Air Fryer Cookie Cake: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens for baking cakes and cookies. They are faster, more energy-efficient, and keep the kitchen cool. However, cakes and air fryers don't always go together seamlessly. The fryer is great for producing foods that are golden and crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, but cakes require a different approach to avoid a crispy crust and an under-baked centre. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious cookie cake in an air fryer, as well as tips and tricks for achieving the perfect texture and taste.

Choosing a recipe

When choosing a recipe for an air fryer cookie cake, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, it is important to consider the size of your air fryer and choose a recipe that will fit. Many air fryers can accommodate a 6-inch pan, but it is always good to check the dimensions of your air fryer before starting. Using a pan that is too big can result in uneven cooking or even damage to your air fryer.

Secondly, select a recipe that is designed for air frying. Traditional oven-baked cookie cake recipes may not translate well to the air fryer, as the cooking method is quite different. Look for recipes that specify air frying or, at the very least, baking in a convection oven.

Thirdly, consider the ingredients and flavours you want in your cookie cake. The great thing about cookie cakes is that they can be easily customised to your taste preferences. Do you want a classic chocolate chip cookie cake, or something more adventurous like a s'mores or peanut butter cup variety?

Finally, pay attention to the cooking time and temperature specified in the recipe. Air fryers cook at lower temperatures than conventional ovens, typically around 325°F to 350°F. The cooking time will depend on the size of your cookie cake and the model of your air fryer, but it usually ranges from 7 to 15 minutes.

By following these tips, you can choose a recipe that is well-suited to your air fryer and your taste preferences, ensuring a delicious and successful cookie cake-baking experience.

Selecting the right pan

First, consider the size of your air fryer. Many air fryers can only accommodate a pan up to 8 inches in diameter. Smaller pans are preferable because they bake more quickly and evenly than larger ones. The challenge with air fryers is to bake the cake through to the centre without burning the crust. Therefore, a smaller pan gives better results.

My favourite pan for air fryer cakes is a half-size Bundt pan (about 3-cup working capacity). Its centre tube funnels hot air not just around the edges but also through the centre of the cake, making it ideal for the air fryer's convection baking. This pan is perfect for a typical recipe that calls for an 8-inch square, 8-inch round, or 9-inch round pan, or half of a sheet cake recipe (9" x 13" pan).

My second choice is a 6-inch round pan, which is perfect for half the batter of an 8-inch square/round or 9-inch round, or a quarter of a sheet cake.

If you want to bake a full-size 8-inch or 9-inch round layer, you can do so, but you'll need to take extra measures to prevent the top from burning while the centre bakes.

When using a pan in your air fryer, it's essential to ensure that it's oven-safe and fits properly in the air fryer. You can use a springform pan, a round pan with lips on the side, or any other oven-safe pan that fits. However, be aware that if the diameter of the pan is smaller than 6 inches, your cookie cake will be thicker and may need more time to cook. Conversely, if the diameter is greater than 6 inches, the cake will be thinner and may cook faster.

Additionally, you can use aluminium foil instead of a pan. Simply scrunch the foil to hold the cookie cake batter, making it about 6 inches in diameter. Allow the lips to sit higher in case the foil shifts during baking. The cookie may not come out as round and flat as one made in a pan, but it will taste the same!

Determining time and temperature

When it comes to determining the time and temperature for baking a cookie cake in an air fryer, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to note that air fryers are essentially small, powerful convection ovens that cook food faster and at lower temperatures compared to traditional ovens. This means that you'll need to adjust your baking temperature accordingly.

Most air fryers have a default baking temperature of around 325°F (162°C), which is a good starting point for baking cakes and cookies. However, you may need to experiment with the temperature setting to find the optimal temperature for your particular air fryer and the type of cookie cake you're making. For example, if you're making a chocolate chip cookie cake, a temperature of 320°F (160°C) for 9 to 10 minutes will yield crispy edges and a gooey centre.

The size of your cake will also impact the baking time. Smaller cakes tend to bake more quickly and evenly than larger ones, so you may need to adjust the time accordingly. Additionally, it's worth noting that air fryers with a "bake" cycle may have a default temperature that is lower than what you'd typically use for baking a cake.

• For a full-size 8" or 9" round cake, you may need to bake it at a lower temperature for a longer period to prevent the top from burning while the centre bakes through.
• For smaller cakes, such as those made in a 6" round pan, a temperature of 325°F (162°C) for around 30 minutes should be sufficient.
• If your air fryer doesn't have a bake cycle, set the temperature to 325°F (162°C) and adjust the time as needed, depending on the size of your cake.
• Remember, the challenge is to get the centre of your cake fully baked before the crust gets too dark, so it's generally better to bake at a lower temperature for a slower cook.
• If your cake is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminium foil or a heat-safe frying pan lid to prevent over-browning.

By following these guidelines and making adjustments based on your specific air fryer and cake size, you should be able to determine the optimal time and temperature for baking a delicious cookie cake.

Preventing the cake's top crust from burning

When making a full-size cake in an air fryer, you will need to shield its top from burning as it bakes through. Here are some ways to prevent the top of your cake from burning:

Use aluminium foil

Once your cake is nearly as brown as you like, drape a piece of aluminium foil over the top. The foil will slow down any further browning while the centre of the cake bakes through. However, this is not the best option as the convection fan tends to blow the foil around, leaving your cake only partially covered.

Use a heat-safe frying pan lid or a heat diffuser

Try using something a bit heavier to shield your cake's top. A heat-safe frying pan lid or a heat diffuser (burner cover) will often do the trick.

Add an edible topping

Instead of using aluminium foil or a lid, try adding an edible topping baked straight into the cake. This will prevent your cake's top crust from getting too brown, and it also means you don't have to think about frosting later. Some cake recipes already include this option, like Lazy Daisy Cake, with its crown of caramelised butter, sugar, and coconut. For cakes without a designated topping, try adding streusel once the top of the cake has set (about midway through the bake).

Use silicone liners

Silicone liners are heat resistant, easy to clean, reusable, and customised to work with the fryer's airflow, allowing for more efficiency and less wear on your unit. Silicone cake pans are flexible, and the sides can be easily pulled away from the cake, allowing for easy removal without leaving behind pieces and crumbs.

Storing and using the rest of the cookie dough

If you have leftover cookie dough, you can store it in the fridge or freezer for later use.

To store your cookie dough in the fridge, portion the dough into cookie-sized balls or 'coins' and place them on a cookie sheet. Put the sheet in the freezer until the dough is completely frozen. Then, place the frozen dough balls in a zip-top freezer bag. When you want to bake cookies, simply place the frozen cookie dough balls on a sheet pan and bake—there's no need to defrost, just tag on a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. You can keep cookie dough in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.

If you want to store your cookie dough in the fridge, it's best to use it within 72 hours. You can portion the dough into balls and place them in a zip-top bag, or roll the dough into a log shape, wrap it in parchment paper, and slice off 'coins' to bake as needed.

You can also freeze small packets of portioned dough. To do this, scoop the dough into groups of six or ten (or however many single-bake servings you prefer) onto wax, parchment, or deli paper. Fold the paper into neat packets and place them into zip-top bags. Label the bags with the dough type, the date, and the baking instructions. Stored this way, the dough will keep in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for three to six months.

Frequently asked questions