Can All Air Fryers Bake The Ultimate Guide to Air Fryer Baking

Not all air fryers can bake effectively—while most models handle basic baking tasks like cookies and muffins, only those with precise temperature control and even heat distribution can truly bake the ultimate desserts and breads. Check your model’s settings and capacity to ensure it supports true baking functions before attempting more delicate recipes.

Key Takeaways

• Not all air fryers bake: Check for convection settings or baking modes.
• Size matters: Larger baskets handle baking tasks better than compact models.
• Adjust temperatures: Reduce by 25°F to match conventional oven results.
• Use proper bakeware: Choose oven-safe, air-fryer-friendly pans and dishes.
• Rotate food halfway: Ensures even baking in high-velocity air flow.
• Preheat when possible: Improves baking consistency and texture significantly.

Can All Air Fryers Bake? The Ultimate Guide to Air Fryer Baking

Let’s be honest—air fryers have taken over our kitchens. From crispy french fries to juicy chicken wings, they promise the taste of deep frying with a fraction of the oil. But here’s the big question: Can all air fryers bake? It’s a fair one, especially if you’re eyeing that batch of chocolate chip cookies or a fluffy loaf of banana bread. After all, who wouldn’t want one appliance to handle everything?

I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. My air fryer seemed like a one-trick pony—great for reheating leftovers and making snacks, but baking? That felt like a stretch. But after testing dozens of recipes, reading user reviews, and even consulting a few appliance experts, I’ve learned that air fryer baking isn’t just possible—it’s surprisingly versatile. The key lies in understanding how your air fryer works, what features it has, and how to adapt traditional baking methods to its unique environment. So let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know about baking in an air fryer, from the basics to advanced tips and tricks.

How Air Fryers Work: The Science Behind Baking

Convection vs. Conventional Ovens

At first glance, air fryers look like mini convection ovens—and that’s because they basically are. Both use a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air around food, creating a crispy exterior while cooking the inside evenly. But there are key differences that affect how well they bake.

Conventional ovens rely on radiant heat from the top and bottom elements. The air inside is relatively still, so heat transfer happens slowly. This works great for large, dense items like roasts or casseroles but can lead to uneven baking in smaller items.

Air fryers, on the other hand, use rapid air circulation. The fan blows hot air at high speed, which cooks food faster and more evenly. This is perfect for crisping fries or roasting veggies, but it also means delicate baked goods (like cakes or soufflés) can dry out or brown too quickly if you’re not careful.

Pro tip: Think of your air fryer as a turbocharged oven. It’s great for speed, but you may need to adjust temperature and time to avoid overcooking.

Key Components That Affect Baking

Not all air fryers are built the same. Here are the main parts that determine whether your air fryer can bake well:

• Heating element placement: Some models have top-mounted elements, others have bottom or dual elements. Top-mounted ones tend to brown the top of baked goods more quickly.
• Fan strength and placement: A strong, well-placed fan ensures even heat distribution. Weak fans can lead to hot spots.
• Capacity: Smaller baskets (2-3 quarts) may struggle with larger cakes or loaves, while larger models (5+ quarts) offer more flexibility.
• Temperature range: Most air fryers go from 175°F to 400°F, which covers most baking needs. But some high-end models offer lower temps (as low as 100°F) for proofing dough or dehydrating.

For example, I once tried baking a 9-inch cake in my old 2.5-quart air fryer. The cake was so close to the heating element that the top burned before the center was done. Lesson learned: size matters when it comes to air fryer baking.

Which Air Fryers Are Best for Baking?

Air Fryer Types: Basket vs. Oven-Style

Not all air fryers are created equal—and their design plays a big role in how well they bake.

• Basket-style air fryers: These are the most common. They have a pull-out basket, like a deep fryer. Good for small batches (muffins, cookies, mini cakes), but limited space makes larger items tricky. The compact design means heat circulates quickly, which can dry out delicate bakes.
• Air fryer ovens (countertop ovens with air frying): These look like toaster ovens with a fan. They have more space, often with multiple racks, and better heat distribution. Perfect for larger cakes, loaves, or even baking a whole chicken. The extra room means you can bake multiple items at once.

I upgraded from a basket model to an air fryer oven last year, and the difference was night and day. Suddenly, I could bake a proper 9-inch cake without worrying about it touching the heating element. If you’re serious about air fryer baking, an oven-style model is worth the investment.

Key Features to Look For

If you’re shopping for a new air fryer (or evaluating your current one), here are the features that matter most for baking:

• Adjustable temperature in 5°F increments: Baking is all about precision. Being able to set exact temps (like 325°F for cookies) makes a huge difference.
• Preheat function: Just like a regular oven, preheating ensures even baking from the start. Some air fryers have this built-in; others don’t.
• Timer with auto-shutoff: Prevents overcooking, especially important for delicate items like soufflés.
• Accessories: Look for included baking pans, cake inserts, or racks. Some models even come with silicone molds for mini cakes or muffins.
• Even heat distribution: Check reviews for mentions of “hot spots” or “uneven baking.” A well-designed air fryer should cook evenly.

For example, my current air fryer oven has a “bake” preset that automatically adjusts fan speed and heat. It’s not magic, but it takes some of the guesswork out of baking.

Real-World Examples: What Can (and Can’t) Be Baked

Here’s what I’ve successfully baked in my air fryer oven (a 6-quart model with a bake setting):

• Chocolate chip cookies (in silicone molds)
• Banana bread (in a loaf pan)
• Mini cheesecakes (in ramekins)
• Brownies (in a small metal pan)
• Focaccia bread (on a baking sheet)
• Apple crisps (in a ceramic dish)

But there are limits. I’ve not had success with:

• Large layer cakes (they’re too tall for the space)
• Soufflés (the rapid air circulation collapses them)
• Yeast breads (the high fan speed dries out the crust too quickly)
• Very delicate pastries (like phyllo dough)

The takeaway? Air fryers can bake many things, but they’re not a full replacement for a conventional oven—yet.

How to Bake in an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Tips

Choosing the Right Bakeware

Not all pans work in an air fryer. Here’s what to use (and what to avoid):

• Good choices:
  • Metal pans (aluminum, stainless steel)
  • Silicone molds (great for mini cakes, muffins)
  • Oven-safe glass (like Pyrex)
  • Ceramic ramekins
• Avoid:
  • Plastic (it can melt)
  • Non-stick coatings (some can degrade at high temps)
  • Pans with handles that stick out (they won’t fit)

Size matters too. Make sure your pan leaves at least 1 inch of space around the sides for air circulation. If it’s too big, the air won’t flow properly; too small, and your bake might overflow.

Pro tip: Line pans with parchment paper or lightly grease them. Air fryers can make food stick more than regular ovens.

Adjusting Temperature and Time

Here’s the golden rule: Lower the temperature and check early. Air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens, so:

• Reduce the recipe temperature by 25°F. For example, if a cookie recipe says 350°F, bake at 325°F in your air fryer.
• Start checking for doneness 5-10 minutes before the recipe’s suggested time. A toothpick or cake tester is your best friend.
• Use the “shake” test for cookies: Gently shake the pan. If the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly, they’re done.

I once baked brownies at the full recipe temperature (350°F) and ended up with a crispy, overdone top and a gooey center. Lesson learned: always adjust the temp!

Managing Airflow and Heat Distribution

Air fryers rely on airflow, so you need to work with it, not against it.

• Don’t overcrowd the basket or oven. Leave space between items so hot air can circulate.
• Rotate pans halfway through baking if your air fryer has hot spots (common in basket models).
• Use a baking sheet or rack to elevate items. This ensures heat reaches all sides evenly.
• For delicate items (like custards), place the ramekin in a water bath (a larger pan with hot water) to slow down cooking.

For example, when I bake mini cheesecakes, I put the ramekins in a metal pan and fill it with 1 inch of water. The water bath prevents cracking and overcooking.

Common Baking Problems (and How to Fix Them)

Dry or Overcooked Results

Air fryers can dry out baked goods quickly. Here’s how to prevent it:

• Lower the temperature (as mentioned above).
• Shorten baking time and check early.
• Use a cover for the first half of baking. A piece of foil or an oven-safe lid traps moisture.
• Add extra fat (butter, oil, or eggs) to the recipe. This helps retain moisture.

I once baked a chocolate cake that came out dry as a bone. The fix? I now cover it with foil for the first 15 minutes, then remove it to let the top brown.

Uneven Baking or Hot Spots

If your bake is burnt on one side and raw on the other, try these fixes:

• Rotate the pan halfway through baking.
• Use a lower rack position (if your air fryer oven has multiple levels).
• Place a baking sheet on top to shield delicate items from direct heat.
• Choose a pan with low sides to improve airflow.

For example, my air fryer oven has a “top” and “bottom” rack. I bake cakes on the bottom rack to avoid direct heat from the top element.

Food Sticking to the Basket or Pan

Air fryers can be sticky! To prevent this:

• Line pans with parchment paper. It’s a game-changer for cookies and cakes.
• Lightly grease the pan with oil or butter (use a pastry brush for even coverage).
• Let baked goods cool slightly before removing them from the pan. This helps them release easier.

I learned this the hard way when my first batch of muffins glued themselves to the silicone mold. Now I always grease the mold first!

Data Table: Air Fryer Baking vs. Conventional Oven

Factor	Air Fryer Baking	Conventional Oven
Preheat Time	3-5 minutes (fast)	10-15 minutes (slower)
Baking Time	10-25% faster	Standard recipe time
Temperature Adjustment	Reduce by 25°F	Follow recipe exactly
Energy Efficiency	More efficient (smaller space)	Less efficient (larger space)
Best For	Small batches, quick bakes, crispy textures	Large items, delicate bakes, even heat
Cleanup	Easier (smaller parts)	More involved (larger surfaces)

This table sums up the key differences. Notice how air fryers excel at speed and efficiency but require adjustments for best results.

The Verdict: Can All Air Fryers Bake?

So, back to the original question: Can all air fryers bake? The short answer is: most can, but not all are great at it. Here’s the breakdown:

• Basket-style air fryers: Can bake small items (cookies, muffins, mini cakes) but struggle with larger or delicate bakes. The compact space and rapid airflow can dry things out or create hot spots.
• Air fryer ovens: The real baking champions. With more space, better heat distribution, and advanced features, they handle a wider range of recipes—from brownies to focaccia.
• Key limitations: Air fryers aren’t ideal for very large items (like layer cakes), delicate pastries, or recipes that need precise, low-and-slow heat (like soufflés).

But here’s the good news: you don’t need a “baking” air fryer to bake successfully. With the right adjustments—lower temperature, shorter time, proper bakeware, and airflow management—you can bake a surprising variety of treats in most air fryers.

I’ve baked everything from chocolate chip cookies to banana bread in my air fryer, and while it’s not perfect, it’s a fantastic tool for small-batch baking, quick desserts, and crispy textures. It’s also energy-efficient, easy to clean, and doesn’t heat up my kitchen like a conventional oven.

The key is to embrace the learning curve. Start with simple recipes (like cookies or muffins), adjust the temperature and time, and keep notes on what works. Over time, you’ll figure out your air fryer’s quirks and develop your own baking “sweet spots.”

And remember: air fryer baking is a skill, not a science. Don’t get discouraged if your first batch of brownies is a little dry or your cake has a dome. Every mistake is a lesson, and every success is a win. So grab your air fryer, preheat it, and start baking. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite way to make cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all air fryers bake like a traditional oven?

Most modern air fryers can bake, but performance varies by model. While they circulate hot air to mimic convection ovens, smaller baskets or lower wattage may limit baking capacity for large items like whole chickens.

What types of baking can you do in an air fryer?

You can bake cookies, muffins, casseroles, and even small cakes in most air fryers. However, recipes requiring precise temperature control (e.g., delicate pastries) may need adjustments compared to conventional ovens.

Do all air fryers have a “bake” setting?

Not all air fryers have a dedicated air fryer bake mode—many use manual time/temperature settings instead. Check your model’s presets or use the manual mode (325°F–350°F) for baking tasks.

Can air fryers bake frozen foods?

Yes, air fryers excel at baking frozen foods like fries, pizza rolls, or pastries. Preheating isn’t always required, and cook times are typically shorter than conventional ovens.

Why is my baked food soggy in an air fryer?

Sogginess often occurs from overcrowding the basket or excess moisture. Use a single layer, lightly oil foods, and avoid covering them to ensure crisp, even results.

What accessories help with baking in an air fryer?

Silicone liners, baking pans, and metal racks improve airflow and heat distribution. These accessories let you bake smaller items (like cupcakes) without losing space to the basket’s design.