Tillie Doyle
Air fryers can be used to bake a light, fluffy, and moist sponge cake. The process is quite simple and easy, and the cake can be flavoured with vanilla, coffee, or any other ingredient of your choice. The key to baking a good cake in an air fryer is to control the temperature and timing. It is also important to ensure that the cake tin fits comfortably in the air fryer and is not overfilled. The cake is best eaten within 4 to 6 days, depending on whether it is refrigerated or kept at room temperature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 150-160°C (300-320°F) |
| Baking Time | 25-45 minutes |
| Ingredients | Flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, vanilla, baking powder, salt, lemon zest |
| Cake Tin | 6-8 inches wide, 3 inches deep |
| Preparation | Grease the cake tin, line with baking paper, prepare batter, preheat air fryer |
| Cooling | 10 minutes in the tin, then cool completely on a wire rack |
| Storage | Best served on the day, but will keep for 2-6 days in the fridge or at room temperature |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the batter
To prepare the batter for a sponge cake in an air fryer, you will need a large mixing bowl, a whisk or electric hand mixer, and a spatula. It is recommended to use room temperature ingredients, so if your eggs are cold, you can submerge them in warm water for a few minutes, and you can soften butter by blasting it in the microwave on the defrost setting for a few seconds.
First, grease your cake tin and line the base with baking paper. Next, add all your cake ingredients to your mixing bowl. This could include butter, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, a pinch of salt, eggs, flour, and milk. Using your whisk or electric hand mixer, beat the ingredients together until smooth. Start on a slow speed and work up, and be careful not to overmix. If you are using a stand mixer, use a spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl as needed.
Once your batter is smooth, it is ready to be poured into your cake tin. Be careful not to overfill the tin—about half full is best. Smooth out the top using the back of a spoon or a palette knife, then place the tin in the air fryer and cook according to your chosen recipe.
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Choosing the right tin
First, ensure that the tin fits comfortably inside your air fryer. The size of the tin will depend on the capacity of your air fryer, so it is advisable to measure the internal dimensions of your air fryer before purchasing a tin.
Second, while metal tins are generally preferred for baking due to their superior heat conduction, some bakers have found that silicone tins work better in an air fryer. Silicone moulds, such as those with a 6-inch diameter, are recommended by some bakers for air fryer sponge cakes. Silicone tins allow for more even rising of the cake, creating a consistent texture throughout.
Third, the depth of the tin is also important. A tin that is too shallow may cause the batter to overflow during baking, while a tin that is too deep may result in a cake that is undercooked in the centre. A tin with a depth of 3 inches is commonly used for air fryer sponge cakes, and it is recommended to fill it no more than halfway with batter.
Finally, if your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to use multiple tins and divide the batter between them. This will ensure the cake bakes evenly and thoroughly. For example, if your air fryer is particularly small, you may need to use two 6 or 7-inch tins and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Remember, the right tin will help you achieve the desired rise, texture, and consistency in your sponge cake, so it is worth taking the time to select the most suitable one for your air fryer.
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Preheating the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cake-making process. It ensures that your cake bakes evenly and helps to create a light and fluffy texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to preheating your air fryer for sponge cake:
Firstly, ensure your air fryer is clean and dry. Some models may have specific instructions for preheating, so refer to the manufacturer's guidelines if necessary. Choose a cake tin that fits comfortably in your air fryer. The size of the tin will determine the baking time, with smaller cakes requiring less time and larger cakes taking longer. A tin that is too small may result in uneven cooking, while a tin that is too large may not fit properly in the air fryer. It is recommended to use a tin with a depth of 2 to 3 inches and a width of 6 to 8 inches for the best results.
Next, set the temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to around 150-160°C (300-320°F). This temperature range is suitable for achieving a light and fluffy sponge cake. The exact temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and personal preference for cake texture. Remember that air fryers circulate hot air, so it is generally recommended to bake at a lower temperature compared to a conventional oven.
Now, let's talk about timing. Preheat your air fryer for at least 10 minutes before you plan to start baking. This ensures that the appliance reaches the desired temperature and maintains a consistent temperature throughout the baking process. You can use this preheating time to prepare your cake batter, ensuring that all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Finally, while your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your cake tin. Grease the tin generously with butter, margarine, or non-stick cooking spray to ensure the cake doesn't stick. Line the base of the tin with baking paper or parchment paper, which will make it easier to remove your cake once it's baked.
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Baking the cake
To bake a sponge cake in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to 150–160°C. If your air fryer has a preheat function, set it to 160°C. Grease an 8-inch cake pan with butter or cake release and line the bottom with baking paper. If you're using a 6-inch cake pan, you might need to adjust the baking time.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla. Use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the ingredients until the batter is smooth, which should take about a minute. Be careful not to overmix. If you're using a hand mixer, use a spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl as needed. For a Victoria sponge cake, you can also add lemon zest and a pinch of salt to the batter.
Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan, making sure not to overfill it. The pan should be about half full. Smooth out the top of the batter with a spoon or spatula. Place the pan into the air fryer and bake for 25–30 minutes at 150–160°C. If your air fryer doesn't have a bake setting, that's okay—it's just a preset for time and temperature.
For the final 10–15 minutes of baking, you may need to cover the pan with foil or a heatproof metal lid to prevent the top of the cake from burning. The cake is done when it's golden brown, risen, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remove the cake from the air fryer and brush the top with a little milk to soften the crust. Leave the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
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Storage and serving
Once your cake is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool. You can dust it with icing or powdered sugar to hide any imperfections. If you want to level off the top of the cake and decorate it, you can pipe buttercream on top. You can also fill the cake with your choice of buttercream or frosting.
If you have leftover cake, store your air-fried sponge cake in a sealed tub or a lidded cake stand on the side for up to three days. It is best to consume frosted cake within six days and cake without frosting within four to five days. If you store the cake in the refrigerator, make sure to take it out in advance before serving, as the cake will harden slightly due to the butter content.
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your air fryer to 160ºC/320ºF. If your air fryer has a preheat function, set it to 160ºC. If not, preheat it 10 minutes in advance.
Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check the cake at 20 minutes with a skewer and adjust the timings as necessary.
The cake is done when it is golden brown, risen, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
A sponge cake made in an air fryer is best eaten within 4 to 6 days. It can be stored for up to 5 days at room temperature without frosting. If refrigerated, let the cake sit at room temperature before serving as it will harden slightly due to its butter content.
