Air-Frying A Cake: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens for baking cakes. They are faster, more energy-efficient, and produce cakes with a moist and tender texture. However, there are some challenges to be aware of when baking a cake in an air fryer. The small size of the air fryer basket limits the size of the cake pan that can be used, and the cake may not bake evenly due to the concentrated heat. To address this, it is recommended to use a smaller cake pan, such as a half-size Bundt pan, and to monitor the cake closely during baking, adjusting the temperature and time as needed. Additionally, the cake's top crust may burn before the centre is fully baked, so shielding the top with foil or a heat-safe lid is recommended. Overall, while baking a cake in an air fryer requires some adjustments, it is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious homemade cake.

Air fryer cake pans

Choosing the Right Pan

When selecting a cake pan for your air fryer, it is crucial to consider the size and capacity of your air fryer basket to ensure the pan fits comfortably without touching the heating element or the sides. If you own a smaller air fryer, you may need to use a 6 or 7-inch cake pan. A half-size Bundt pan (about 3-cup capacity) is ideal for smaller bucket-type fryers and fits most recipes.

Types of Cake Pans

• Silicone Cake Pans: Silicone pans are popular due to their flexibility, non-stick properties, and ease of removal. They come in various shapes and sizes, including round, square, and Bundt pans.
• Aluminium Cake Pans: Some air fryers come with aluminium accessories designed for baking. These pans are durable and conduct heat efficiently.
• Mini Cake Pans: If you enjoy making individual-sized cakes or cupcakes, mini cake pans are perfect for portion control and creating personalised desserts.
• Springform Cake Pans: Springform pans are excellent for cheesecakes or delicate cakes as they have a removable bottom and adjustable ring, allowing for easy cake removal without damaging its structure.
• Oven-Safe Glass Bakeware: Some air fryers can accommodate glass cake pans, dishes, or ramekins for baking.
• Stackable Cake Pans: Stackable or tiered cake pans are ideal for creating layered cakes, allowing you to bake multiple layers simultaneously.
• Cake Barrel Accessory: Some air fryer models offer cake barrel accessories designed specifically for baking cakes.

Tips for Using Cake Pans in an Air Fryer

• Grease and line your pan: Even if your pan is non-stick, greasing it lightly with cooking spray or butter and lining the bottom with parchment paper will ensure easy cake removal and prevent sticking.
• Don't overfill the pan: Leave space at the top of the pan to allow the cake to rise without overflowing.
• Monitor cooking time: Air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens, so keep a close eye on the cake and adjust the temperature if it's browning too quickly or slowly.
• Rotate the pan: For even cooking and browning, consider rotating the cake pan halfway through the baking process.
• Allow cooling time: Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to prevent it from falling apart.

Air fryer cake batter

Baking a cake in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and space-saving way to enjoy a delicious homemade cake. Here are some tips and instructions for preparing your cake batter specifically for an air fryer:

Choose the Right Pan

Select a cake pan or silicone mould that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. Ensure that the pan does not touch the heating element or the sides of the air fryer to allow for proper air circulation. Smaller pans are recommended as they bake more quickly and evenly than larger ones. A half-size Bundt pan or a 6-inch round pan are good options for air fryers.

Prepare the Pan

Grease the cake pan or silicone mould with non-stick cooking spray, butter, or shortening. This step is important even if your pan is non-stick, as it helps prevent the cake from sticking. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easier cake removal. Additionally, consider using a cake strip around the outside of the pan to promote even baking and prevent the cake from doming in the middle.

Cake Batter Consistency

The consistency of your cake batter will depend on the specific recipe you are using. In general, cake batter typically requires a combination of dry ingredients (such as flour, sugar, and cocoa powder) and wet ingredients (such as eggs, oil, water, or milk). Mix the ingredients well with a hand mixer or electric mixer until you have a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Filling the Pan

Fill the prepared cake pan a little over halfway full with batter. This allows space for the cake to rise without overflowing during baking. If you are using a smaller cake pan, you may need to adjust the amount of batter accordingly.

Baking Temperature and Time

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for baking cakes, typically around 320 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). The baking time will depend on the size of your cake and the model of your air fryer, but it usually ranges from 20 to 45 minutes. For smaller cakes, a lower temperature and shorter baking time may be sufficient. Remember to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before putting the cake pan inside.

Checking for Doneness

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the centre of the cake to check if it is done. If the toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If not, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again. Be careful not to overbake the cake, as it can dry out.

Air fryer cake temperature

Choosing the Right Temperature

The ideal temperature for baking a cake in an air fryer is around 320°F (160°C) to 325°F (162.7°C). This temperature setting allows the cake to bake evenly and prevents the crust from burning while ensuring the centre is cooked.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Before you start baking, remember to preheat your air fryer. Most air fryers have a preheat function, so simply select this option and wait for the fryer to reach the desired temperature. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, manually set it to the desired temperature and let it heat up for a few minutes.

Adjusting Temperature for Different Air Fryer Models

It's important to note that air fryer temperatures can vary slightly between different models and brands. Some air fryers may have slightly different temperature settings, so you might need to adjust the temperature based on your specific model. If your cakes are browning too quickly or slowly, don't hesitate to tweak the temperature to suit your air fryer.

Baking Time and Temperature Control

The baking time will depend on the size of your cake and the type of air fryer you're using. Smaller cakes in compact air fryers will typically bake faster. As a general rule, air-fried cakes take less time to bake than those in a conventional oven, so keep a close eye on your cake as it nears the end of the suggested baking time.

Using the Bake Cycle

If your air fryer has a bake cycle, this can be a helpful feature. The default temperature on the bake cycle is usually lower than traditional oven baking, as air fryers are essentially small convection ovens. The convection feature ensures even heat distribution, so trust this lower temperature to bake your cake through without burning.

Preventing Over-Browning

If you're baking a full-size cake, you might need to shield the top from burning as it cooks. You can use aluminium foil, a heat-safe frying pan lid, or a heat diffuser to cover the cake once it reaches your desired level of browning. This will allow the centre to continue cooking without the crust burning.

Monitoring the Baking Process

To ensure your cake is baked perfectly, keep an eye on it throughout the process. Check the cake's progress and use a toothpick or cake tester to determine if it's done. Insert the toothpick into the centre of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. If not, continue baking and check again in a few minutes.

Adjusting Temperature for Different Cake Types

The temperature and baking time may vary slightly depending on the type of cake you're making. For example, a chocolate cake might require a slightly different temperature than a vanilla or lemon cake. Always refer to your specific recipe for the best results.

In summary, air fryer cake temperature is a delicate balance, and you may need to experiment a little to find the sweet spot for your particular air fryer. By following these guidelines and paying attention to your cake's progress, you'll be well on your way to becoming an air fryer baking pro!

Air fryer cake prep

Ingredients

You can use a boxed cake mix or make your batter from scratch. If you're going the boxed route, you'll need:

• A box of cake mix (any flavour you like)
• Eggs (the number specified on the box)
• Vegetable oil (as specified on the box)
• Water (as specified on the box)

If you're making your batter from scratch, you'll need:

• Self-raising flour (or plain flour plus baking powder)
• Sugar (ideally caster sugar)
• Softened unsalted butter or margarine
• Medium eggs (or large eggs if you're in the US)
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Equipment

You'll need an air fryer, of course, as well as:

• A cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket (silicone, metal, glass, ceramic or aluminium cake pans all work)
• Cooking spray or butter (to grease the pan)
• Parchment paper (to line the bottom of the pan)
• A wire rack (for cooling the cake after baking)
• An electric hand mixer or stand mixer (for mixing the batter)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
• Combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil and water in a large mixing bowl, or add the butter, eggs, milk and vanilla to the flour and sugar, and beat together using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix until the batter is smooth.
• Grease your cake pan with cooking spray or butter, and line the bottom with parchment paper.
• Pour the batter into the greased cake pan, spreading it out evenly.
• Place the cake pan into the preheated air fryer basket.
• Set the cooking time according to the instructions on the cake mix box, or set a timer for 30 minutes if you're following a recipe from scratch. Air fryer cakes typically take less time to bake than oven-baked cakes, so keep an eye on it.
• Check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the centre. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes, then check again.
• Once the cake is done, remove the pan from the air fryer using oven mitts and allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once the cake has cooled, you can frost or decorate it as you like.

Tips

• Preheat your air fryer before baking, just as you would with a regular oven.
• Select a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket, without touching the heating element or the sides.
• Grease and line your pan, even if it's non-stick. This will ensure the cake doesn't stick and will make it easier to remove.
• If you're using a boxed cake mix, follow the instructions on the box for the best results.
• Don't overfill the pan – leave space at the top to allow the cake to rise.
• Monitor the cake as it cooks and rotate the pan halfway through 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.
• Experiment with different flavours, add-ins and frosting options to make unique cakes.

Troubleshooting

If your cake is browning too quickly or slowly, adjust the temperature slightly to suit your air fryer model. You may also need to adjust the temperature and baking time to account for the air fryer's faster cooking speed, even if you're following a recipe.

Air fryer cake baking time

Baking a cake in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy a delicious homemade cake. The baking time for an air fryer cake can vary depending on the model and size of the air fryer, the type of cake, and the desired level of doneness. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you get started:

Preheating and Temperature Settings:

• Preheat your air fryer before adding the cake batter. Most air fryers have a preheat function, and the preheating time is usually much shorter than that of a traditional oven.
• The ideal temperature for baking a cake in an air fryer is typically around 320°F (160°C). However, different air fryer models may vary slightly, so it's important to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions.

Baking Time:

• The baking time for an air fryer cake can range from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the cake and the model of the air fryer. For example, a small cake in a powerful air fryer may take as little as 15 minutes, while a larger cake in a less powerful model may take up to 45 minutes.
• It's important to monitor the cake's progress and use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness. Insert the toothpick into the centre of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If not, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
• Some air fryers may have a bake cycle with a default temperature setting. You can start with this setting and adjust the temperature and time as needed based on your observations.

Pan Size and Type:

• The size and type of cake pan you use can also affect the baking time. Most air fryers can accommodate an 8-inch round or square pan, but smaller pans, such as a 6-inch round or a half-size Bundt pan, may be better for even cooking and to prevent the cake from burning.
• It's important to ensure that the cake pan fits comfortably inside the air fryer basket and doesn't touch the heating element or the sides of the air fryer to allow for proper air circulation.
• Silicone cake pans are a popular choice for air fryer baking due to their flexibility and non-stick properties. Metal, glass, ceramic, or oven-safe silicone pans can also be used as long as they fit comfortably in the air fryer.

Tips for Successful Air Fryer Cake Baking:

• Grease the cake pan with non-stick cooking spray, butter, or shortening, and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal.
• Avoid overfilling the cake pan. Leave some space at the top to allow the cake to rise without overflowing.
• If using a full-size cake pan, you may need to shield the top of the cake with aluminium foil or a heat-safe lid to prevent the top crust from burning while the centre of the cake continues to bake.
• Experiment with different cake recipes, flavours, and add-ins to find what works best for your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions