Can I Bake a Cake in an Air Fryer Oven Discover the Surprising Answer

Yes, you can bake a cake in an air fryer oven—and it turns out surprisingly well! With the right settings and a properly sized pan, your air fryer oven can deliver a moist, evenly baked cake in less time than a conventional oven. Just remember to preheat, monitor closely, and adjust temperature slightly lower to avoid over-browning.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake cakes in an air fryer oven with great results.
• Use oven-safe pans that fit your air fryer basket to avoid mess.
• Reduce temperature by 25°F compared to conventional baking for even cooking.
• Check doneness early—air fryers cook faster than traditional ovens.
• Light, fluffy batters work best; avoid overly dense mixes for ideal texture.
• Rotate pans halfway through baking for consistent browning and rise.

The Air Fryer Oven Cake Experiment: What Happened?

Let’s be honest—air fryers have taken over kitchens like a quiet revolution. From crispy fries to juicy chicken wings, they’ve earned their spot on countertops. But here’s the question I asked myself one rainy Sunday: Can I bake a cake in an air fryer oven? I had just pulled a perfectly golden chocolate bundt cake from my conventional oven the week before, and now, with my air fryer oven humming beside me, I wondered if I could achieve the same magic—without preheating, without waiting, and with less energy use.

That curiosity led to a weekend of experiments. I baked everything from mug cakes to layered vanilla sponges, using different pans, temperatures, and batter types. Some were hits. Some… well, let’s just say they’re better left unmentioned. But what I discovered wasn’t just about whether it *can* be done. It was about *how* it can be done well—and when it might be better to stick with your old oven. If you’ve ever stared at your air fryer oven and thought, “Could this do *everything*?”—you’re not alone. And the answer? It’s more surprising than you’d expect.

How Air Fryer Ovens Work (And Why That Matters for Baking)

The Science Behind the Heat

Before we dive into cake recipes, let’s talk about what makes an air fryer oven tick. Unlike traditional ovens that rely on radiant heat (where the walls and heating elements warm the air slowly), air fryer ovens use **convection heating**. A powerful fan circulates hot air rapidly around the food, creating that signature crispy exterior—ideal for fries, chicken, and even roasted vegetables.

But here’s the catch: convection can be a double-edged sword for baking. Cakes rely on even, gentle heat to rise properly and avoid drying out. Rapid air movement can cause the batter to set too quickly on the outside, leading to a dome that cracks or a dense, gummy center. It’s like trying to paint a masterpiece with a firehose—you get coverage, but not always the control you need.

However, modern air fryer ovens (especially the larger, countertop convection-style ones) often have multiple heating elements and adjustable fan speeds. Some even offer a “bake” mode that reduces fan intensity, mimicking a traditional oven. This is key. If your model has a low-fan or “bake” setting, you’ve got a much better shot at cake success.

Temperature and Timing: The Air Fryer Difference

Here’s a practical tip: reduce the temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) when baking in an air fryer oven. Why? The circulating air transfers heat more efficiently, so your cake will cook faster and hotter than in a conventional oven. For example, a recipe calling for 350°F in a regular oven should be set to 325°F in the air fryer. This prevents over-browning and helps the cake cook evenly.

Timing is also shorter. Most cakes take 20–30% less time in an air fryer. A 9-inch round cake that bakes for 30 minutes in a conventional oven might be done in 20–22 minutes in an air fryer. But—and this is critical—check early and often. Use a toothpick or cake tester at the 15-minute mark. The last thing you want is a dry, overbaked cake because you followed a conventional recipe’s timing.

Pro tip: Rotate the pan halfway through if your air fryer has a single heating element at the top or bottom. This helps even out hot spots, especially in older models.

Which Cakes Work Best in an Air Fryer Oven?

Small and Mighty: Single-Serve and Mug Cakes

The air fryer shines with **small, quick-baking cakes**. Think mug cakes, mini loaf cakes, or single-serving desserts. These are perfect for when you’re craving a treat but don’t want to heat a full oven. I tried a classic chocolate mug cake (just flour, sugar, cocoa, milk, oil, and an egg) in a 12-ounce ceramic mug. At 325°F for 8 minutes, it came out moist and springy—no dry edges, no undercooked center. The rapid heat actually helped it rise evenly in the small space.

Mini loaves (like banana or lemon poppyseed) also work well. Use a 5×3-inch loaf pan, fill it halfway, and bake at 325°F for 18–22 minutes. The crust is lightly golden, and the interior stays tender. These are great for meal prepping or gifting—plus, they freeze beautifully.

Layer Cakes: A Delicate Balancing Act

Now, the big question: Can you bake a traditional layer cake in an air fryer oven? The answer is yes—but with caveats. I tested a vanilla sponge recipe in two 6-inch pans. The results? A beautifully risen cake with a soft crumb, but the top was slightly darker than ideal. The solution? I now line the pans with parchment paper and cover the tops with a loose foil tent for the last 10 minutes. This prevents over-browning while allowing the center to cook through.

Key tips for layer cakes:

• Use smaller pans (6-inch or 7-inch)—they fit better and cook more evenly.
• Fill pans no more than 2/3 full to prevent overflow.
• Opt for thicker batters (like pound cake or sour cream-based recipes). They’re less prone to drying out.
• Avoid delicate chiffon or angel food cakes—their light, airy structure collapses under rapid airflow.

Bundt and Tube Pans: The Surprise Winner

Here’s a fun surprise: Bundt cakes often turn out better in air fryer ovens. The central tube promotes even heat distribution, and the intricate design benefits from the circulating air. I baked a lemon-blueberry bundt at 325°F for 28 minutes, and it was the most evenly golden cake I’ve ever made. The edges weren’t burnt, the center wasn’t raw, and the flavor was incredible. Just be sure your bundt pan fits! Most standard 10-cup pans work, but measure first.

Tools, Pans, and Prep: Your Air Fryer Cake Toolkit

Choosing the Right Pans

Not all pans are air fryer-friendly. Here’s what to look for:

• Material: Use dark metal or silicone pans for even browning. Avoid glass—it heats too slowly and can crack under rapid temperature shifts.
• Size: Measure your air fryer’s basket or rack. Most fit 6–8 inch round pans or 5×3-inch loaf pans. Leave at least 1 inch of space around the pan for airflow.
• Depth: Shallow pans (2–3 inches) work best. Deep pans trap steam, leading to a soggy bottom.

Pro tip: Silicone molds are fantastic for mini cakes or cupcakes. They pop out easily, and the flexibility helps prevent sticking.

Prepping the Batter and Pan

Air fryer ovens don’t “breathe” like conventional ovens. Moisture has nowhere to escape, so:

• Grease and flour your pan thoroughly—even nonstick ones. Use butter, oil, or baking spray.
• Add a parchment liner to the bottom for easy removal.
• Don’t overmix the batter—this creates tunnels and uneven texture. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes before baking. This relaxes the gluten, helping the cake rise smoothly.

Monitoring and Testing: The Key to Success

Because air fryer ovens cook faster, check your cake early. Start testing 5 minutes before the recipe’s suggested time. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs—not wet batter. If it’s dry, the cake is overbaked.

Use an oven-safe thermometer if possible. Most cakes are done at 200–210°F (93–99°C) in the center. This is especially helpful for dense cakes like cheesecake or pound cake.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Over-Browning or Burning

Rapid convection heat can turn your cake’s top into a charcoal briquette. To fix it:

• Tent with foil after the first 10–15 minutes.
• Reduce the temperature by another 10–15°F if your model runs hot.
• Use a lower rack position to shield the top from direct heat.

Example: I once baked a carrot cake at 325°F, but the top browned too fast. I tented it at 12 minutes, and it turned out perfectly.

Dense or Gummy Texture

This usually happens when the outside sets too quickly, trapping uncooked batter inside. Solutions:

• Lower the fan speed (if your oven has adjustable settings).
• Bake in a water bath for moist cakes like cheesecake or flourless chocolate cake. Place the pan in a larger dish with 1 inch of hot water.
• Don’t overfill the pan—this causes uneven rising.

Collapsed Cakes

If your cake sinks in the middle, it’s likely due to:

• Opening the air fryer too early—the sudden temperature drop deflates the structure. Wait until the cake is fully set (at least 15 minutes into baking).
• Overmixing—this creates too much air, which escapes during baking.
• Incorrect leavening—check your baking powder/soda for freshness.

Data Table: Air Fryer vs. Conventional Oven Cake Baking

Cake Type	Conventional Oven Time/Temp	Air Fryer Oven Time/Temp	Notes
Mug Cake (8 oz)	10 min / 350°F	6–8 min / 325°F	Use ceramic mug; check at 6 min.
Mini Loaf (5×3 in)	25 min / 350°F	18–22 min / 325°F	Fill 1/2 full; rotate halfway.
6-Inch Layer Cake	30 min / 350°F	20–25 min / 325°F	Tent with foil after 15 min.
Bundt Cake (10-cup)	40 min / 350°F	28–32 min / 325°F	Grease well; check with thermometer.
Cheesecake (6 in)	45 min / 325°F	30–35 min / 300°F	Use water bath; chill overnight.

Final Verdict: Should You Bake Cakes in Your Air Fryer Oven?

So, can you bake a cake in an air fryer oven? Absolutely—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For small cakes, quick treats, or even bundt cakes, the air fryer oven is a game-changer. It’s faster, uses less energy, and often produces more even results than a conventional oven. But for large layer cakes, delicate sponge cakes, or recipes that need precise temperature control (like soufflés), you might still want to reach for your traditional oven.

The real magic lies in understanding your appliance. If your air fryer oven has a “bake” mode, adjustable fan speeds, and multiple rack positions, you’ve got a versatile tool. Experiment with small batches first. Learn how your model handles heat, timing, and airflow. And don’t be afraid to adapt recipes—swap in a smaller pan, reduce the temperature, or tent with foil. Baking is as much about intuition as it is about instructions.

For me, the air fryer oven has earned a permanent spot in my baking routine. I use it for mug cakes on busy mornings, mini loaves for gifts, and even birthday cakes when I’m short on time. But I’ll still fire up the big oven for holiday layer cakes or delicate pastries. The key is knowing which tool to use—and when.

So go ahead, dust off your air fryer oven, grab a recipe, and give it a try. You might just discover your new favorite way to bake. And when that first perfect cake comes out—moist, golden, and delicious—you’ll know the surprising answer was worth the experiment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake a cake in an air fryer oven?

Yes, you absolutely can bake a cake in an air fryer oven! The compact size and rapid circulation of hot air make it a surprisingly effective tool for baking moist, fluffy cakes.

What type of cake works best in an air fryer oven?

Smaller cakes, like single-layer sponge, chocolate, or banana cakes, work best in an air fryer oven due to its size. Dense or quick-bake recipes adapt more easily to the faster cooking process.

Do I need to adjust baking time and temperature when using an air fryer oven?

Yes, you’ll typically need to reduce the temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and shorten the baking time by 5–10 minutes. Always check for doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.

Can I bake a cake in an air fryer oven without a cake pan?

You can use oven-safe ramekins, silicone molds, or even a greased air fryer basket, but a small cake pan (6–7 inches) is ideal for even baking and easy removal.

Why is my cake dry when baked in an air fryer oven?

Air fryer ovens circulate heat intensely, which can dry out cakes if overbaked. Try covering the cake with foil halfway through baking or reducing the time slightly.

Is baking a cake in an air fryer oven healthier than a regular oven?

While the air fryer oven doesn’t inherently make cakes healthier, it uses less energy and cooks faster, which can be a win for efficiency. The cake’s nutritional value depends more on ingredients than the cooking method.