Air-Fried Vanilla Cake: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens for baking cakes. They are smaller and heat up quickly, reducing baking time. You can make a vanilla cake in an air fryer by combining ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, and then baking the batter in a cake pan at a temperature of around 320-375°F for 30-40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Choosing the right cake pan

First, consider the size of your air fryer. The cake pan should fit comfortably inside your air fryer with some space around the sides for air circulation. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to use a 5-inch, 6-inch, or 7-inch cake pan. For larger air fryers like an XXL or 5.5L model, an 8-inch round pan is suitable, but remember to increase the baking time accordingly. It's always a good idea to measure the inner dimensions of your air fryer to determine the maximum pan size that will fit.

Second, the type of cake pan you choose can impact the baking results. Silicone cake pans are a popular choice for air fryer baking because they promote even rising and browning. Metal, glass, or ceramic cake pans are also suitable, but keep in mind that they may affect baking times and temperatures. Additionally, consider using a thinner cake pan to ensure the cake bakes thoroughly, as the centre of thicker pans may not cook evenly in an air fryer.

Third, prepare your cake pan properly before baking. Lightly grease the pan with butter, cooking spray, or oil, and line it with parchment paper or aluminium foil to prevent the cake from sticking. This will also make it easier to remove the cake from the pan after baking.

Finally, don't overfill the cake pan. Fill it only about halfway to allow for proper air circulation and even baking. If you have a larger air fryer and want to make a taller cake, consider using multiple pans to bake in batches or adjust the baking time accordingly.

Preparing the batter

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For a basic vanilla cake, you will need flour, sugar, baking soda or baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, oil or butter, and milk. You can also add eggs for a richer cake. It is important to ensure that your ingredients, especially the butter, eggs, and milk, are at room temperature before you begin.

Next, prepare your dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder or soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together to ensure they are well combined and there are no lumps. Set this bowl aside.

In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Whisk together the butter or oil and sugar until they are well combined and the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is called creaming. Then, add the eggs one at a time, followed by the milk and vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and foamy.

Now, it's time to combine the dry and wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking as you go, until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

At this stage, you can also add any additional mix-ins you desire, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Fold these ingredients into the batter gently.

Your batter is now ready to be poured into your prepared cake pan and placed in the air fryer!

Baking the cake

Now that you've gathered all your ingredients, it's time to bake your vanilla cake in the air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Before you start, preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). This step may be skipped in some air fryer models, but it is ideal for ensuring even cooking. If you have a bake setting on your air fryer, you can use that, but it is not necessary. The important thing is to set the right time and temperature.

First, prepare your cake pan by greasing it with non-stick cooking spray, olive oil spray, or butter. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. The size of your pan will depend on the size of your air fryer; a 5-inch or 6-inch pan is typically recommended.

Next, combine all your dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt) in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: whisk the eggs and sugar until foamy, then add the milk, vanilla extract, and butter, whisking after each addition.

Now, it's time to combine the dry and wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, whisking as you go, until everything is well combined. You can also use an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step.

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, making sure not to fill it more than halfway to allow the cake to rise. Cover the pan with aluminium foil and pierce a few times to allow steam to escape.

Place the pan in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 330°F (160°C). Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 5-10 minutes, depending on your air fryer model. The cake is done when a toothpick or skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Once the cake is baked, remove it from the air fryer using oven mitts and let it cool for about 5 minutes in the pan. Then, invert the cake onto a cooling rack to cool completely before decorating or serving.

Your vanilla cake is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it as-is or fill it with your favourite jams, frostings, or a simple dusting of icing sugar.

Storing the cake

Your vanilla cake will last for up to two days at room temperature and up to five days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months.

To store your cake at room temperature, keep it in a cake tin or another airtight container. If you're storing it in the fridge, make sure it's covered or in an airtight container.

If you want to freeze your cake, first let it cool to room temperature, then place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for two to three hours.

Your vanilla cake will be good for about one to two months in the freezer.

Decorating the cake

Once your vanilla cake is baked and cooled, it's time for the fun part: decorating! Here are some tips and ideas to make your cake look and taste amazing:

Frosting

A delicious frosting can take your cake to the next level. You can go for a simple buttercream frosting, or get creative with flavours like chocolate, vanilla, or even a colourful buttercream. If you want a lighter option, whipped cream is a great choice. When it comes to applying the frosting, you can either spread it evenly over the top and sides of the cake or pipe it on for a more decorative look.

Filling

If you've baked a two-layer cake, you can fill it with your favourite jam, fresh fruit, or even a sweet sauce like caramel or chocolate. This will give your cake a burst of flavour and a beautiful surprise when sliced.

Toppings

The sky's the limit when it comes to cake toppings. Fresh berries, chopped nuts, sprinkles, crushed cookies, or mini meringues are all great options. You can also add some texture and flavour by topping your cake with shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or candy pieces.

Drizzle

For an extra touch of decadence, try drizzling your cake with melted chocolate, a sweet glaze, or even a fruity sauce. This will not only add flavour but also give your cake a gorgeous glossy finish.

Edible Flowers

For a truly special touch, decorate your cake with edible flowers. Not only will they add a pop of colour, but they'll also give your cake an elegant and whimsical look. Just be sure to use flowers that are safe to consume, such as lavender, rose petals, or pansies.

Writing and Designs

If you want to personalise your cake with a message, you can use writing icing or melted chocolate to pipe on words, names, or even draw fun designs. You can also use stencils to create more intricate patterns and designs.

Remember, the most important part of decorating a cake is to have fun and be creative. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours, colours, and textures to make your cake truly unique. Happy decorating!

Frequently asked questions