Air-Fried Perfection: Making Sponge Cake In An Air Fryer

Making a sponge cake in an air fryer is a fun and easy way to bake a delicious, fluffy, and moist treat. It is a simple process that can be done by anyone, even those who are not accomplished bakers. The key to success is to use the right tin that comfortably fits in your air fryer, preheat the air fryer to the correct temperature, and bake the cake for the appropriate amount of time. Additionally, bringing all chilled ingredients to room temperature before beginning is essential for the 'all-in-one' cake method to work.

Choosing the right tin

You can use a regular cake pan made of metal, glass, ceramic or silicone in your air fryer. However, silicone cake pans are a popular choice for air fryer baking as they are flexible, non-stick and easy to remove the cake from. Additionally, some bakers find that their cakes rise more evenly in silicone pans.

If you are using a metal cake tin, it is important to grease the tin and line it with baking parchment or paper to ensure your cake doesn't stick.

Preparing the batter

Ingredients

First, gather all the necessary ingredients. The exact quantities may vary depending on the recipe you are following, but the basic ingredients typically include:

• Butter or margarine (unsalted and softened)
• Caster sugar (superfine sugar)
• Eggs (at room temperature)
• Vanilla extract
• Self-raising flour or plain flour with baking powder
• Milk (at room temperature)

Mixing the Ingredients

Once you have measured out the required amounts, it's time to mix them together:

• Combine the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Use an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy. This process is known as creaming.
• Add the eggs and milk to the creamed mixture. Continue mixing until everything is well combined.
• Sift in the flour and baking powder (if using plain flour). Mix until you have a smooth batter with no lumps.

Final Steps

Before pouring the batter into your prepared cake pan, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 150-160°C.

• Pour the batter into the greased and lined cake pan, ensuring it is no more than half full to allow for rising.
• Place the cake pan into the air fryer basket and set the timer according to your recipe.

Your batter is now ready to be baked into a delicious sponge cake! Remember to adjust the timing and temperature based on your air fryer model and the size of your cake pan. Happy baking!

Air-frying the cake

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Cake Tin

First, you will need to preheat your air fryer. Set it to a temperature of around 150-160°C. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your cake tin by greasing it with butter or margarine and lining the base with baking parchment or paper. If you are using a silicone cake tin, you may not need to grease it.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar until they are light and fluffy. This process is known as creaming. You can use an electric mixer or a hand whisk for this step. Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract (if using). Mix until everything is well incorporated. Finally, add in the flour and baking powder, and mix until you have a smooth batter.

Step 3: Pour the Batter into the Tin

Once your batter is ready, carefully pour it into your prepared cake tin. Make sure not to fill the tin more than halfway to avoid overflow during baking. Give the tin a gentle tap on the counter to remove any air bubbles from the batter.

Step 4: Air Fry the Cake

Place the cake tin into the preheated air fryer and set the timer for around 25-30 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer model and the size of your cake, so keep an eye on it. If your air fryer has two drawers, you may be able to bake two cakes simultaneously. For larger cakes, you may need to reduce the temperature and increase the cooking time to ensure even baking.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

After the initial baking time, insert a skewer or toothpick into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is done. If there is still batter or wet crumbs on the skewer, return the cake to the air fryer and bake for a few more minutes, checking every 5 minutes or so.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Once your cake is done, remove it from the air fryer using oven mitts to protect your hands. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 5-10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This will help prevent the cake from becoming soggy.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

If you are making a layered cake, use a sharp knife or cake leveller to split the cake into two layers. You can then fill and decorate your cake as desired. For a classic Victoria sponge, spread a layer of buttercream or whipped cream and your favourite jam on one layer, then place the second layer on top. Dust with icing sugar, and your sponge cake is ready to serve!

Cooling the cake

After removing the cake from the air fryer, it is important to allow it to cool down gradually. Leave the cake in the tin for about 5 to 10 minutes. This gradual cooling process helps prevent the cake from collapsing or drying out too quickly.

Next, remove the cake from the tin and place it upside down on a wire cooling rack. This step ensures even cooling and prevents the cake from sweating, which can make it soggy. Leave the cake to cool completely for about an hour or so. The cooling time may vary depending on the season and the temperature in your kitchen.

While your cake is cooling, you can prepare the frosting or filling. If you plan to decorate the cake with buttercream or chocolate frosting, make sure the cake is completely cool before adding any toppings. A warm cake may melt the frosting or cause it to slide off.

If you are making a Victoria sponge cake, you will typically cut the cake horizontally into two layers. It is best to use a cake leveller or a serrated knife to get a neat cut. You can also trim the edges to create a straight edge if needed.

Once the cake is completely cool, you can fill and decorate it. If making a Victoria sponge, spread buttercream or whipped cream on one layer, add a layer of jam, and then place the second layer on top. Dust the top with icing sugar for a classic finish.

For an air fryer sponge cake, it is recommended to store the cake in a plastic tub rather than an airtight metal container. This is because air fryer cakes can form a harder crust, and the moisture from the cake can help soften it. However, you may need to re-dust the cake with icing sugar before serving.

Decorating the cake

Once your cake is baked and cooled, it's time to decorate! Here are some tips and ideas to help you create a beautiful and delicious air fryer sponge cake.

Filling and Icing:

Before decorating, you may want to slice your cake in half horizontally to create two layers. You can then fill and ice your cake. Traditional fillings for a Victoria sponge cake include buttercream or whipped cream and jam. For the buttercream, you can mix softened butter with icing sugar and a splash of milk until smooth and spreadable. If you prefer a less sweet buttercream, use equal parts butter and icing sugar. For a classic touch, you can add a rose-shaped nozzle to your piping bag to create a rose effect with the buttercream. As for the jam, you can use strawberry, raspberry, or any other flavour you like.

Assembling the Cake:

Spread your chosen filling over the bottom layer of the cake. If using jam, be careful not to spread it all the way to the edges, as it may ooze out. Place the second layer on top and gently press down. You can dust the top of the cake with icing sugar for a simple and elegant finish. If you want to get more creative, you can pipe buttercream on top or decorate with fresh berries, mini meringues, or other toppings of your choice.

Storage:

It is recommended to store your air fryer sponge cake in an airtight container at room temperature. If your cake has a harder crust, you may want to store it in a plastic tub, as the moisture from the cake can help soften the crust. The cake can be stored for up to 5 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.

Frequently asked questions