Air-Fried Chocolate Cake: A Quick, Easy Treat

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to oven baking. You can bake a cake in an air fryer, and it will be just as rich, moist, and delicious as an oven-baked cake. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a chocolate cake in an air fryer, including the ingredients needed and the baking process.

Preparing the cake batter

To make a chocolate cake in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Flour (all-purpose/plain/self-raising)
• Sugar (light brown/caster/granulated/cane)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Butter (unsalted) or margarine
• Eggs
• Milk (semi-skimmed/skimmed/buttermilk/regular)
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• Olive oil (optional)
• Hot water

You will also need a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer—an 8-inch, 7-inch, or 6-inch cake pan will do, depending on the size of your air fryer. You will also need baking/parchment paper and aluminium foil.

First, preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Mist or spray your cake pan with cake release or cooking spray and line the bottom with baking/parchment paper. You can also grease the pan with butter or oil.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: sift the flour, baking powder, sugar, and cocoa powder together. You can use a stand mixer or an electric mixer for this step.

Next, add the wet ingredients: butter, eggs, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla. Start beating on a low speed to combine the ingredients, then increase the speed to maximum. Stop the mixer as needed and use a spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl.

Once the batter is smooth and well-combined, spoon it into the prepared cake pan and level it with a spoon or spatula.

Cover the top of the pan with aluminium foil, securing it tightly to the sides of the pan. Poke a few holes in the foil to allow for air circulation.

Baking in the air fryer

Baking in an air fryer is a convenient alternative to oven baking. It is a great option if you have limited oven space, no oven, or simply don't want to turn on your oven. It is also useful if you want to free up oven space when you're entertaining or feeding a crowd.

When baking in an air fryer, you will need to make sure that your cake pan fits your air fryer basket. You can use a regular cake tin in an air fryer, but some containers will be too tall or too wide for your air fryer.

When adapting recipes for an air fryer, you will usually need to make smaller batches to accommodate the small size of the air fryer compared to the oven. You will also need to adjust the baking temperature and time to prevent over-baking.

• Prepare the cake pan by greasing it with butter or oil, or using a cake release spray. Line the bottom and sides of the pan with baking paper or a reusable liner.
• Prepare the cake batter by mixing the dry ingredients (such as flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder) in a mixing bowl. Then, add the wet ingredients (such as butter, eggs, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla) and mix until well combined.
• Spoon the batter into the prepared cake pan and level it. Cover the top of the pan with aluminum foil, securing it tightly to the sides of the tin. Poke a few holes in the foil to allow for air circulation.
• Place the cake pan into the air fryer basket and set the temperature and cooking time. The cooking time will depend on the model of your air fryer, but it usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour to bake a chocolate cake in an air fryer.
• Remove the foil cover and continue to cook for a few more minutes, or until the cake feels springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Leave the cake in the pan for a few minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before adding any frosting or decorations.

Your chocolate cake is now ready to be served!

Filling and frosting the cake

Once your chocolate cake is baked and cooled, it's time to fill and frost! Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to achieving a rich, indulgent, and beautifully presented air fryer chocolate cake.

Slicing the Cake:

Use a cake leveller or a long, serrated knife to carefully split the cake into two even layers. It's important to ensure the layers are as flat and level as possible to create a neat and stable filled cake.

Filling the Cake:

You can fill your air fryer chocolate cake with any frosting of your choice. A rich chocolate buttercream is a classic option that pairs perfectly with the chocolate sponge. To fill the cake, follow these steps:

• Place the bottom layer of the cake on your serving plate or cake stand.
• Spoon a generous amount of frosting onto the centre of the layer.
• Use a palette knife or offset spatula to gently spread the frosting outwards from the centre, covering the entire surface of the cake layer. Ensure the frosting is evenly distributed and level.
• You can add other ingredients to the filling, such as crushed cookies, nuts, or fresh fruit, for added texture and flavour.

Assembling the Cake:

After filling the cake, it's time to assemble it by adding the second layer.

• Carefully lift the second cake layer and place it directly on top of the filled layer. Ensure the layers are aligned and stacked neatly.
• Gently press down on the top layer to adhere it to the filling. You can use your hands or a cake decorating spatula for this step.

Frosting the Cake:

Now it's time to frost the exterior of your air fryer chocolate cake. You can use the same frosting as the filling or opt for a different flavour or type of frosting. Here's a general guide to frosting your cake:

• Start by applying a thin layer of frosting, known as a crumb coat, to the entire exterior of the cake. This layer will seal in any crumbs, ensuring a neat final result.
• Once the crumb coat is applied, place the cake in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the frosting to set.
• Remove the cake from the refrigerator and apply a second, thicker layer of frosting. Use your palette knife or offset spatula to create a smooth finish.
• For a simple finish, use your spatula to create soft swirls or peaks in the frosting. You can also decorate the cake with sprinkles, fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, or any other toppings of your choice.

Your air fryer chocolate cake is now ready to be served and enjoyed! Remember to store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on the type of frosting used.

Recipe tips and FAQs

• You don't need to use a special setting on your air fryer. Simply set the temperature and cooking time manually.
• Make the sponge up to a day ahead. Allow it to cool, then wrap it in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature.
• The cake will stay moist for a few days. Store it at room temperature in a covered cake container, away from direct sunlight.
• If you've used fresh cream as a filling, the cake will need to be consumed straight away.
• You can bake this cake in the oven if you prefer. Bake it uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 28-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• If you're using self-raising flour, leave out the baking powder.
• To make chocolate shavings, use a potato peeler and scrape it against the side of a chocolate bar.
• If you're using a cake release spray, a little goes a long way.

Troubleshooting

Some people have reported issues with the cake being undercooked, collapsing, or cracking. Here are some tips to address these issues:

• Make sure you're using fresh baking powder.
• Only remove the cake from the pan once it has cooled down.
• If the centre of the cake is still partially baked and collapses when cooling, try leaving the cake in the air fryer for a few more minutes.
• To prevent the cake from drying out, cover the top and sides of the pan with aluminium foil or a damp kitchen towel.
• If your air fryer has a powerful fan, try covering the cake tin with perforated silicone.
• To ensure the cake is properly baked, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the middle of the cake reaches 98°C (210°F).

Useful tools and equipment

To make a chocolate cake in an air fryer, you will need a few essential tools and equipment to ensure the process goes smoothly and the cake turns out perfectly. Here is a list of useful tools and equipment to help you get started:

• Cake Pan: Choose a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer. The size of the cake pan may vary depending on the capacity of your air fryer, but an 8-inch or 6-inch cake pan is commonly used. You can use a regular cake tin or opt for a silicone cake pan, which is easier to remove the cake from and requires less cleaning.
• Mixing Bowls: You will need a large mixing bowl, preferably one that is heat-safe, to combine the dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Mixing Utensils: Use a whisk or an electric hand mixer to blend the ingredients thoroughly. A stand mixer can also be used if you have one.
• Measuring Tools: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use digital scales to weigh your ingredients, and measuring spoons for dry ingredients like baking powder and cocoa powder.
• Spatula: A spatula will help you scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Aluminum Foil: Covering the cake pan with aluminum foil is essential to prevent the top and sides of the cake from baking too quickly. Poke a few holes in the foil to allow for air circulation.
• Wire Rack: A wire rack is necessary for cooling the cake after it has been removed from the air fryer.
• Cake Lifter: A cake lifter or a large spatula will help you transfer the cake safely from the pan to the wire rack without breaking it.
• Cake Leveler: If you plan to fill your cake with frosting, a cake leveler will help you split the cake into even layers.
• Thermometer: A thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the cake. Insert it into the centre of the cake, and if it comes out clean, your cake is done.
• Parchment Paper: Line the bottom and sides of your cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent the cake from sticking.

Frequently asked questions