Emilie Meyer
Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook a cake, but they can be a little tricky to master. While they promise convenience, they may not always deliver a perfect cake. Air fryers are great for producing foods with a crispy exterior and moist interior, but cakes can be a little more challenging. The key to success is adjusting the temperature and cooking time to suit your air fryer, as they all perform slightly differently. It's also important to select the right pan and ensure it doesn't overfill. So, how long do you cook a cake in an air fryer?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of use | Air fryers are convenient, cool kitchen tools that are easy to clean and preheat quickly. However, they may not produce perfect, patisserie-worthy cakes and require more attention, adjustment, and patience than traditional oven baking. |
| Baking time | Air fryer cakes tend to bake faster than those done in a conventional oven. If an oven recipe suggests 40 minutes, set the air fryer to 20 minutes and adjust from there. |
| Temperature | Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently, so they can cook at lower temperatures. Reduce the temperature by about 10-20 degrees from what you'd use in a conventional oven. Common temperatures range from 320°F to 350°F (160°C to 180°C). |
| Pan size and type | The cake pan should fit in the air fryer, be heat-resistant, and ideally be non-stick. A 7-inch pan is commonly used, but a 6 or 8-inch pan can also be used with an adjusted cook time. |
| Preheating | Preheat the air fryer for about 3 minutes. If your recipe includes baking soda or powder, preheating is recommended to help the cake rise. |
| Batter preparation | Mix the ingredients according to your chosen recipe. Grease the pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan, filling it no more than halfway to allow room for rising. |
| Baking | Place the pan in the air fryer basket and set the temperature. For most cakes, 320°F (160°C) for 25-30 minutes is recommended, but times may vary. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the centre of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. |
| Cooling and frosting | Remove the cake from the air fryer and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, flip the pan over to release the cake. Place the cake on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or adding toppings. |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cake-making process. While some air fryers may not have a preheat setting, it is generally recommended to preheat your air fryer for about 3 minutes. The temperature you preheat your air fryer to will depend on the recipe you are following and the type of cake you are making. For example, temperatures can range from 320°F to 350°F (160°C to 180°C) for most cakes.
If you are using a traditional oven recipe, it is important to lower the temperature for the air fryer. Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently, so they can cook food faster and at lower temperatures. You may need to reduce the temperature by about 10-20 degrees from what you would use in a conventional oven. For example, if you bake a sponge cake at 170 degrees in a fan oven, you may want to reduce this to 160 degrees for an air-fried cake.
Additionally, the size of your cake pan will also affect the preheat temperature and cooking time. If you are using a smaller cake pan, such as a 6 or 7-inch pan, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. A larger cake pan, such as an 8-inch pan, is typically recommended, but it is important not to overfill it. The cake pan should be filled only about halfway to allow room for the cake to rise.
It is also worth noting that not all air fryers are created equal, and you may need to adapt and improvise based on the brand and model of your air fryer. The initial learning curve may involve some trial and error, but once you get the hang of it, baking cakes in your air fryer can become easy and convenient.
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Adjust the temperature
Adjusting the temperature is crucial when baking a cake in an air fryer, as it can prevent over-browning and ensure even cooking. Here are some tips to help you adjust the temperature accordingly:
Firstly, it is important to note that air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently than traditional ovens, so they can cook cakes at lower temperatures. If you're following a conventional oven recipe, it is recommended to lower the temperature by about 10-20 degrees Celsius for your air fryer. This adjustment will help you achieve similar baking results as a conventional oven.
Secondly, keep in mind that the size of your cake pan can impact the temperature setting. If you're using a smaller cake pan, such as a 6 or 7-inch pan, you may need to reduce the temperature slightly to prevent over-browning. On the other hand, if you're using a larger pan, such as an 8-inch pan, you might need to increase the temperature slightly to ensure even cooking.
Additionally, the type of cake you are baking can also influence the temperature setting. For example, if you're baking a pound cake or banana bread, it is recommended to set the temperature to 325°F (162.7°C) to prevent the top from burning before the centre is cooked. In this case, you might need to cover the top of the loaf with foil or a lid once it starts to brown.
Moreover, different air fryer brands can vary in their cooking temperatures. Therefore, it is essential to refer to your air fryer's manual or instructions to determine the appropriate temperature setting for baking a cake. Some air fryers might have a "Bake Setting" that suggests a specific temperature, but you can always manually adjust the temperature based on your cake's requirements.
Lastly, keep in mind that the temperature adjustments might require some trial and error. Each air fryer model is unique, and you might need to experiment with different temperature settings to find the perfect one for your cake. Don't be afraid to make small adjustments and monitor the cake's progress to ensure even cooking and the desired level of doneness.
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Check the cake is cooked with a toothpick
When baking a cake in an air fryer, it's important to check that it's cooked through before removing it. One way to do this is by using the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the centre of the cake—if it comes out clean, without any batter sticking to it, then the cake is done. If not, return the cake to the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes before testing again.
It's worth noting that air fryers can vary in their cooking temperatures and times, so it's important to keep an eye on your cake to prevent overcooking or burning. The ideal temperature for baking a cake in an air fryer is generally considered to be around 300°F to 325°F, but you may need to adjust this slightly depending on your air fryer model.
Additionally, because the heat in an air fryer comes from the top, the cake's top may look done while the inside is still uncooked. To prevent this, you can cover the cake with foil or a lid once it starts to brown, allowing the inside to cook through without burning the exterior.
When adapting a traditional oven recipe for an air fryer, remember to lower the temperature. Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently, so they can achieve similar results at lower temperatures. As a rule of thumb, reduce the temperature by about 10°F to 20°F from what you would use in a conventional oven.
Finally, don't be discouraged if your first attempt at baking a cake in an air fryer doesn't turn out perfectly. It may take a few tries to get the timing and temperature just right for your specific air fryer model. With a little trial and error, you'll be able to bake delicious, evenly cooked cakes in your air fryer.
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Prevent over-browning with a lid or foil
Baking a cake in an air fryer can be challenging as the top may be burnt while the centre remains uncooked. This is because the heat comes from the top, which can cause the top of the cake to brown too quickly. To prevent this, you can cover the top of the cake with a lid or foil once it starts to brown. This will protect the top of the cake from burning while allowing the inside to cook through.
One source recommends setting the temperature to 325°F and covering the top of the cake securely as soon as it starts to brown, which could be as early as 5 to 10 minutes into the cooking process. The cake should then be baked for the remaining time stated in the recipe, checking frequently to ensure the centre is cooked and the top is not burning.
Another source recommends baking a cake at 325°F for 35 minutes, shielding the cake with a heat diffuser or foil after 15 minutes of baking to prevent the top from burning.
It is also important to ensure that the cake pan is not overfilled, as this can cause the cake to brown too much on top while remaining uncooked in the centre. The cake pan should be filled only about halfway.
Additionally, it is recommended to bake the cake at a lower temperature to prevent the top from burning. A temperature of 150°C to 155°C is recommended for baking cakes in an air fryer. The cake may take longer to bake at a lower temperature, but this will help to ensure that the top does not burn before the centre is cooked.
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Bake time: 25-30 minutes
Baking a cake in an air fryer is a convenient way to make a delicious dessert without heating up your kitchen. However, it's important to note that air fryers can vary in their cooking temperatures and times, so you may need to adjust the settings slightly depending on your specific air fryer brand and model.
When preparing to bake a cake in an air fryer, it's crucial to select the right pan. Choose a heat-resistant, non-stick cake pan that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. A 7-inch pan is commonly used, but you may need to adjust the cook time if you're using a 6 or 8-inch pan. Ensure you don't overfill the pan—fill it only about halfway to allow room for the cake to rise.
Now, let's focus on the baking process with a bake time of 25-30 minutes. Preheat your air fryer for about 3 minutes. Common preheat temperatures range from 320°F to 350°F (160°C to 180°C), but you may need to adjust this based on your recipe and air fryer model. Once preheated, place the pan in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 320°F (160°C) for 25-30 minutes.
During the baking process, keep an eye on your cake to prevent over-browning. If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with foil or a lid to prevent burning. Remember, the bake time may vary depending on your air fryer, so it's essential to check the doneness of your cake regularly.
To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick into the centre of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, without any batter sticking to it, your cake is ready. If not, you may need to bake it for a few more minutes. Remember, the bake time for an air fryer cake is generally shorter than for a traditional oven-baked cake, so be cautious not to overcook it.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the type of cake you are making and the size of your air fryer. For a smaller cake, 30 minutes at 300°F (150°C) should be sufficient. For a larger cake, you may need to bake for up to 35 minutes at 325°F (160°C).
Air fryers can sometimes cause cakes to burn on the top while remaining raw in the middle. To prevent this, cover the cake with foil or a lid once it starts to brown. You should also check the cake regularly and adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed.
Air fryers are great for producing foods that are golden and crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. This makes them ideal for cakes such as lava cakes, Basque-style cheesecakes, and chocolate cakes.
