Air-Frying Cakes: Baking Time And Tips

Air fryers are a fantastic alternative to traditional ovens, especially if you're short on space or want to save energy. They're also great for baking cakes, believe it or not!

While the exact baking time will depend on your air fryer model and the type of cake you're making, you can typically expect your cake to be ready in 30 minutes or less.

To get started, simply preheat your air fryer to around 320°F (160°C) and prepare your cake batter. Use a cake pan that fits comfortably inside the air fryer basket, and don't forget to grease it!

Fill the pan with batter, place it inside the air fryer, and let the magic happen. Keep an eye on your cake, as you may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time.

Once a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean, your delicious treat is ready! Remove the pan from the air fryer and let the cake cool before decorating it as you like.

So, if you're craving a quick and easy cake, don't be afraid to give your air fryer a go!

Choosing the right pan

• Size: Ensure that the cake pan fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. Measure the dimensions of your air fryer basket to determine the maximum pan size that will fit. Remember that the pan should not touch the heating element or the sides of the air fryer to allow for proper air circulation. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to use a 6 or 7-inch cake pan.
• 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. However, some air fryers come with aluminium cake pans or accessories specifically designed for baking. These pans are durable and conduct heat efficiently.
• Shape: Round, square, and bundt pans are commonly used in air fryers. A half-size bundt pan is ideal for many air fryers, especially smaller bucket-type fryers. It ensures even baking by allowing hot air to circulate through the centre and around the edges of the cake.
• Height: Consider the height of your air fryer when choosing a cake pan. If your air fryer has a low profile, opt for a shorter cake pan to avoid touching the heating element.
• Oven-safe: If your air fryer comes with an oven-safe pan or accessory, you can use it for baking cakes. These accessories are designed for high-temperature cooking and ensure even browning.
• Stackable: Stackable or tiered cake pans are perfect for creating layered cakes in your air fryer. They allow you to bake multiple cake layers simultaneously, saving time and effort.
• Springform: Springform pans are ideal for making cheesecakes or delicate cakes in the air fryer. The removable bottom and adjustable ring make it easy to remove the cake without damaging its structure.

Remember to always grease and line your cake pan, even if it is non-stick, to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal. Additionally, avoid overfilling the pan—fill it only about halfway to allow the cake to rise without overflowing.

Cake batter ingredients

The ingredients for a cake batter vary depending on the type of cake you want to make. Here are some general guidelines and examples for different types of cake batter:

Basic Cake Batter Ingredients:

• Flour: Cake flour or all-purpose flour is commonly used.
• Leavening Agents: Baking powder or baking soda helps the cake rise.
• Salt: Enhances the flavour and balances the sweetness.
• Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the cake.
• Fat: Butter, oil, or shortening is used to add richness and tenderness.
• Liquid: Milk, buttermilk, water, or other liquids are added to thin the batter and combine the ingredients.
• Sweetener: Granulated sugar is typical, but other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can be used.
• Flavourings: Vanilla extract is common, but you can also use lemon zest, cocoa powder, or other extracts.

Examples of Cake Batter Recipes:

Classic Yellow Cake Batter:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 4 large eggs plus 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups cake flour (spooned and levelled)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk

Simple White Cake:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk

Do-It-All Cake Batter (Vanilla):

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup buttermilk, well-shaken and at room temperature

Variations:

You can also create variations of the Do-It-All Cake Batter by adding a few simple ingredients:

• Chocolate Cake: Add ¼ cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder, 4 ounces of melted bittersweet chocolate, and ¼ cup hot brewed coffee.
• Lemon Poppyseed Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and fold in 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds.
• Coffee Cake: Create a streusel topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and butter, and layer it with the batter.
• Confetti Cake: Increase the vanilla extract to 2 tablespoons and fold in ¼ cup of rainbow sprinkles.
• Raspberry Jam Swirl Cake: Use ½ cup of seedless raspberry jam and create swirls in the batter with a wooden skewer.

Preparing the cake pan

Choose the Right Cake Pan:

Select a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. Ensure that the pan doesn't touch the heating element or the sides of the air fryer to allow proper air circulation. You can use metal, glass, ceramic, or silicone cake pans, depending on what you have available and what fits best in your air fryer. If you're using a smaller air fryer, you may need to opt for a 6 or 7-inch cake pan.

Grease the Cake Pan:

Lightly grease the inside of the cake pan with shortening, butter, or non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan. Make sure to coat the entire surface evenly.

Flour the Cake Pan (Optional):

After greasing the pan, you can add a light dusting of flour. Tap the pan to remove any excess flour. This step can help the cake release more easily from the pan after baking.

Line the Bottom with Parchment Paper (Optional):

As an extra precaution to prevent sticking, you can cut a round piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of your cake pan. This is especially useful if you want to ensure the cake comes out cleanly and intact.

Fill the Pan:

Fill the prepared cake pan with your cake batter. Fill it a little over halfway full to allow the cake to rise without overflowing. If you have cake strips, soak them in water, wring them out, and then place them around the pan to help with even baking and prevent doming.

Avoid Overfilling:

It's important not to fill the cake pan to the brim. Leave some space at the top to allow the cake to rise without spilling over.

Use Oven-Safe Bakeware:

If your air fryer comes with oven-safe accessories or pans, you can use them for baking your cake. These accessories are designed for high-temperature cooking and will ensure even browning.

Consider Using a Silicone Cake Pan:

Silicone cake pans are flexible, non-stick, and make cake removal easier. They come in various shapes and sizes, making them versatile for different cake recipes.

Don't Forget to Level the Cake:

If you plan on layering your cake or adding frosting, use a cake leveller to ensure the cake is level before decorating.

Preparing your cake pan properly is essential for successful cake baking in an air fryer. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and beautifully baked cake.

Air fryer temperature and time

Air fryers are essentially small, mini convection ovens. They have a coil heating element at the top, inside the unit, which heats up. The hot air then circulates all around the inside, cooking the food.

Air fryers are faster than traditional ovens, as they have a shorter preheat time of just a few minutes. The temperature and time settings will depend on the type of cake you are making, but generally, the air fryer temperature for cakes is between 300°F and 350°F. The baking time will be shorter than if you were using a traditional oven and will depend on the size of your cake, but it usually takes around 15-30 minutes.

It is important to note that not all air fryers are created equally, and you may need to experiment with the temperature and time settings to find the perfect combination for your particular air fryer model. Additionally, air fryer baking times and temperatures can vary with each brand, so it is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and recommendations.

When baking a cake in an air fryer, it is crucial to use the right type of cake pan. The pan should fit comfortably inside the air fryer basket, with enough space for proper air circulation. You can use metal, glass, ceramic, or silicone cake pans, as long as they are oven-safe and fit inside the air fryer.

• Preheat your air fryer before adding the cake batter.
• Grease and line the cake pan with non-stick cooking spray, butter, or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Avoid overfilling the cake pan. Leave some space at the top to allow the cake to rise without overflowing.
• Monitor the cake's progress and rotate the pan halfway through the cooking process if you notice uneven cooking or browning.
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Checking the cake is done

Checking if your cake is done is an important step in the cake-making process. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do it:

After 17 to 18 minutes, slide the basket out of the air fryer. Now, do the toothpick test. Poke the top of the cake in the middle with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready. If there is still some cake batter on the toothpick, the cake needs to be cooked for a few more minutes.

If the cake is not done and the top is getting too brown, place a piece of aluminium foil over it and continue cooking. Be careful when handling the basket and cake pan as they will be extremely hot!

If the cake is still a bit raw in the middle, continue cooking, adding a few minutes until it is done. You can also lower the heat to 320°F and cook the cake for longer. This is especially useful if you are using a smaller air fryer.

Once the cake is done, remove it from the air fryer and place the pan on a hot pad. Allow the warm cake to cool for about 10 minutes. Then, flip the cake over and remove it from the pan. It should come out easily. Finally, remove the parchment paper and place the cake on a wire cooling rack to cool completely before frosting and serving.

Some additional tips for checking if your cake is done:

• If you are using a boxed cake mix, follow the instructions on the box for the recommended baking time and temperature. Air-fried cakes usually take less time to bake than oven-baked cakes, so keep an eye on the cake as it nears completion.
• You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check if your cake is done. Insert the probe into the middle of the cake (without touching the bottom of the pan) and check if the temperature is around 209°F (98°C).

Frequently asked questions