Cody Casey
Air fryers are incredibly versatile kitchen appliances that can be used to make anything from breakfast pancakes to roast dinners and even desserts. You can bake a cake in an air fryer in a few simple steps. First, you need to prepare the cake batter, which can be made from scratch or using a store-bought cake mix. Next, you need to grease a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer and pour the batter into it. After that, you can place the pan into the air fryer basket and set the temperature and timer. The baking time and temperature settings may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, but on average, a cake bakes in an air fryer for around 20 to 30 minutes at a temperature between 320°F to 350°F (160°C to 180°C). Once the cake is baked, you can let it cool, add frosting, and enjoy!
How to cook a cake in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of use | Easy to make, fast, and fun |
| Taste | Light, fluffy, moist, and rich in flavor |
| Recipe | Use a store-bought cake mix or a homemade recipe |
| Ingredients | Eggs, oil, water, almond milk, vinegar, and vanilla |
| Preparation | Grease a 7-inch round cake pan with cooking spray, line with parchment paper, and pour in the batter |
| Baking | Set the air fryer temperature to 320°F-350°F and bake for 17-60 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick |
| Adjustments | Lower the temperature and cooking time compared to oven recipes, and use foil to prevent overbrowning |
| Tips | Use a smaller pan, experiment with temperature and time, and add toppings |
| Other uses | Cookies, muffins, cupcakes, and pies |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cake-making process. It ensures that your cake cooks evenly and helps to prevent over-browning or burning. Here is a step-by-step guide to preheating your air fryer for cake baking:
First, ensure your air fryer is set to the correct temperature. Common preheat temperatures for cakes in an air fryer range from 320°F to 350°F (160°C to 180°C). The specific temperature you choose will depend on the recipe you are following and the type of cake you are making. For example, a chocolate cake may require a slightly different temperature than a vanilla cake. It is also important to consider the size and model of your air fryer, as different brands and sizes may require different temperatures and cooking times.
Next, let the air fryer preheat for approximately 3 minutes. This is a general guideline, and you may need to adjust the time depending on your air fryer's unique characteristics. Some air fryers may take a bit longer to preheat, especially if they are larger in size. Additionally, if you are using a recipe that requires a lower temperature, such as a pound cake or banana bread, you may need to preheat your air fryer for a shorter amount of time to avoid overcooking the exterior of the cake.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your cake batter and cake pan. Mix your ingredients according to your chosen recipe, and grease your cake pan with cooking spray or shortening and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can also use a cake pan specifically designed for air fryers, but it is not necessary as long as your pan is heat-resistant and fits comfortably inside the air fryer.
Once the preheat time has elapsed, carefully place the prepared cake pan into the air fryer basket. It is important to use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling the cake pan, as it will be hot. At this point, you can proceed with the baking instructions for your specific cake recipe, adjusting the temperature and cooking time as needed.
Remember, preheating your air fryer is just one aspect of successful cake baking. Each air fryer is unique, so you may need to experiment with different temperatures and cooking times to find the perfect settings for your cake. Additionally, it is important to monitor your cake as it bakes to ensure even cooking and to prevent over-browning. With the right preheating and baking techniques, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and perfectly cooked cakes in your air fryer!
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Prepare the cake batter
Preparing the batter for a cake to be cooked in an air fryer is very similar to preparing cake batter for an oven. You can use a store-bought cake mix or make your own batter from scratch. If you are using a store-bought cake mix, follow the instructions on the box to prepare the batter. Typically, this will involve adding eggs, oil, and water to the mix, and then blending the ingredients with a hand mixer.
If you are making your batter from scratch, you will need to gather your ingredients and mix them together. This may involve melting butter and/or chocolate, whisking eggs, and combining dry ingredients such as flour, baking powder, and sugar. It is important to follow your recipe closely and measure out your ingredients accurately to ensure the best results.
Once your batter is prepared, you will need to prepare your cake pan. It is important to use a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer. The size of the pan will depend on the size of your air fryer, but typically a 6-inch, 7-inch, or 8-inch cake pan will work. You can use a pan specifically designed for air fryers, but it is not necessary as long as your pan is heat-resistant. Grease the inside of the pan with shortening, butter, or cooking spray, and then dust it with flour or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
Finally, pour the batter into the prepared pan, filling it no more than halfway full to allow room for the cake to rise. At this point, you can also add any mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts, if desired. Your batter is now ready to be placed in the air fryer and baked!
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Grease the pan
Greasing the pan is an important step in preparing a cake in an air fryer. It ensures that the cake batter does not stick to the pan, making it easier to remove the cake once it is baked.
To grease the pan, start by applying a coat of cooking spray to the entire inner surface of the pan. This creates a non-stick barrier between the pan and the cake batter. You can use a store-bought cooking spray or make your own by filling a spray bottle with a suitable cooking oil, such as canola or vegetable oil.
After spraying the pan, line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. This adds an extra layer of protection against sticking and makes it even easier to remove the cake from the pan after baking. Cut the parchment paper to fit the pan snugly, ensuring that it covers the entire surface that will come into contact with the batter.
If you don't have parchment paper, you can use aluminium foil instead. Foil is a versatile alternative that can be moulded to fit the shape of your pan. However, it is important to ensure that the foil is greased or oiled before adding the batter to prevent sticking.
Greasing the pan properly is essential to ensure your cake releases easily from the pan and maintains its shape. It also helps to create a barrier that allows the cake to brown evenly during baking.
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Adjust temperature and cooking time
Adjusting the temperature and cooking time is crucial when baking a cake in an air fryer. Air fryer cakes tend to bake faster than those made in a conventional oven, so adjustments are often necessary.
Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating to 350°F (176°C) for about 3 minutes. However, some recipes may require a longer preheating time, so be prepared to adjust this accordingly.
When it comes to baking temperature, the recommended temperature for most cakes is 320°F (160°C). At this temperature, your cake should bake for about 25-30 minutes. However, you may need to experiment a little to find the perfect temperature and cooking time for your specific air fryer and cake recipe.
During the baking process, keep a close eye on your cake, especially after the 15-minute mark. Check if the cake is browning too quickly. If it is, cover it with foil to prevent the top crust from burning. You can also wrap the top of the cake pan with tinfoil before baking to prevent excessive browning.
To check if your cake is fully cooked, insert a toothpick, fork, or thin knife into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is done. If not, set the timer for an additional 5 minutes and bake again. You may need to repeat this process a few times to get the perfect bake.
Remember, if you are following an oven-based recipe, you will need to adjust the cooking time. As a general rule of thumb, halve the time mentioned in the oven recipe. For example, if a cake usually takes 40 minutes in the oven, set the timer for 20 minutes in the air fryer.
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Check if the cake is cooked
As baking times can vary depending on the type of air fryer you have, it's important to keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Check the progress a few minutes before the recommended cooking time. If your cake is browning too quickly, cover it with a bit of foil.
To check if your cake is cooked, insert a skewer, toothpick, fork, or thin knife into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean, or with a few crumbs clinging to it, your cake is ready. If not, continue to cook in 2- to 5-minute intervals until done.
If your cake is browning too much, adjust accordingly, and consider rotating the cake or changing its position within the basket to achieve even browning. This will help ensure that your cake doesn’t end up overcooked on the outside but undercooked on the inside.
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Frequently asked questions
Air fryer baking temperatures can vary with each brand. It is best to bake on a lower heat setting to allow the cake to rise evenly and avoid burning on top. Common temperatures range from 320°F to 350°F (160°C to 180°C) depending on the recipe.
Air fryer cakes tend to bake faster than those done in the oven. The cooking time depends on the size of the cake and the air fryer model. A cake can be baked in an air fryer in as little as 20 minutes, but it can take up to 50 minutes.
You should use a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer. The size of the pan depends on the size of the air fryer. For smaller air fryers, a 6 or 7-inch cake pan may be needed, while larger air fryers can fit an 8-inch cake pan. The pan should be heat-resistant and ideally non-stick.
