Ella Walter
Air fryers can be used to bake cakes, and they turn out just as good as those made in an oven. Sponge cakes cooked in an air fryer are fluffy, soft, moist, and delicious. The cooking time for a sponge cake in an air fryer depends on the size of the cake and the air fryer model. For a 6 cake, the cooking time is about 25 minutes, while a larger cake will take longer. The temperature for baking a sponge cake in an air fryer is usually set between 150°C and 180°C. It is important to note that air fryers can vary in their cooking and baking temperatures, so adjustments may be necessary. Checking the cake's doneness around 5 minutes before the end of the cooking time is recommended.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 150ºC/302ºF-160ºC (320ºF) |
| Bake Time | 25-45 minutes |
| Pan Size | 6-8 inches wide, 3 inches deep |
| Batter Level | Half full |
| Filling | Cream, jam, honey, blackberries, or other fruit |
| Storage | 2-6 days, depending on frosting and temperature |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer sponge cake recipe
This air fryer sponge cake recipe is reliable and works every time, making a light and delicious cake that's just as good as an oven-baked one. It's also quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- Flour
- Sugar
- Butter
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla
- Salt (a pinch)
- Lemon zest
- Icing sugar
Method
- Grease the insides of your cake tin and line the base with baking paper.
- Add all the cake ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
- Beat the ingredients with an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer until smooth. Do not overmix.
- Preheat your air fryer to 150-160ºC/300-320ºF.
- Transfer the batter into the cake pan and level.
- Place the pan into your air fryer and cook for 25-45 minutes, depending on the size of your tin and the make and model of your air fryer.
- Check the cake is baked by inserting a skewer into the middle of the cake – if it comes out clean, it's done.
- Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then remove and leave to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Dust with icing sugar.
Tips
- If your cake pan is 8 inches wide and 3 inches deep, the baking times above should work. If your pan is smaller, you may need to reduce the cooking time; if it's larger, you may need to increase it.
- If you want to fill your cake, Victoria Sponge-style, you can slice it carefully across the middle into two sponges. For the filling, whisk the cream and honey to soft peaks, then pile the cream on top of one of the sponges and sandwich the other sponge on top.
- This cake is best served on the day but will keep for two days in the fridge or five days in an airtight container (without frosting).
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How to check if the cake is done
There are several ways to check if your sponge cake is done when baking it in an air fryer. Firstly, you can visually check by looking to see if the cake is coming away from the sides of the tin. You can also touch the cake gently to see if it is springy.
Another common method is to insert a skewer or toothpick into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean, without any wet batter or crumbs, then the cake is done. If not, continue cooking for another 5 minutes and check again.
You can also use an instant-read thermometer. Insert the probe into the middle of the cake, making sure not to touch the bottom of the pan, and check that it reaches around 209°F (98°C).
It's important to keep an eye on your cake as it bakes in the air fryer, as the timing will depend on the make and model of your air fryer, as well as the size of your cake tin. Check the cake a few minutes before the end of the suggested cooking time and adjust the timing as needed.
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Preheat and temperature settings
Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer before adding your cake batter. Most air fryers have a preheat function, and you should set it to the desired temperature, usually around 160°C (320°F) or 150°C (300°F), and let it heat up for about 10 minutes before adding your cake batter. This ensures that your cake starts baking at the right temperature from the moment it is placed in the air fryer.
Regarding temperature settings during baking, it is recommended to bake your sponge cake at a lower temperature than you would in a conventional oven. Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, so baking at a lower temperature helps prevent the cake from burning or cooking too quickly on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. The ideal temperature for baking a sponge cake in an air fryer is typically between 150°C and 160°C (300°F to 320°F). However, you may need to adjust the temperature based on your air fryer model and the size of your cake.
It is worth noting that not all air fryers have a "bake" setting. The "bake" setting is simply a preset for time and temperature, and you can usually achieve the same results by manually adjusting the temperature and cooking time according to your recipe. Therefore, it is essential to refer to your specific air fryer's instructions and the chosen sponge cake recipe for the most accurate preheat and temperature settings.
Additionally, it is crucial to keep in mind that air fryers can vary in their cooking and baking temperatures. The size of your air fryer, the size of your cake, and the material of your cake pan can all impact the baking time and temperature. For example, if you are using a smaller cake pan, you may need to reduce the baking time. Similarly, if your air fryer is on the smaller side, you might need to adjust the recipe to make a smaller cake or use multiple cake pans.
In summary, when baking a sponge cake in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 150°C to 160°C, for about 10 minutes. Then, adjust the temperature as needed during the baking process, keeping in mind that air fryers bake at lower temperatures than conventional ovens. Always refer to your specific air fryer's instructions and your chosen sponge cake recipe for the most accurate preheat and temperature settings.
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Pan size and type
The size and type of pan you use for your sponge cake will depend on the size of your air fryer. You should use a pan that comfortably fits in your air fryer. If you have a small air fryer, you might need to split the batter between two 6- or 7-inch pans and bake for 25 minutes at 150°C (300°F). If you have a larger air fryer, you can use an 8-inch pan.
The most common materials that work in an air fryer are ceramic, silicone, glass, and metal (aluminium or steel). While metal is generally preferable for baking large cakes because it conducts heat better, some bakers have found that silicone works best in an air fryer. You can also use a springform cake tin.
It is important not to overfill the cake pan. About half full is best, leaving enough room for the batter to rise. If you have a very small cake pan, you can bake the batter in two batches.
The size of the pan will also affect the cooking time. A larger cake will take longer to bake, while a smaller tin with the same amount of batter may also take longer.
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Filling and toppings
To cook a sponge cake in an air fryer, you should preheat the air fryer to 160°C (320°F). Mist an 8-inch deep cake pan with cake release and line the bottom with baking paper. Transfer the batter to the pan and level it out. Place the pan in the air fryer and bake for 30 minutes at 160°C (320°F). Lower the temperature to 150°C (300°F) and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. The cake is done when it is golden brown, risen, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Now, for the fun part: fillings and toppings!
A basic sponge cake is delicious on its own, but if you want to elevate your dessert, consider adding some fillings and toppings. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Fresh fruit
Fresh berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries, can add a pop of colour and a refreshing taste to your sponge cake. You can use them as a garnish on top of the cake or as a filling between the cake layers. If you're feeling creative, you can even make a compote or jam with the fruit and use it as a filling.
Cream
Whipped cream is a classic filling for sponge cakes. You can sweeten it with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of icing sugar. If you're feeling indulgent, you can even add some chocolate chips or dried fruit to the cream.
Lemon curd
Lemon curd is a bright and tangy topping that pairs well with sponge cake. It is made with eggs, butter, sugar, and fresh lemon juice. Cook the lemon curd over low heat to prevent burning and thicken it to the perfect consistency for filling between the layers of your cake.
Chocolate ganache
Chocolate ganache is a dark and indulgent topping that is perfect for pairing with a chocolate or vanilla sponge cake. It is made by melting dark chocolate and butter together. When chilled, it solidifies into a thin sheet that gives the cake a recognisable appearance. You can also drip it down the sides of the cake for a visually stunning effect.
Cream cheese frosting
While not the most popular choice, cream cheese frosting can add an elevated flavour to your sponge cake. Its tanginess complements fresh fruits and berries, as well as more pungent ingredients like pineapple or apple. Cream cheese frosting is also less heavy than buttercream frosting, so it won't drown out the other flavours in your cake.
Matcha powder
For a mild, herbaceous flavour, dust your sponge cake with matcha powder. It pairs well with fresh raspberries and strawberries. You can also add matcha powder directly to your cake batter to give it a bright green hue.
Vanilla pudding
Vanilla pudding is a perfect filling for a Victoria sponge cake. It adds a creamy flavour that helps disperse the sweetness of the jam and fresh whipped cream topping. You can also experiment with other pudding powder flavours, such as chocolate or cheesecake.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time for a sponge cake in an air fryer depends on the size of the cake and the type of air fryer being used. A small cake in a small air fryer may take as little as 25 minutes, while a larger cake may take longer. It is recommended to check the cake after 20 minutes and then every few minutes until it is done.
Most sources recommend cooking a sponge cake in an air fryer at 160°C. However, some sources suggest a temperature of 150°C or 180°C, depending on the air fryer model and the desired doneness of the cake.
There are several ways to check if your sponge cake is done in the air fryer. You can insert a skewer, knife, or toothpick into the centre of the cake, and if it comes out clean, the cake is done. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check if the internal temperature of the cake is 209°F (98°C). Another way to check is by visually inspecting the cake. The cake should be golden brown and springy to the touch when it is done.
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