Easy Air Fryer Cake
Making a cake in an air fryer is faster than using a conventional oven and requires much less preheating time. However, you need to choose the right temperature and cake tin because the cooking chamber is smaller and the hot air circulates more intensely.
With the right proportions and cooking time, you can make a cake that is just as light and fluffy as one baked in a traditional oven. Don´t miss our Cookies and Cinnamon Apples.
Why Make Cake in an Air Fryer Instead of an Oven?
An air fryer heats its cooking chamber much faster than a conventional oven, so it requires very little preheating and can significantly reduce the total cooking time.
Because the cooking space is small, heat reaches the cake tin quickly and efficiently. This can help the cake rise evenly without having to worry as much about one side browning faster than the other.
Ingredients for a Basic Air Fryer Cake
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 3 |
| Sugar | 150 g |
| All-purpose flour | 180 g |
| Sunflower oil | 100 ml |
| Milk | 80 ml |
| Baking powder | 1 packet (16 g) |
| Lemon zest (optional) | 1 lemon |
These quantities are designed for a cake tin approximately 15–17 cm in diameter, which is a size that generally fits well inside a standard air fryer basket.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Cake
1. Beat the Eggs and Sugar
Beat the eggs and sugar together for approximately 2–3 minutes, until the mixture becomes lighter in color and increases noticeably in volume.
This step is important for achieving a light and fluffy cake, so don’t rush it.
2. Add the Oil and Milk
Slowly pour in the sunflower oil while continuing to mix.
Then add the milk.
Mix at a low speed to avoid knocking too much air out of the egg and sugar mixture.
3. Add the Sifted Flour and Baking Powder
Sift the flour together with the baking powder.
Add the dry ingredients in two or three batches, folding gently after each addition.
Sifting helps prevent lumps and contributes to a lighter batter.
If you are using lemon zest, add it at this stage.
4. Prepare the Cake Tin
Use an air fryer-safe cake tin made from metal, silicone or heat-resistant glass.
Make sure it fits inside the basket while leaving approximately 1–2 cm of space around it so that air can circulate.
Grease the tin thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
5. Cook at 160°C for 25–35 Minutes
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and place it in the preheated air fryer basket.
Cook at 160°C for approximately 25–35 minutes.
The temperature should be lower than what you would normally use in a conventional oven because the air fryer concentrates hot air in a smaller space.
If the temperature is too high, the outside can brown before the center has had enough time to cook.
6. Check the Cake With a Toothpick
Start checking the cake from around the 25-minute mark.
Insert a toothpick into the center.
If it comes out clean or with only a few dry crumbs, the cake is ready.
If the toothpick comes out wet, cook for another 5 minutes and check again.
Temperature and Cooking Time by Cake Type
| Cake Type | Temperature | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| Classic yogurt or lemon cake | 160°C | 25–35 minutes |
| Chocolate cake | 155°C | 28–35 minutes |
| Carrot cake | 160°C | 30–38 minutes |
| Individual mini cakes | 165°C | 12–15 minutes |
Cooking times can vary depending on the size and material of the cake tin and the specific air fryer model.
Tips for a Fluffy Air Fryer Cake
Don’t Open the Air Fryer During the First 15 Minutes
Avoid opening the basket during the early stages of cooking.
A sudden drop in temperature can cause the cake to collapse before the center has properly set.
Cover the Top if It Browns Too Quickly
If the surface becomes dark while the center is still undercooked, loosely cover the top with aluminum foil.
This can help prevent excessive browning while allowing the center more time to cook.
Make sure the foil is securely positioned and cannot come into contact with the heating element.
Use a Cake Tin Smaller Than the Basket
Never use a cake tin that fits tightly against the sides of the basket.
The hot air needs enough space to circulate around the cake tin for more even cooking.
Let the Cake Rest Before Removing It From the Tin
Allow the cake to cool for approximately 5–10 minutes inside the tin before removing it.
This gives the structure time to settle and reduces the risk of the cake breaking when you turn it out.
You can try our Air Fryer Donuts.
Common Mistakes When Making Cake in an Air Fryer
Using the Same Temperature as a Conventional Oven
Air fryers often require a temperature around 15–20°C lower than a traditional oven.
Using too high a temperature can cause the outside to brown quickly while leaving the center undercooked.
Choosing a Cake Tin That Is Too Large
A tin that is too large for the basket can restrict airflow and cause uneven cooking.
Choose a tin that leaves some space around the edges.
Constantly Opening the Basket
Every time you open the air fryer, heat escapes.
Repeatedly checking the cake can extend the cooking time and may cause the center to sink.
Not Checking the Center With a Toothpick
Air fryer cooking times can vary considerably.
Rather than relying only on the clock, check the center of the cake with a toothpick before removing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Temperature Should You Use for Cake in an Air Fryer?
Most cakes work well between 155°C and 165°C.
This is generally around 15–20°C lower than the temperature used for similar cakes in a conventional oven because the air fryer concentrates hot air in a smaller cooking chamber.
How Long Does a Cake Take in an Air Fryer?
A standard medium-sized cake generally takes around 25–35 minutes.
The exact cooking time depends on the cake tin, the amount of batter, the ingredients and the power of your air fryer.
What Type of Cake Tin Can You Use in an Air Fryer?
You can generally use any oven-safe cake tin that fits comfortably inside the basket and leaves enough room for air circulation.
Metal, silicone and heat-resistant glass tins can all work, provided they are suitable for the temperature being used.
Why Is My Air Fryer Cake Raw in the Middle?
This usually happens because the temperature was too high.
The outside can brown before the center has enough time to cook.
Try lowering the temperature slightly and extending the cooking time. Check the center with a toothpick before removing the cake.
Do You Need to Preheat the Air Fryer for Cake?
Yes, preheating is recommended.
Preheat the air fryer for approximately 3–5 minutes at the intended cooking temperature before placing the cake tin inside.
This allows the cake to begin cooking immediately and can help it rise more consistently.
Can You Make Chocolate Cake in an Air Fryer?
Yes.
You can use essentially the same method as for a classic cake, but it is often helpful to reduce the temperature slightly.
Cocoa makes the surface darker, which can make the cake look fully cooked before the center is actually done, so always check the middle with a toothpick.
Conclusion
Making a homemade cake in an air fryer is a practical alternative to using a conventional oven, especially when you want to prepare a small cake without heating up the entire kitchen.
The most important factors are choosing the right-sized cake tin, using a moderate temperature and giving the cake enough time to cook through.
For a basic cake, 160°C for around 25–35 minutes is a good starting point.
Remember not to open the air fryer during the first 15 minutes, and always check the center with a toothpick before removing the cake.
Once you get used to your particular air fryer, you can easily adjust the temperature and cooking time to create fluffy homemade cakes with your favorite flavors.
