. You can use shortening, butter, or a non-stick cooking spray, and it's a good idea to flour the pan as well. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for extra precaution.

Now, fill your cake pan with the batter until it's a little over halfway full. If you have any batter left over, you can make cupcakes or fill the pan in batches and bake in batches. If you're using cake strips, soak them in water, wring them out, and then place them around your pan to help with even baking and prevent doming.

And that's it! Your batter is now ready to be baked in your air fryer. Remember to adjust the temperature and timing based on your air fryer model and the recommendations on your cake mix box if using one. Enjoy baking your cake!

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in the cake-making process, as it ensures that the temperature is consistent and accurate throughout the cooking process. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for preheating your air fryer:

• Refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions on preheating. Different models may have slightly different preheating procedures, so it's important to consult the manual first.
• Set the temperature to 320°F (160°C) for most cakes. This is the ideal temperature for baking cakes in the air fryer, as it allows the cake to cook evenly without browning too quickly. However, some recipes may call for a slightly lower or higher temperature, so adjust accordingly.
• Allow the air fryer to preheat for at least 2-3 minutes. Air fryers are known for their quick preheating capabilities, so a couple of minutes is usually sufficient. However, if your air fryer takes longer to reach the set temperature, give it the necessary time.
• Use the preheat function if your air fryer has one. Not all air fryers have a dedicated preheat function, but if yours does, make use of it. This function is designed to bring the appliance to the desired temperature efficiently.
• Consider the size and material of your cake pan. The preheating time may vary depending on the size and material of your cake pan. Smaller and thinner pans will heat up faster, while larger and thicker pans may require a bit more time.
• Be mindful of your altitude. If you live at a higher altitude, you may need to adjust the preheating time and temperature. Higher altitudes can affect the performance of your air fryer, so you may need to experiment with different settings to find the ideal combination for your location.
• Don't skip preheating. Even though air fryers heat up quickly, skipping the preheating step can impact the final result of your cake. It's crucial to give your air fryer the time to reach the desired temperature before adding your cake batter.
• Be cautious when handling the air fryer after preheating. Remember that the appliance will be hot, so use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when removing the basket or inserting the cake pan. Always practice kitchen safety!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for cakes in an air fryer will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the size of the cake, and the type of cake you are making.

Air fryers are essentially small, mini convection ovens. They are faster at preheating than traditional ovens, usually taking just a couple of minutes to preheat.

When baking a cake in an air fryer, it is recommended to bake at a lower temperature than you would in a conventional oven. Air fryer cakes are typically baked at between 300°F and 350°F (150°C and 176°C).

The cooking time will depend on the size of your cake and the type of cake you are making. Smaller cakes will take less time to bake than larger cakes. For example, an 8-inch round cake will take longer to bake than a 6-inch round cake. Most cakes will take between 17 and 30 minutes to bake in an air fryer, but this will depend on your air fryer model and the type of cake you are making.

It is important to monitor the cake as it bakes and adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed. You can do this by checking the cake with a toothpick or cake tester. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes and check again.

Some air fryers may also have a bake cycle that you can use as a starting point for temperature and time.

Decorating the cake

Now that your cake is baked, it's time to decorate! Here are some tips and ideas to help you create a beautiful and delicious cake:

Frosting and Icing

A delicious frosting or icing can take your cake to the next level. You can make your own frosting by combining softened butter, powdered sugar, and flavourings like cocoa powder, vanilla extract, or fruit purees. Alternatively, you can use store-bought frosting or icing to save time. When your cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides, creating a smooth finish.

Sprinkles and Toppings

Sprinkles are a fun and easy way to add colour and texture to your cake. You can use classic rainbow sprinkles, chocolate chips, nuts, fresh fruit, or even crushed cookies. Get creative and experiment with different combinations. You can also try adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel on top of your cake for an extra indulgent touch.

Fresh Flowers and Edible Flowers

For a more elegant and sophisticated look, consider decorating your cake with fresh flowers or edible flowers. Just make sure that any flowers you use are safe to consume and free of pesticides. Place the flowers on top of the cake, or use them to create a beautiful border around the edge.

Fondant and Modelling Chocolate

If you want to get really creative, you can use fondant or modelling chocolate to create intricate designs and decorations. These can be moulded and shaped into various shapes, such as flowers, leaves, or even characters. Fondant and modelling chocolate provide a smooth, professional finish to your cake and can be coloured to create any design you can imagine.

Cake Toppers

Cake toppers are a simple way to add a personal touch to your cake. You can find a wide variety of cake toppers online or in baking supply stores, with options ranging from funny quotes to elegant monograms. You can also make your own cake topper by printing a design or message onto cardstock or thin cardboard and attaching it to a toothpick or skewer.

Remember, the most important part of decorating a cake is to have fun and be creative. Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and flavours to find what you enjoy most. Happy decorating!

Frequently asked questions