Air-Fried Cake: A Quick, Easy Treat

Air fryers are a medium-sized kitchen appliance that can be used to make cakes. They are essentially mini convection ovens that use a coil heating element and a mini fan to blow hot air around the inside of the unit, cooking the food. This method of cooking is healthier as it requires less oil than traditional frying methods.

To make a cake in an air fryer, you will need a cake batter (either homemade or store-bought), an air fryer, and a cake pan that fits inside the air fryer. You will also need cake strips, which are optional but help to keep the cake level and prevent it from doming in the middle.

First, make your cake batter by following a recipe or the instructions on a box mix. Grease your cake pan with shortening, flour, and optionally, a round piece of parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking. Fill the pan with batter until it is a little over halfway full. If you have cake strips, soak them in water, wring them out, and place them around your pan.

Set your air fryer to 320-350°F (160-176°C) and allow it to heat up for a minute or two. Place the cake pan into the air fryer basket and set the timer for 17-20 minutes. Check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick into the centre; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, put it back in the air fryer for a few more minutes.

Once the cake is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for about 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. Place it on a wire rack to cool completely before decorating it with frosting, sprinkles, or any other toppings of your choice.

Choosing the right cake pan

Size of the Air Fryer and Cake Pan

Firstly, the size of your air fryer basket will dictate the size of the cake pan you can use. For basket-type air fryers, the best pan sizes are typically between 5 and 8 inches in diameter for round or square cake pans. If you have a drawer-style air fryer, a 6-inch cake pan is often a good fit, as it can be easily placed in the drawer and provides enough space for the cake batter.

Depth of the Air Fryer and Cake Pan

It is important to choose a cake pan that is not too deep or tall, ensuring it doesn't touch the heating element of the air fryer. The depth of your cake pan should be no more than 3 inches. Shallower pans are preferable as they allow the cake to bake faster and more evenly.

Type of Cake Pan

You can use various types of cake pans in your air fryer, including metal, glass, ceramic, or silicone. Silicone cake pans are a good option as they allow for even cake rising. Additionally, consider using a Bundt pan, especially for smaller bucket-type air fryers. The unique shape of a Bundt pan, with a centre tube, helps funnel hot air through the cake, resulting in more even baking.

Adjusting Baking Time and Temperature

When using an air fryer for baking cakes, remember that they tend to bake faster due to the compact space and concentrated heat circulation. Therefore, you will likely need to reduce the temperature and baking time compared to a conventional oven. As a general guideline, set your air fryer to a lower temperature, around 320-330°F (160-166°C), and check the cake after 30 minutes to prevent over-baking.

In summary, selecting the right cake pan for your air fryer involves considering the size and depth of your air fryer, choosing a pan that fits comfortably without touching the heating element, and opting for materials that promote even baking. Remember to adjust your baking time and temperature accordingly, and you'll be well on your way to air-fried cake success!

Preparing the cake batter

If you're using a store-bought cake mix, follow the instructions on the box. Typically, these mixes require you to add eggs, vegetable oil, and water, and you simply need to mix the ingredients together. Some mixes may also call for milk, and you can use whole milk, skim milk, or even almond milk.

Once your batter is ready, it's time to grease your cake pan. You can use a cake pan that fits inside your air fryer basket, or a special air fryer cake pan if you have one. Grease the pan with shortening, butter, or non-stick cooking spray, and then flour the sides and bottom, tapping the pan to remove the excess flour. You can also add a round piece of parchment paper to the bottom of the pan as an extra precaution to prevent sticking.

Now, simply fill your cake pan with the batter until it's a little over halfway full. If you have any batter left over, you can make cupcakes or fill the pan only halfway and bake in batches. If you're using cake strips, soak them in water, wring them out, and then place them around your pan to help ensure even baking and prevent doming.

Greasing the cake pan

Greasing your cake pan is an important step in the cake-making process, whether you're using a conventional oven or an air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for greasing your cake pan when making a cake in an air fryer:

Choose the Right Cake Pan

Before you start greasing, it's important to select a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer. The size of the pan is crucial; most air fryers can accommodate pans up to 8 inches in diameter. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to use a 6 or 7-inch cake pan. Additionally, consider the depth of your air fryer and choose a pan that isn't too tall, ensuring it doesn't touch the heating element. Shallow pans are preferable as they allow the cake to bake more evenly.

Greasing Techniques

There are three common methods for greasing a cake pan:

• Grease and Flour: This traditional method involves coating the pan with shortening, butter, or cooking spray, and then dusting it with flour. This creates a barrier that prevents the cake from sticking to the pan.
• Grease and Line: Another option is to grease the pan and then line it with parchment paper. This ensures that the cake releases easily from the pan and also makes cleanup easier.
• Cake Release or Cake Goop: You can also use a mixture of shortening, flour, and vegetable oil, known as cake release or cake goop. This creates a non-stick surface in your pan, eliminating the need for flour.

Tips for Greasing

• When greasing, be sure to cover all surfaces of the pan, including the sides and corners, to ensure the cake doesn't stick.
• If using parchment paper, cut it to fit the bottom of your pan precisely.
• If using a cake strip, soak it before wringing it out and placing it around the outside of the pan. This helps promote even baking and prevents the sides from browning too much.
• If you're concerned about the crust browning too quickly, you can cover the pan with aluminium foil during baking. This slows down browning while allowing the centre of the cake to continue cooking.

Air frying time and temperature

The ideal air fryer cake is moist and tender, with a fluffy, light, and even crumb. To achieve this, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to air frying time and temperature.

First, preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating to 320°F (160°C), but you should check your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions.

Next, consider the size of your cake pan. Air fryers are typically small, and using a pan that's too big will affect how your cake cooks. A half-size Bundt pan (about 3-cup working capacity) is ideal for many air fryers, especially the smaller bucket-type fryers. If your air fryer basket can accommodate it, an 8-inch cake pan is a good option, but you may need to use a 6- or 7-inch pan instead. Remember that smaller pans will require less cooking time.

Now, you're ready to bake! The baking time will depend on the size of your pan, but for a full-size cake (using an 8-inch pan), you'll likely need to bake for around 30 minutes at 325°F (160°C). If your cake isn't done yet, continue baking and checking every 5 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. For smaller cakes, you may need to reduce the baking time accordingly.

It's important to remember that air fryers circulate hot air, which can dry out the surface of your cake. To prevent this, some recipes recommend lowering the temperature to 300°F (150°C) for the last 10 minutes of baking. This will allow your cake to finish cooking without drying out.

Additionally, if you're making a full-size cake, you may need to shield the top from burning as it bakes. You can do this by draping aluminium foil over the cake once it's almost as brown as you like, or by using a heat-safe frying pan lid or a heat diffuser that fits inside your air fryer.

Finally, allow your cake to cool before removing it from the pan and serving. This will help it set and prevent it from falling apart.

With these tips in mind, you're ready to bake a delicious cake in your air fryer!

Checking the cake is done

Checking if your cake is done is a crucial step in the cake-making process. Here are some ways to ensure your cake is baked to perfection:

The Toothpick Test

A common method to check if a cake is done is by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the centre of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, without any wet batter sticking to it, the cake is done. If the toothpick comes out with wet crumbs, the cake needs to be baked for a little longer.

Visual Check

You can also check the cake by looking at it. If the cake is springy to the touch and has risen evenly, it is likely done.

Instant-Read Thermometer

Another way to check the doneness of a cake is by using an instant-read thermometer. Insert the probe into the middle of the cake, ensuring it does not touch the bottom of the pan. The ideal temperature for a cake to be done is around 209°F (98°C).

Adjusting Baking Time

If your cake is still raw in the middle, continue baking it in the air fryer, adding a few minutes at a time until it is done. Remember, the challenge with air fryers is to get the centre of the cake fully baked without burning the crust.

Covering the Cake

If the top of your cake is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminium foil or a heat-safe lid to prevent it from burning while the centre cooks through.

Troubleshooting

If your cake is browning too quickly or burning on top while still being raw in the middle, try lowering the heat to 155°C and baking for a little longer. Ensure you are using the right-sized pan for your air fryer, as a cake that is too thick may take longer to bake through.

By using a combination of these methods, you can ensure your cake is baked to perfection in your air fryer!

Frequently asked questions