Can I Cook a Cake in the Air Fryer Discover How

Yes, you can absolutely cook a cake in the air fryer—it’s a game-changer for quick, evenly baked desserts with a perfectly moist center and lightly crisp edges. With the right pan and timing, your air fryer transforms into a compact oven ideal for single-serve cakes or full-sized treats in under 30 minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake cakes in most air fryers with proper settings.
• Use oven-safe pans that fit comfortably inside your air fryer basket.
• Preheat for best results to ensure even baking and proper rise.
• Reduce temperature by 25°F compared to conventional oven recipes.
• Check doneness early—air fryers cook faster than traditional ovens.
• Light, fluffy batters work best; avoid overly dense cake mixes.

Can I Cook a Cake in the Air Fryer? Discover How

Let’s face it—life moves fast. We’re all looking for ways to make cooking faster, easier, and still delicious. That’s why air fryers have become a kitchen staple. They promise crispy fries, juicy chicken, and even reheated leftovers without the mess of oil. But here’s a question I get all the time from curious home cooks: Can I cook a cake in the air fryer? I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. Cakes need gentle heat, right? They rise, they brown, they need that oven-like environment. So how could a tiny, rapid-air-circulating machine possibly handle something so delicate?

Well, after testing over 20 cake recipes in my air fryer—from dense chocolate brownies to fluffy vanilla sponge—I’ve learned a lot. The short answer? Yes, you absolutely can cook a cake in the air fryer. But it’s not as simple as just dumping batter in and hitting “bake.” There’s a method to the madness. Whether you’re short on oven space, living in a small apartment, or just want to try something new, air fryer cakes might just become your new favorite kitchen hack. Let’s dive into how it works, what works best, and what you should avoid to avoid a gooey, burnt mess.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why They Can Handle Cake)

Before we jump into recipes, let’s understand why an air fryer can cook cake—and why it’s different from a traditional oven.

The Science of Air Circulation

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food. A heating element warms the air, and a high-speed fan blows it around the food. This creates a convection effect—similar to a convection oven—but in a much smaller space. The result? Food cooks faster and more evenly, with a crisp exterior and moist interior. For cakes, this means the outside sets quickly, while the inside bakes through without drying out… if you control the temperature and time.

Temperature Control: The Key to Success

Most air fryers have adjustable temperature settings, typically from 175°F to 400°F (80°C to 200°C). For cakes, you’ll rarely go above 320°F (160°C). Why? Cakes need gentle, even heat to rise properly. Too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside cooks. Too cool, and the cake won’t set. I’ve found that 300–320°F (150–160°C) is the sweet spot for most cakes.

Size and Shape Matter

Air fryers come in different sizes (3–8 quarts), and most have round or square baskets. This affects how you bake. A round cake pan fits better in a round basket. A square one might work in a square model. But here’s a tip: use a small, oven-safe pan or silicone mold that fits with at least 1–2 inches of clearance around the sides. This ensures air circulates evenly and prevents burning.

Pro tip: I once tried using a regular 9-inch pan in my 6-quart air fryer. The edges burned, and the center was still liquid. Lesson learned: scale down or use a smaller pan (6-inch or 7-inch works best).

What Types of Cakes Work Best in an Air Fryer?

Not all cakes are created equal—and not all will thrive in an air fryer. Some do beautifully. Others? Not so much. Here’s what I’ve tested and what I recommend.

1. Dense Cakes and Brownies

These are perfect for air fryers. Think chocolate lava cake, brownies, banana bread, or lemon bars. Their thick batter holds up well to rapid air circulation, and the dense texture benefits from the even, gentle heat.

• Example: I made a fudgy chocolate brownie using a boxed mix. Baked at 310°F for 20 minutes. The edges were crisp, the center was gooey—just like a bakery.
• Tip: Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Single-Layer Sponge Cakes

Light and fluffy vanilla or lemon sponge cakes work great—if you use a small pan. I used a 6-inch springform pan and baked a vanilla sponge at 300°F for 25 minutes. It rose beautifully, with a golden top and a springy texture.

• Watch out: Avoid overmixing the batter. Air fryers can’t “fix” a deflated cake.
• Bonus: No need to rotate the pan. The air circulates evenly.

3. Mug Cakes (Yes, Really!)

One of my favorite discoveries: air fryer mug cakes. These are single-serving, ready in 10 minutes, and perfect for late-night cravings. Just mix flour, sugar, cocoa, milk, and oil in a microwave-safe mug, then air fry at 320°F for 8–10 minutes.

• My go-to: 2 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp cocoa, 1/4 tsp baking powder, 3 tbsp milk, 1 tbsp oil. Top with chocolate chips.
• Note: Use a mug that’s at least 10 oz to prevent overflow.

4. What Doesn’t Work: Layer Cakes and Angel Food

Here’s where things get tricky. Layer cakes (like birthday cakes) are too tall for most air fryers. The top will burn before the bottom sets. Angel food cakes need a tube pan and a slow, even rise—something air fryers struggle with due to rapid heat.

• Alternative: Bake one layer at a time, or use a bundt-style silicone mold (smaller versions work).
• Verdict: Stick to single-layer or small-batch cakes.

Step-by-Step: How to Bake a Cake in Your Air Fryer

Ready to try it yourself? Here’s a foolproof method I’ve refined through trial and error.

Step 1: Choose the Right Pan

Use an oven-safe metal, silicone, or ceramic pan that fits in your air fryer with room to spare. I recommend:

• 6-inch springform pan (for cakes)
• 7-inch round cake pan (for brownies or bars)
• Silicone molds (for cupcakes or mini cakes)
• Heatproof mugs (for single servings)

Never use plastic or non-stick pans not rated for high heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Grease the pan with butter or cooking spray. For easier removal, line the bottom with parchment paper (cut to fit). For silicone molds, you can skip greasing—they release easily.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

Use your favorite recipe or a boxed mix. For air fryer baking, I suggest:

• Reduce liquids slightly (air fryers dry out batter faster)
• Add 1–2 extra tablespoons of oil or butter for moisture
• Don’t overmix—stop when ingredients are just combined

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Always preheat for 3–5 minutes at 300°F (150°C). This ensures even cooking from the start. I learned this the hard way—my first cake was lopsided because the air fryer was still warming up.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the pan. Don’t overfill—leave 1/2 inch at the top to allow for rising. Place the pan in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature and time:

• Dense cakes (brownies, banana bread): 310°F for 18–22 minutes
• Sponge cakes (vanilla, lemon): 300°F for 22–28 minutes
• Mug cakes: 320°F for 8–10 minutes

Check early. Start testing at 18 minutes. Insert a toothpick—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done. If it’s wet, add 2–3 minutes at a time.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack. This prevents condensation from making the bottom soggy. For mug cakes, just eat straight from the mug (if you can wait!).

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here’s what I’ve messed up—and how to avoid it.

1. Overcooking the Edges

Problem: The cake is burnt on the outside but raw in the middle.

• Cause: Too high temperature or too long cooking time.
• Fix: Lower the temp to 300°F and check every 2–3 minutes after the first 15. Use a toothpick or cake tester.
• Pro tip: Cover the top with foil halfway through if browning too fast.

2. Dry, Crumbly Texture

Problem: The cake tastes dry and falls apart.

• Cause: Air fryers remove moisture quickly. Also, overbaking.
• Fix: Add extra fat (oil, butter, or applesauce) to the batter. Reduce cooking time by 2–3 minutes. Brush the top with simple syrup after baking for extra moisture.

3. Cake Doesn’t Rise

Problem: The cake is flat and dense.

• Cause: Overmixing, old baking powder, or opening the basket too soon.
• Fix: Use fresh leavening agents. Mix batter just until combined. Never open the basket during the first 15 minutes. The sudden temperature drop can collapse the cake.

4. Pan Sticks or Breaks

Problem: The cake sticks to the pan or the pan cracks.

• Cause: Poor greasing or using a non-oven-safe pan.
• Fix: Always grease and line with parchment. Use only oven-safe pans (check manufacturer guidelines). Silicone molds are safest.

5. Uneven Baking

Problem: One side is darker or denser.

• Cause: Poor air circulation or a pan that’s too large.
• Fix: Use a smaller pan with clearance. Avoid overcrowding the basket. If your air fryer has a rack, use it to elevate the pan slightly.

Data Table: Air Fryer Cake Baking Times & Temperatures

To help you plan, here’s a quick-reference table based on my testing. Times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and batter density.

Cake Type	Pan Size	Temperature	Cook Time	Doneness Test
Chocolate Brownie	7-inch round	310°F (155°C)	18–22 min	Toothpick has moist crumbs
Vanilla Sponge	6-inch springform	300°F (150°C)	22–28 min	Toothpick clean, springs back
Banana Bread	6-inch loaf pan	310°F (155°C)	20–25 min	Toothpick clean
Lemon Mug Cake	10-oz mug	320°F (160°C)	8–10 min	Surface is set, no jiggle
Red Velvet (single layer)	6-inch round	300°F (150°C)	24–27 min	Toothpick clean
Carrot Cake (bars)	7-inch square	310°F (155°C)	20–24 min	Toothpick clean

Note: Always preheat. Start checking 2–3 minutes before the minimum time. Let cakes rest 5 minutes before removing from the pan.

Final Thoughts: Is Air Fryer Cake Worth It?

So, can you cook a cake in the air fryer? Absolutely. And in many cases, it’s not just possible—it’s better. Air fryer cakes bake faster, use less energy, and are perfect for small households or quick treats. I’ve made birthday cakes for my kids using a single layer in the air fryer, and they loved them. No need to heat up the whole oven on a hot day.

But it’s not a magic solution. You need to adapt your approach. Smaller pans, lower temperatures, and careful timing are key. Avoid delicate, multi-layer cakes. Stick to dense, moist, or single-layer recipes. And don’t be afraid to experiment—I’ve turned boxed mixes into air fryer masterpieces with just a few tweaks.

What I love most is the convenience. No preheating for 20 minutes. No waiting for the oven to cool down. Just mix, pour, air fry, and enjoy. It’s perfect for dorm rooms, RVs, or anyone who wants to bake without the fuss.

So go ahead—grab your air fryer, pick a recipe, and give it a try. You might just discover your new favorite way to bake. And if your first cake is a little lopsided? That’s okay. Mine was too. The important thing is: you tried. And now you know how to do it better next time.

Happy baking—and happy air frying!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook a cake in the air fryer without it drying out?

Yes, you can cook a cake in the air fryer while keeping it moist! The key is to avoid overcooking by using a lower temperature (around 320°F) and checking doneness 5–10 minutes before the recipe’s suggested time.

What type of cake recipes work best in an air fryer?

Dense, moist cakes like pound cake, banana bread, or lava cakes are ideal for air frying. Lighter sponge cakes may dry out faster, but using a liner and monitoring time can help achieve success.

Do I need special equipment to make a cake in the air fryer?

A small, round, oven-safe pan (6–7 inches) or heatproof silicone mold fits most air fryer baskets. Always check your air fryer’s manual for compatible bakeware and avoid covering the cake with foil to allow even airflow.

How long does it take to cook a cake in the air fryer?

Most air fryer cakes take 15–25 minutes, depending on size and recipe. Use a toothpick to test for doneness—insert it into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!

Can I cook a boxed cake mix in the air fryer?

Absolutely! You can cook a boxed cake mix in the air fryer by following the mix instructions but reducing the temperature by 25°F. Pour the batter into a greased pan and air fry for 18–22 minutes.

Why does my air fryer cake sink in the middle?

This usually happens from opening the basket too early or overmixing the batter. Let the cake cook uninterrupted for the first 75% of time, and avoid shaking the basket to ensure even rising.