Emilie Meyer
Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to make a variety of dishes, including cakes. Baking a cake in an air fryer is a straightforward process that can yield delicious, moist, and tender results. It is also a convenient option for small portions or when you want to avoid heating up a full-size oven. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to bake a cake in an air fryer, offer tips for success, and suggest ways to customise your dessert to suit your preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 140-177°C (284-350°F) |
| Baking Time | 17-50 minutes |
| Cake Type | Pound cake, loaf cake, cupcakes, mini cakes |
| Cake Size | 6-8 inches |
| Cake Pan | Tin foil, paper cups, silicone mold, cake strip, parchment paper |
| Cake Mix | Boxed or homemade |
| Cake Batter | Eggs, oil, water, flour, sugar, butter, milk, vanilla |
| Cake Frosting | Buttercream, chocolate ganache, icing sugar |
| Pros | Energy-saving, space-saving, easy cleanup, customizable, moist and tender texture |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C)
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cake-making process. By preheating your air fryer to 320°F (160°C), you create a consistent cooking environment for your cake batter. This step ensures that your cake begins cooking at the desired temperature as soon as it is placed in the air fryer, promoting even cooking and browning.
While preheating, you can prepare your cake batter and cake pan. Start by greasing an 8-inch deep cake pan with cake release or non-stick cooking spray and lining it with baking paper. Then, mix your dry ingredients, such as flour and sugar, in a separate bowl. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients, including butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until you achieve a smooth and well-combined batter.
It is essential to ensure that your air fryer has reached the desired temperature of 320°F (160°C) before placing the cake pan inside. This temperature is crucial for creating the optimal cooking environment for your cake. Once preheated, carefully place the cake pan into the air fryer basket and adjust the temperature and timing accordingly.
The preheating step may vary slightly depending on the model and brand of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions. However, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process is key to achieving the desired cake texture and doneness.
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Prepare the cake batter
To prepare the cake batter, you will need a large mixing bowl, a whisk or electric mixer, and a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer. The size of the cake pan will depend on the size of your air fryer. For a Cosori 5.8Qt or an Instant Vortex air fryer, an 8-inch cake pan is suitable. Smaller air fryers may require a 6 or 7-inch cake pan.
If you are using a boxed cake mix, follow the instructions on the box to combine the mix with the required number of eggs, vegetable oil, and water. If you are using a homemade cake batter, common ingredients include flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla. Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, then add the wet ingredients. Beat the mixture together using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer until the batter is smooth, which should take about a minute.
If you are using any optional mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, nuts, or fruit, fold them into the batter at this stage.
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Grease the cake pan
To grease a cake pan for an air fryer, you will first need to select a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer. The size of the pan will depend on the size of your air fryer, so it is important to choose a pan that is the right fit. For example, an 8-inch cake pan will fit in a Cosori 5.8Qt or an Instant Vortex, but a smaller air fryer may require a 6 or 7-inch cake pan.
Once you have selected the appropriate cake pan, you will need to grease it to prevent the cake from sticking. You can use a non-stick cooking spray or shortening to lightly grease the inside of the pan. Some sources suggest also flouring the pan after greasing it, while others recommend lining the bottom of the pan with baking paper or a round piece of parchment paper. This will ensure that your cake does not stick to the pan and will help create a delectable cake that is moist and tender.
It is important to note that air fryers circulate hot air around the cake, creating a sealed environment that retains moisture. This results in cakes that are incredibly moist and tender, with no hot spots or uneven browning. However, due to the intense heat and small size of air fryers, it is crucial to grease the cake pan properly to prevent the cake from sticking or burning.
By following these steps and greasing your cake pan effectively, you will be well on your way to creating a delicious and perfectly cooked cake in your air fryer.
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Bake for 30 minutes at 320°F (160°C)
Once you've prepared your cake batter and lined your cake pan, it's time to bake your cake in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place your cake pan into the air fryer basket and set the timer for 30 minutes.
While the cake is baking, you can prepare your frosting or glaze. You can also use this time to clean up your mixing bowls and utensils, so they're not sitting around getting crusty. If you're baking a boxed cake mix, the instructions on the box may provide guidance on the ideal temperature and baking time for an air fryer.
After 30 minutes, your cake should be almost done. At this point, you'll want to lower the temperature to 300°F (150°C) and let the cake continue to cook for another 10 minutes. This final stage at a lower temperature will ensure your cake is cooked through without burning the exterior.
Keep in mind that air fryer temperatures and baking times can vary depending on the brand and model, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on your cake as it bakes.
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Check if the cake is baked
Checking if your cake is baked is an important step in the cake-making process. Here are some detailed methods to check if your cake is baked when using an air fryer:
Firstly, it is important to note that air fryers distribute heat evenly, ensuring your cake cooks uniformly without any hot spots or uneven browning. This means that you don't have to worry about the cake being undercooked in certain spots. However, it is still important to check if the cake is baked all the way through.
One way to check is to insert a skewer or toothpick into the centre of the cake. If the skewer or toothpick comes out clean, without any wet batter or moist crumbs, then your cake is done. If it comes out with moist crumbs or batter, the cake needs to be cooked for a little longer.
Another way to check is to use your senses. Visually inspect the cake to see if it looks springy and feels springy to the touch. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of the cake. Insert the probe into the middle of the cake, ensuring it does not touch the bottom of the pan, and check that the temperature is around 209°F (98°C).
It is also important to keep an eye on your cake while it is baking, especially if you are baking a loaf cake as they can burn on the top before the centre is cooked. Check frequently by lifting the cover and testing the centre with a skewer or toothpick.
By using one or a combination of these methods, you can ensure that your cake is baked to perfection in your air fryer.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to bake a cake at a lower temperature in an air fryer. You can preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and then lower the temperature to 300°F (150°C) after 30 minutes. However, the temperature settings may vary depending on the brand of your air fryer and the size of your cake pan.
The cooking time for a cake in an air fryer depends on the size of the cake and the specific model of the air fryer. On average, it takes around 30-40 minutes to bake a cake in an air fryer at 320°F (160°C). However, it is important to monitor the cake's progress and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
The size of the cake pan depends on the size of your air fryer. You can use a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer, typically ranging from 6 to 8 inches in diameter. It is recommended to use a non-stick cake pan or silicone mold to prevent sticking, and you can also line the pan with baking paper or parchment paper.
To check if your cake is done, insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, without any wet batter or moist crumbs, the cake is ready. You can also visually check if the cake is springy to the touch or use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the cake's internal temperature reaches 209°F (98°C).
Air fryers circulate hot air, creating a moist and tender cake with an even bake. It is important to note that air fryers may cause the cake's top crust to brown faster, so consider using foil, a cover, or a topping to prevent burning. Additionally, you can experiment with different cake recipes, flavors, and mix-ins to customize your cake.
