It’s the question every air fryer enthusiast eventually asks: Can you actually bake a cake in an air fryer? It seems too good to be true. Can that small, powerful basket really replicate the gentle, even heat of a traditional oven to produce a light, fluffy sponge?
.png)
We decided to put this kitchen theory to the test. After a few experiments (and a lot of taste-testing), we have the definitive answer and the ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Baking. Spoiler alert: Not only can you do it, but it might just become your favorite way to bake small-batch treats.
The Science: Why the Air Fryer Works for Cake
An air fryer is essentially a high-powered mini convection oven. Because the space is smaller and the fan is closer to the food, it cooks more efficiently.
The Pros:
No Preheating Hassle: It reaches temperature in minutes.
Moist Texture: The rapid cooking often seals in moisture better than a large oven.
Perfect for Small Batches: Ideal when you don't want to heat up the whole house for one 6-inch cake.
The Cons:
Size Constraints: You’re limited by the size of your basket (usually 6-inch or 7-inch pans).
Top Browning: The heating element is very close to the top, so cakes can brown quickly.
What You’ll Need
To ensure success, don't just pour batter into the basket! You need the right tools:
A Small Cake Pan: A 6-inch round pan fits most standard air fryers.
Parchment Paper: Crucial for easy removal.
Aluminum Foil: Your secret weapon to prevent over-browning.
A Standard Cake Batter: We recommend a classic Vanilla or Chocolate sponge for your first try.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Pan
Grease your 6-inch cake pan thoroughly and line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper. This is even more important in an air fryer, as you’ll be lifting the pan out of a deep basket.
2. Prepare the Batter
Mix your favorite cake recipe as usual. Pro Tip: Don't overfill the pan. Fill it no more than halfway. Air fryer cakes tend to rise rapidly due to the intense heat circulation.
3. Adjust the Temperature
This is the most important rule of air fryer baking: Lower the temperature. If your recipe calls for 350°F (175°C) in a standard oven, set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). The concentrated heat is much more intense than a traditional oven.
4. The "Foil Shield" Technique
Because the heating element is directly above the cake, the top can burn before the middle is set. Cover your pan tightly with aluminum foil for the first 15–20 minutes of baking.
5. Bake and Monitor
Place the pan into the air fryer basket. Bake for a total of 25–30 minutes.
At the 20-minute mark: Remove the foil to allow the top to brown beautifully for the final 5–10 minutes.
6. The Toothpick Test
Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your air fryer cake is a success!
3 Secrets for Air Fryer Baking Success
Don't Block the Air: Ensure there is a little bit of space around the edges of your cake pan so the hot air can reach the bottom.
Use Room Temp Ingredients: Cold eggs or butter can lead to an uneven rise in the fast-cooking environment of the air fryer.
Let it Cool: Because air fryer cakes are often very moist, they need at least 15 minutes in the pan to "set" before you try to flip them out.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Yes! The air fryer produced a cake with a slightly tighter crumb and an incredibly moist interior. While it won't replace your oven for a three-tier wedding cake, for a quick weeknight dessert or a small birthday celebration, it is a total game-changer.
.png&description=Can You Bake a Cake in an Air Fryer? (We Tried It!)){kind=link}