Can You Bake a Cake in an Air Fryer?

Air fryers are famous for one thing: getting food ready fast. 

Whether you’re craving some delicious chicken nuggets or crispy fries, it can prepare your favorite food in about 10 to 20 minutes. But what about desserts? 

Can you bake a cake in an air fryer? Is it possible to satisfy your sweet tooth just as fast?

Well, if you’ve been wondering about this, we have good news – yes, you can! 

But hold on, you need to know a few tricks to bake successfully in an air fryer. And in today’s post, I will tell you exactly what they are. I will also tell you about the best air fryer to use for your baking adventures. Let’s get started!

Can You Bake a Cake in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can bake a cake in an air fryer! It’s a bit different from using an oven, but it’s totally possible. Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around it, which can work just like an oven but faster. 

Baking in an air fryer is handy because it’s quicker and uses less energy than heating up a big oven. Plus, if you don’t have much space in your kitchen, it’s a great option. 

Just keep in mind that you might need to adjust your recipe a bit and keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking to make sure it turns out just right!

How to Bake a Cake in an Air Fryer? A Step-by-Step Guide 

Baking a cake in an air fryer is a convenient alternative to using a traditional oven. While the process is similar, there are a few adjustments you’ll need to make to ensure your cake turns out perfectly. Follow this step-by-step guide to bake a delicious cake in your air fryer.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, gather all the ingredients you’ll need to bake your cake. This includes:

• Cake mix (like Betty Crocker) or ingredients for homemade cake batter
• Oil or butter for greasing the cake pan
• Any additional ingredients specified in your recipe, such as eggs, milk, or flavorings

Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to the temperature specified in your recipe, usually around 325°F to 350°F (160°C to 175°C). This ensures that the air fryer is at the right temperature when you put the cake in.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

If you’re using a cake mix, follow the instructions on the box to prepare the batter. If you’re making a homemade cake batter, mix together the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another, then combine them until smooth.

Step 4: Grease the Cake Pan

Grease the cake pan generously with oil or butter to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easier removal of the cake after baking.

Step 5: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased cake pan. Spread it out evenly using a spatula to ensure that the cake bakes uniformly. Tap it a few times to release air bubbles.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Carefully place the cake pan into the preheated air fryer basket. Close the air fryer and set the timer according to your recipe’s instructions. 

Typically, cakes baked in an air fryer will take less time than in a conventional oven (around 15 to 25 minutes), so monitor the baking process closely.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

About halfway through the baking time (15 minutes), check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, the cake is ready. If not, continue baking, checking every few minutes until done.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once the cake is fully baked, carefully remove it from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs. Allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve the cake as desired.

Air Fryer Baking Tips for Success

• Adjust Baking Time: All air fryers are different and they cook food faster than traditional ovens. So, you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly. Keep a close eye on the cake to prevent overcooking.

• Experiment with Recipes: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cake recipes in your air fryer. While some recipes may require more adjustments than others, many can be successfully used for air fryer baking like Betty Crocker cake mixes.

• Grease the Pan Well: Properly greasing the cake pan is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking. If you don’t have butter or oil, use air fryer-safe cooking spray. Also, don’t forget to line the pan with parchment paper.

• Monitor the Temperature: Check the temperature of your air fryer periodically to ensure it stays consistent throughout the baking process. If necessary, adjust the temperature to maintain the desired level.

With these simple steps and tips in mind, you’ll be able to bake a delicious and moist cake in your air fryer with ease!

Ninja AF101: The Best Air Fryer for Baking Cake

Before you go, I want to tell you one very important thing about air frying baking – the type of air fryer you have matters a lot.

Some air fryers are simply not robust enough to provide even heating for long periods (like 30 to 40 minutes). They might burn your cakes from the edges while the center is still gooey and underbaked. 

So, if you use an air fryer more than an oven, I highly recommend you invest in a high-quality yet totally affordable air fryer like this Ninja AF101. 

It has a 4-quart big non-stick basket that fits a 6 to 7-inch cake pan easily. You can use any brand of cake pan in it or pour the batter directly into the basket. It would come out perfect every single time!

It also has a wide temperature range (105°F to 400°F) and a powerful heating system. You can use it to bake cakes, brownies, pizza, and even breads. This air fryer is without a doubt the best replacement for an oven.

Here’s what people are saying about it:

And you know what’s the best part? This reliable Ninja air fryer is currently at a 31% discount. Its original retail price is $129 but you can get it for just $89.95!

That’s pretty affordable considering the energy spent using an oven. 

FAQs

Are air fryers good for baking cakes?

Yes, air fryers are good for baking cakes. They cook cakes evenly and can produce delicious results, although the texture may differ slightly from oven-baked cakes.

Can I use a regular cake pan in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use a regular cake pan in an air fryer. Just ensure that the pan fits comfortably inside the air fryer basket and adjust the baking time as needed.

How long does it take to bake a cake in an air fryer?

The time to bake a cake in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and size of the cake. Typically, it takes around 20 to 30 minutes. I recommend checking the cake after every 15 minutes. 

Can you make an air fryer cake without pan?

Yes, you can make a cake directly in the air fryer basket. But it’s kind of risky – especially if you don’t keep a close eye on the time. 

What’s the best temperature to bake cake in an air fryer?

Temperature varies with recipes and air fryer models. However, according to my findings, 325°F works the best.