Olivia Carter
Are you craving a delicious homemade cake but don’t want to heat up your entire kitchen? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! Making a cake in an air fryer is quick, easy, and produces a perfectly moist and fluffy dessert.
If you’re new to baking with an air fryer, you may be wondering how it’s even possible to bake a cake in this compact device. Well, the air fryer uses a powerful convection fan that circulates hot air around the food, allowing it to cook quickly and evenly. This makes it an ideal tool for baking cakes, as the hot air creates a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.
So, how exactly do you make a cake in an air fryer?
First, you’ll need to gather your ingredients and preheat your air fryer to the required temperature. Most cake recipes can be adapted for an air fryer, but it’s important to follow the instructions closely to ensure the best results. Remember to line your air fryer basket or baking pan with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
Next, prepare your cake batter according to the recipe. This may involve mixing your dry ingredients, such as flour, sugar, and baking powder, in one bowl, and your wet ingredients, such as eggs, milk, and oil, in another. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
Once your batter is ready, pour it into the lined air fryer basket or baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and place it in the preheated air fryer. Set the cooking time and temperature as directed by the recipe, and let the air fryer work its magic. Keep a close eye on the cake as it bakes, as cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer.
Preparation
Before you start making a cake in an air fryer, it is important to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Cake pan or small oven-safe dish that fits in the air fryer
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
Make sure your air fryer is clean and in good working condition before you begin. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes while you prepare the cake batter.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms. Make sure there are no lumps.
Grease the cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Place the cake pan in the air fryer basket, making sure it is centered. Air fry the cake at 350°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once the cake is baked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now that your cake is ready, you can frost it or decorate it as desired. Enjoy your homemade cake made in an air fryer!
Gather Ingredients and Tools
To make a cake in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients and tools:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of milk
Tools:
- A mixing bowl
- An electric mixer or whisk
- A spatula
- A measuring cup and spoons
- A round cake pan or a baking dish that fits in the air fryer
- Parchment paper or cooking spray for greasing the pan
- Tongs or oven mitts for handling the hot pan
Having all the ingredients and tools ready before you start will make the process much smoother. Make sure to double-check your pantry and gather everything you need to avoid any last-minute surprises while preparing the cake in your air fryer.
Prepare the Air Fryer
Before you start making your cake in the air fryer, it’s important to properly prepare the appliance to ensure the cake bakes evenly and comes out delicious.
Step 1: Start by preheating your air fryer to the appropriate temperature as indicated in your cake recipe. This will ensure that the cooking process begins immediately and your cake cooks evenly.
Step 2: Next, line the air fryer basket or baking pan with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the surface and make it easier to remove once it’s cooked.
Step 3: If your cake recipe requires greasing the baking pan, lightly coat the parchment paper or pan with a non-stick cooking spray or a small amount of oil using a pastry brush. Be sure to evenly distribute the grease to prevent any areas of the cake from sticking.
Step 4: Once you’ve prepared the air fryer and the baking pan, you’re ready to start making your cake batter and pour it into the prepared pan. Be careful not to overfill the pan, as the batter may rise during the baking process.
Step 5: Finally, place the prepared baking pan into the preheated air fryer and close the lid. Make sure the pan is centered in the basket to allow for even circulation of hot air during baking.
Pro tip: Every air fryer model is different, so it’s essential to read the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model regarding the maximum capacity, recommended temperature, and cooking time for baking cakes.
Now that you’ve properly prepared your air fryer, you’re ready to move on to the next step: making the cake batter.
Mixing the Cake Batter
To start making a cake in an air fryer, you will first need to gather all the required ingredients. Refer to your desired cake recipe to ensure that you have everything you need.
Next, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for baking a cake. Most air fryers have a designated bake setting or a temperature control that allows you to select the desired temperature.
Once your air fryer is preheating, it’s time to mix the cake batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients such as flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk or a fork to thoroughly blend these ingredients together.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, usually including eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Make sure the wet ingredients are well combined.
Now, create a well in the middle of the bowl with dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the well and gradually incorporate them into the dry mixture. Use a spatula or a whisk to gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until a smooth batter forms.
Be cautious not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense and tough cake. Mix just until all the ingredients are combined, and there are no visible streaks of flour.
If your recipe calls for any additions like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruits, gently fold them into the batter at this point.
Once the cake batter is mixed, it is ready to be poured into the prepared cake pan or the greased air fryer basket. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
Congratulations! You have successfully mixed the cake batter for your air fryer cake. Now, it’s time to bake it in the air fryer according to your recipe’s instructions.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Before you start making your cake batter, it’s important to combine all the dry ingredients. This step ensures that your cake is evenly mixed and free of any lumps. Here’s how to do it:
- Measure out the required amount of all-purpose flour into a mixing bowl. Make sure to level off the flour using a straight edge to get an accurate measurement.
- Add the granulated sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the flour. Whisk the dry ingredients together to distribute them evenly.
- If your recipe calls for any additional dry ingredients, such as cocoa powder or spices, add them to the mixture as well.
- Once all the dry ingredients are in the bowl, use a whisk or spoon to stir them together until thoroughly combined.
- After combining the dry ingredients, create a well in the center of the mixture. This will be used to incorporate the wet ingredients later on.
By combining the dry ingredients first, you ensure that the cake bakes evenly and has a uniform texture. This step is essential for creating a delicious and moist cake in your air fryer.
Add Wet Ingredients
After preparing your dry ingredients, it’s time to add the wet ingredients to the cake batter. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients to ensure they are well combined.
The wet ingredients typically include eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. The number of eggs depends on the recipe, so make sure to follow the instructions accordingly.
Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them lightly with a fork or whisk. Then, gradually pour in the milk, oil, and vanilla extract while continuing to whisk. The oil helps to keep the cake moist, while the vanilla extract adds flavor.
Once the wet ingredients are thoroughly mixed, create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the well and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense and tough cake.
Note: If you’re looking to make a specific type of cake, such as a chocolate cake, you may need to add additional wet ingredients like melted chocolate or cocoa powder. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions accordingly.
Expert Tip
For extra moisture and flavor, you can also add other wet ingredients like sour cream or yogurt to your cake batter. These ingredients can help create a moist and tender cake.
Baking the Cake
Once you have prepared the cake batter according to your recipe, it’s time to start baking in the air fryer. Follow these steps for a successful cake baking experience:
1. Preparing the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to the temperature specified in your recipe. This may vary depending on the type and model of your air fryer. It typically takes around 5 minutes for the air fryer to reach the desired temperature.
2. Greasing the Cake Pan
Grease the cake pan with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent the cake from sticking. Ensure that the pan you are using fits inside the air fryer basket with enough space for air circulation.
3. Pouring the Batter
Slowly pour the prepared cake batter into the greased cake pan. Be careful not to overfill the pan as the cake will rise during baking.
4. Baking Time and Temperature
Place the cake pan into the preheated air fryer basket. Set the timer according to the baking time specified in your recipe. It is recommended to start with the lowest recommended baking time and then check for doneness. If needed, you can add more time in small increments until the cake is fully cooked.
Typically, air fryer cakes cook faster than traditional oven-baked cakes, so keep a close eye on the cooking process.
5. Checking for Doneness
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick or a cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If the toothpick has batter sticking to it, continue baking for a few more minutes and retest.
6. Cooling and Removing the Cake
Once the cake is fully baked, carefully remove it from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs. Place the cake pan on a cooling rack and let it cool for a few minutes. Gently run a butter knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake. Invert the pan onto the cooling rack to release the cake. Allow it to cool completely before frosting or serving.
Remember to adjust the baking time and temperature according to your specific air fryer model and your recipe’s instructions. Practice and experimentation will help you achieve the perfect cake consistency and texture in your air fryer.
Q&A
Can you make a cake in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make a cake in an air fryer. It’s a quick and easy alternative to baking in the oven.
How do you make a cake in an air fryer?
To make a cake in an air fryer, you will need a cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Simply mix the cake mix with the wet ingredients, pour the batter into a greased pan that fits in the air fryer basket, and cook for the recommended time and temperature in the air fryer.
