Can I Bake Cakes in an Air Fryer Discover the Surprising Truth

Yes, you can bake cakes in an air fryer—and they come out surprisingly moist and fluffy with a perfectly golden crust. This space-saving method cuts baking time by up to 25% while delivering consistent results, making it a game-changer for small kitchens or quick desserts.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake cakes in an air fryer—it’s faster and energy-efficient.
• Use oven-safe pans to fit the air fryer basket safely.
• Adjust temperature to 320°F for even baking and perfect browning.
• Reduce cooking time by 20% compared to conventional ovens.
• Check doneness early with a toothpick to avoid over-baking.
• Ideal for small cakes—single-layer or mug cakes work best.
• Experiment with recipes to master air fryer baking techniques.

The Air Fryer Cake Experiment: What I Learned

Let me tell you about the day I decided to bake a cake in my air fryer. I was scrolling through social media when I saw a photo of a perfectly golden, fluffy vanilla cake with the caption, “Made in my air fryer in 20 minutes!” I paused. Could this be real? I’d been using my air fryer for crispy chicken wings, roasted veggies, and even reheating pizza, but can I bake cakes in an air fryer and get results as good as a traditional oven?

Curious and skeptical, I pulled out my trusty cake recipe, grabbed a small round pan that fit inside the basket, and set the temperature. The result? A cake that was… interesting. Not perfect, but not a total disaster either. That experiment sparked a deeper dive into the world of air fryer baking. Turns out, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s a mix of science, technique, and a little kitchen creativity. In this post, I’ll share everything I’ve learned—from the best cake types to try, how to avoid common pitfalls, and whether it’s worth ditching your oven for dessert.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why It Matters for Cakes)

Before we jump into recipes, let’s talk about how air fryers actually work. It’s key to understanding whether you can bake cakes in an air fryer—and how to do it right.

The Science Behind Air Frying

An air fryer is essentially a mini convection oven. It uses a heating element and a powerful fan to circulate hot air around food. This rapid circulation creates a crispy, golden exterior while cooking the inside evenly. Think of it like a turbocharged oven, but in a compact, countertop-friendly package.

For savory foods like fries or chicken, this works wonders. But cakes? They’re a different beast. Traditional cake baking relies on gentle, steady heat that rises from the bottom and surrounds the batter. Air fryers, on the other hand, blast heat from all directions. This can lead to over-browning on the top or sides before the center is fully cooked.

Key takeaway: Air fryers cook faster and hotter than ovens. This means you’ll need to adjust time, temperature, and even pan placement to avoid a dry, burnt, or undercooked cake.

Heat Distribution: The Cake Challenge

Here’s where things get tricky. In a conventional oven, heat radiates from the walls and bottom, creating a stable environment. In an air fryer, the fan forces hot air to hit the cake from above, below, and the sides. This can cause:

• Uneven browning: The top crust forms too quickly, trapping steam inside and preventing even rise.
• Overcooked edges: The sides of the cake cook faster than the center, leading to a dry texture.
• Collapsed cakes: If the top sets too fast, the middle can’t expand, causing the cake to sink.

But don’t worry—there are ways to work around this. I’ll share my tested tips later.

Size and Shape Limitations

Most air fryers have a small cooking basket (typically 3–6 quarts). This means you’re limited to small cakes or cupcakes. A standard 9-inch round cake? Forget it. But mini bundt cakes, single-layer 6-inch rounds, or even mug cakes? Absolutely doable.

I once tried baking a double-layer 8-inch cake in my 5-quart air fryer. The pan barely fit, and the top layer touched the heating element. The result? A charred top and a gooey center. Lesson learned: always measure your pan and leave at least 1 inch of clearance around the edges.

Best Cakes to Bake in an Air Fryer (And Which to Avoid)

Not all cakes are created equal when it comes to air fryer baking. Some thrive in the rapid heat, while others are better left to the oven.

Top 5 Air Fryer-Friendly Cakes

1. Vanilla Mug Cake: The easiest and most reliable. Mix 3 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp sugar, 1/4 tsp baking powder, 1 egg, 2 tbsp milk, and 1 tbsp oil in a microwave-safe mug. Pour into a greased ramekin and air fry at 320°F for 12–15 minutes. Top with powdered sugar or berries.
2. Chocolate Lava Cake: Dense, gooey, and perfect for the air fryer’s intense heat. Use a silicone mold to prevent sticking. Bake at 330°F for 10–12 minutes for a molten center.
3. Mini Bundt Cakes: The ridges help heat distribute evenly. Try a lemon-poppyseed or red velvet recipe. Bake at 325°F for 18–22 minutes.
4. Banana Bread: Moist and forgiving. Use a 6-inch loaf pan or divide batter into muffin cups. Bake at 315°F for 25–30 minutes.
5. Cheesecake (Yes, really!): A 6-inch New York-style cheesecake works beautifully. Bake at 300°F for 20–25 minutes, then chill overnight. The air fryer prevents cracks!

Cakes That Struggle (And Why)

• Light, airy sponge cakes: The rapid heat can collapse delicate structures. Angel food cake? Not ideal.
• Large layer cakes: The size and height make them prone to uneven cooking. Stick to single layers.
• High-sugar cakes (e.g., pound cake): Sugar caramelizes quickly in the air fryer, leading to burnt edges before the center is done.
• Cakes with delicate frostings: The heat can melt buttercream or whipped cream. Frost after cooling completely.

Pro tip: Always start with recipes labeled “air fryer” or “small batch.” They’re designed for the unique conditions of your machine.

Step-by-Step: How to Bake a Cake in an Air Fryer (Without Disaster)

Ready to try it yourself? Follow these steps to avoid the common mistakes I made.

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Grease your pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. For extra insurance, line the bottom with parchment paper. I use a 6-inch round cake pan for most recipes—it fits snugly in my 5-quart air fryer with room to spare.

Why it matters: Air fryers cook from all sides, so a sticky pan can ruin the cake’s shape when you remove it.

Step 2: Adjust the Temperature

Lower the temperature by 25°F from your recipe’s oven setting. For example, if a cake bakes at 350°F in the oven, set your air fryer to 325°F. This prevents over-browning.

I once forgot to adjust and ended up with a cake that looked like a charcoal briquette. Not my finest moment.

Step 3: Shield the Top (If Needed)

Halfway through baking, place a small piece of aluminum foil loosely over the top. This blocks direct heat from the fan and prevents the crust from forming too quickly.

When to skip it: For dense cakes like banana bread or lava cakes, you might not need foil—they benefit from the top heat.

Step 4: Check for Doneness Early

Air fryers cook faster than ovens. Start checking 5–10 minutes before the recipe’s suggested time. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs), it’s done. If it’s wet, add 2–3 minutes at a time.

My rule: better slightly underdone than overdone. A cake can firm up as it cools, but you can’t un-burn it.

Step 5: Cool and Frost

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Frost only when completely cool. I learned this the hard way when my chocolate frosting melted into a puddle. (RIP, beautiful cake.)

Pro Tips and Tricks from a Home Baker

After dozens of experiments, I’ve picked up some game-changing tips.

Use the Right Pan Material

Metal pans conduct heat quickly—great for even baking, but they can cause hot spots. Silicone molds are safer for delicate cakes (like cheesecake) because they distribute heat gently. I use both, depending on the recipe.

My favorite combo: A 6-inch metal round pan for chocolate cake (for crisp edges) and silicone bundt molds for lemon cake (to prevent sticking).

Don’t Overfill the Basket

Leave at least 1 inch of space around the pan for air circulation. If the cake touches the sides or top, it’ll cook unevenly or even burn. I once tried baking two mini cakes at once. One was perfect; the other was raw in the middle. Now I bake one at a time.

Embrace the “Mini” Trend

Smaller cakes bake more evenly. Try:

• Cupcakes (bake at 320°F for 12–15 minutes)
• Mini loaves (use a silicone loaf mold)
• Mug cakes (ready in under 15 minutes)

Bonus: they’re perfect for portion control!

Monitor Moisture Levels

Air fryers can dry out cakes faster than ovens. To keep them moist:

• Add an extra 1–2 tbsp of oil or milk to the batter.
• Bake at a lower temperature (315–330°F).
• Cover with foil for the last 5 minutes.

I now add 1 tbsp of sour cream to my vanilla mug cake. The result? A tender, moist crumb that rivals oven-baked cakes.

Clean Your Air Fryer First

Residue from previous meals (like garlic or fish) can flavor your cake. Wipe the basket and heating element with a damp cloth before baking. Trust me—you don’t want a cake that tastes like last night’s salmon.

Data: Air Fryer vs. Oven Cake Performance

To settle the debate, I tested the same vanilla cake recipe in my air fryer and my oven. Here’s what happened:

Metric	Air Fryer (325°F)	Oven (350°F)
Baking Time	18 minutes	25 minutes
Top Browning	Moderate (foil used halfway)	Light
Center Doneness	Perfect (toothpick clean)	Perfect (toothpick clean)
Moisture	8/10 (slightly drier edges)	9/10
Texture	Firm, slightly denser	Light, fluffy
Energy Use	Lower (smaller appliance)	Higher

The verdict: The air fryer cake was faster and slightly more energy-efficient, but the oven cake had a lighter texture. For dense cakes (like banana bread), the air fryer wins. For delicate sponge cakes, stick to the oven.

Final Verdict: Is Air Fryer Cake Baking Worth It?

So, can you bake cakes in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes—with caveats.

The air fryer is fantastic for:

• Quick, single-serving desserts (mug cakes, lava cakes)
• Small-batch bakes (mini bundts, cupcakes)
• Energy-conscious baking (it uses less power than an oven)
• Hot kitchens (no preheating, no heat buildup)

But it’s not a replacement for your oven when you need:

• Large cakes for parties
• Delicate, airy textures
• Frostings that require a cool environment

My recommendation: Use your air fryer for cakes when speed, size, or convenience matter. For special occasions or complex recipes, stick to the oven. And remember—every air fryer is different. Experiment with small batches, take notes, and adjust as you go.

At the end of the day, the best baking tool is the one that fits your needs. If you love the idea of a warm, fresh cake ready in 20 minutes, your air fryer might just become your new favorite dessert sidekick. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake cakes in an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake cakes in an air fryer! The circulating hot air cooks cakes evenly, often faster than a conventional oven. Just use oven-safe pans and adjust time/temp accordingly.

What types of cakes work best in an air fryer?

Smaller cakes like mug cakes, cupcakes, or single-layer sponge cakes are ideal for air fryer baking. Dense or delicate batters may need extra monitoring to prevent over-browning.

Do I need special pans to bake cakes in an air fryer?

Use oven-safe, lightweight pans (silicone, ceramic, or metal) that fit your air fryer basket. Avoid oversized pans to ensure proper air circulation for even baking.

How do I adjust baking time when making air fryer cakes?

Reduce conventional oven time by 20-30% and lower temperature by 25°F (15°C). Check doneness early with a toothpick—air fryers cook cakes faster than expected.

Why are my air fryer cakes dry or overcooked?

This usually happens due to excessive heat or long cook times. Try reducing temperature, using a lid to trap moisture, or brushing cakes with simple syrup post-baking.

Can I bake cakes in an air fryer without preheating?

Preheating ensures even results, but small cakes (like mug cakes) can skip it. For best outcomes, preheat 3-5 minutes when baking traditional cake recipes in your air fryer.