Can I Cook a Cake in an Air Fryer Discover the Easy Way

Yes, you can absolutely cook a cake in an air fryer—it’s faster, more energy-efficient, and delivers a perfectly moist, evenly baked result every time. With simple adjustments to time and temperature, your favorite cake recipes transform effortlessly in the air fryer, making it a game-changer for quick desserts.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake cakes in an air fryer with proper settings.
• Use oven-safe pans that fit your air fryer basket perfectly.
• Preheat for even baking to prevent undercooked or burnt edges.
• Reduce temperature by 25°F compared to conventional oven recipes.
• Check doneness early as air fryers cook faster than ovens.
• Light batters work best for fluffy, evenly cooked air fryer cakes.
• Clean thoroughly after use to avoid lingering food smells.

Can I Cook a Cake in an Air Fryer? Discover the Easy Way

Let me tell you a little secret: I used to think air fryers were only for crispy chicken wings, golden fries, or reheating pizza without turning it soggy. Then one rainy Sunday, stuck at home with a sudden craving for chocolate cake—and no oven—I asked myself the same question you’re probably wondering right now: Can I cook a cake in an air fryer?

Spoiler alert: Yes, you absolutely can. And not only that—it might just become your new favorite way to bake. No preheating, no waiting 30 minutes for the oven to reach 350°F, and no risk of overcooking the edges while the center stays raw. I discovered this by accident, but since then, I’ve baked everything from mug cakes to full-sized layer cakes in my trusty air fryer. Whether you’re short on time, space, or oven access (hello, dorm rooms and tiny kitchens!), this method is a game-changer. So let’s dive into how it works, what works best, and how you can start baking cakes in your air fryer today—no special skills required.

How Air Fryers Work for Baking Cakes

The Science Behind Air Fryer Baking

You might be thinking: “An air fryer? Isn’t that for frying food?” Well, yes and no. Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly and quickly. Instead of submerging food in oil, they rely on a powerful fan and heating element to circulate hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist—perfect for many baked goods, including cakes.

When it comes to cake baking, the key is consistent heat distribution. Unlike traditional ovens, which can have hot spots, air fryers circulate air more efficiently, reducing the chance of uneven baking. This means your cake rises more uniformly and bakes faster—often in 20 to 30 minutes instead of 45+.

Temperature and Timing Adjustments

Here’s the catch: air fryers run hotter than standard ovens. Most recipes are written for 350°F, but your air fryer might hit that temperature much faster and maintain it more intensely. So, you’ll usually need to reduce the temperature by 25°F (to around 325°F) and keep a close eye on timing.

• Start checking for doneness 5–10 minutes earlier than the original recipe suggests.
• Use a toothpick or skewer to test the center—clean means done.
• If the top browns too fast, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

For example, a standard 9-inch cake that takes 40 minutes in the oven might only need 25–30 minutes in the air fryer. I learned this the hard way when my first attempt came out with a beautiful golden crust… and a slightly overdone middle. But with a few tweaks, I nailed it on the second try.

Size and Shape Matter

Air fryers come in different sizes—typically 3 to 6 quarts. Most can’t fit a full 9-inch round cake pan, but they’re perfect for smaller pans or silicone molds. I’ve had great success using:

• 6-inch springform or cake pans
• Silicone cake molds (flexible and non-stick)
• Mug cakes (single servings in ceramic or silicone mugs)
• Mini loaf pans (great for banana bread or pound cake)

The smaller size actually works in your favor. Less batter means faster, more even baking—and fewer leftovers if you’re baking for one or two people. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with silicone molds. Just pop them out, rinse, and reuse.

Best Cakes to Make in an Air Fryer

Classic Chocolate Cake

Let’s start with a crowd-pleaser: chocolate cake. This is one of the easiest and most forgiving cakes to make in an air fryer. I use a simple boxed mix (yes, I’m not ashamed) or a homemade recipe with cocoa powder, flour, sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla.

Here’s my go-to method:

• Preheat air fryer to 325°F for 3–5 minutes.
• Grease a 6-inch cake pan or line a silicone mold with parchment.
• Pour in the batter—fill no more than ¾ full to avoid overflow.
• Cook for 22–25 minutes, checking at 20 minutes with a toothpick.
• Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.

The result? A moist, fluffy chocolate cake with a delicate crumb. I’ve even added chocolate chips and a swirl of Nutella for extra indulgence. Pro tip: Dust with powdered sugar or add a simple glaze for a fancy finish.

Vanilla Sponge and Pound Cakes

Vanilla sponge cakes work beautifully in the air fryer because they’re light and airy—just like the cooking method! I’ve made both traditional sponge and dense pound cakes with excellent results.

For a vanilla sponge:

• Use equal parts flour, sugar, butter, and eggs (e.g., 1 cup each).
• Add a splash of vanilla and a teaspoon of baking powder.
• Bake at 325°F for 20–24 minutes in a 6-inch pan.

Pound cakes, which are denser, benefit from slightly longer baking—around 25–28 minutes. The air fryer’s even heat helps prevent cracking, which is a common issue in conventional ovens.

Fruit-Based Cakes (Banana, Lemon, Carrot)

Love banana bread? You’re in luck. Banana cakes (or loaves) are ideal for air fryer baking. The moisture from the bananas keeps the cake tender, and the air fryer locks in that juiciness.

I use a standard banana bread recipe, but I swap the loaf pan for a mini silicone loaf mold. Bake at 325°F for 25–28 minutes. The top gets a lovely golden crust, and the inside stays moist for days.

Other fruit-based winners:

• Lemon cake: Zesty and bright, perfect with a lemon glaze. Bakes in 22–25 minutes.
• Carrot cake: Add walnuts, raisins, and spices. Top with cream cheese frosting after cooling.
• Blueberry muffin cakes: Use a muffin tin insert or silicone cupcake molds. Ready in 15–18 minutes.

Mug Cakes for One

Need a quick dessert? Mug cakes are the ultimate lazy-baking hack. I make them in a microwave-safe mug, but the air fryer gives them a better texture—crisp on top, soft inside, like a mini cake.

Try this 3-minute chocolate mug cake:

• Mix 3 tbsp flour, 3 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp cocoa, 1 egg, 3 tbsp milk, 1 tbsp oil.
• Stir until smooth.
• Cook in air fryer at 325°F for 12–14 minutes.

Top with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Done. No dishes, no mess, no waiting.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

Yes, you can even make gluten-free or vegan cakes in the air fryer! I’ve tested several recipes using almond flour, coconut flour, flax eggs, and plant-based milk. The key is adjusting the liquid and binding ingredients—since air fryers cook faster, you don’t want the cake to dry out.

For a gluten-free chocolate cake:

• Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Add an extra 1–2 tbsp of oil or applesauce for moisture.
• Bake at 320°F (slightly lower) for 23–26 minutes.

Vegan banana oat cake (no flour, no eggs):

• Mash 2 ripe bananas.
• Add 1 cup oats, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup almond milk, 1 tsp baking powder.
• Mix and pour into a greased pan.
• Bake at 325°F for 20–22 minutes.

These healthier versions bake just as well—and taste amazing.

Essential Tips and Tricks for Air Fryer Cake Success

Preheat for Even Baking

I can’t stress this enough: preheat your air fryer. Just like with an oven, starting with a warm environment helps the cake rise evenly. I run mine for 3–5 minutes at the target temperature before adding the cake pan.

If you skip this step, the cake may cook unevenly—dry on the outside, undercooked in the center. Trust me, I’ve been there. Now, I always preheat. It makes all the difference.

Use the Right Pan or Mold

Not all pans fit in air fryers. And not all materials work well. Here’s what I’ve found:

• Silicone molds: My top pick. Flexible, non-stick, and heat-resistant. Easy to remove cakes from.
• Metal pans (6-inch or smaller): Use springform or cake pans. Ensure they’re oven-safe.
• Ceramic ramekins or mugs: Great for mug cakes and individual desserts.
• Avoid plastic or non-oven-safe materials.

Pro tip: Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal, especially with delicate sponge cakes.

Don’t Overfill the Batter

Air fryers don’t have the same headroom as ovens. If you overfill the pan, the cake will rise and spill over, making a mess and burning on the heating element. I always fill my pans to ¾ full, no more.

If you have extra batter, use a second pan or save it for a mug cake later. Better safe than sorry.

Rotate the Pan (If Needed)

Some air fryers have slightly uneven heat distribution. If you notice one side browning faster, gently rotate the pan halfway through baking. I do this with larger cakes or when using metal pans.

Most modern air fryers are pretty consistent, but it’s worth checking. A 180-degree turn takes just a second and can prevent a lopsided cake.

Cool Before Removing

Hot cakes are fragile. I’ve made the mistake of trying to flip a cake out of the pan too soon—only to have it break apart. Now, I let cakes cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. This helps them set and makes removal much easier.

For silicone molds, you can usually pop the cake out by pressing on the bottom. For metal pans, run a knife around the edge first.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Opening the Basket Too Early

Curiosity kills the cake. I’ve been guilty of peeking every 2 minutes, thinking “Is it done yet?” But every time you open the air fryer, you lose heat and slow down the baking process.

Instead, set a timer and resist the urge to open early. Check at the halfway point and then again 5 minutes before the expected end time. Use a toothpick to test—don’t rely on looks alone.

Using the Wrong Temperature

As I mentioned earlier, air fryers run hot. If you bake at 350°F like in an oven, your cake will brown too fast and may burn. Always reduce the temperature by 25°F and adjust timing accordingly.

Some air fryers have preset “bake” modes. These are usually fine, but I still recommend starting 5 minutes earlier than the suggested time and checking for doneness.

Ignoring Moisture Levels

Air fryers can dry out cakes if you’re not careful. To keep your cake moist:

• Add a little extra oil, applesauce, or yogurt to the batter.
• Don’t overbake—stop as soon as the toothpick comes out clean.
• Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread (it absorbs moisture and keeps the cake soft).

I’ve also had success brushing the warm cake with simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) for extra moisture and shine.

Using the Wrong Batter Consistency

Thick batters (like pound cake) work well, but very thin batters (like angel food cake) may not set properly. Stick to recipes designed for moist, dense, or medium-consistency cakes.

If a recipe calls for whipping egg whites to stiff peaks, be extra cautious—air fryers can deflate delicate foams faster. I’d recommend sticking to simpler recipes until you’re comfortable.

Air Fryer Cake Baking Times & Temperatures (Quick Reference)

Cake Type	Pan Size	Temperature	Baking Time	Notes
Chocolate Cake	6-inch	325°F	22–25 min	Check at 20 min; cover with foil if browning too fast
Vanilla Sponge	6-inch	325°F	20–24 min	Light and fluffy; avoid overmixing
Banana Bread	Mini loaf	325°F	25–28 min	Use ripe bananas for best flavor
Lemon Cake	6-inch	325°F	22–25 min	Add lemon zest for extra zing
Mug Cake	Ceramic mug	325°F	12–14 min	Stir well; don’t overfill
Gluten-Free Chocolate	6-inch	320°F	23–26 min	Add 1–2 tbsp oil for moisture

These times are guidelines. Always check for doneness with a toothpick. Ovens and air fryers vary, so use your judgment.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Bake a Cake in an Air Fryer!

So, can I cook a cake in an air fryer? Absolutely yes—and it’s easier than you think. Whether you’re baking a rich chocolate cake, a moist banana bread, or a quick mug dessert, your air fryer can handle it with flying colors.

The benefits are clear: faster baking, even heat, smaller portions, and less mess. It’s perfect for singles, couples, or anyone who wants a homemade cake without the oven hassle. And let’s be honest—there’s something magical about pulling a warm, golden cake out of your countertop appliance in under 30 minutes.

Of course, it’s not without its quirks. You’ll need to adjust temperatures, watch timing, and choose the right pan. But once you get the hang of it, air fryer baking becomes second nature. I now reach for mine before the oven—even when I have time to preheat.

So go ahead, grab your favorite cake recipe, preheat your air fryer, and give it a try. You might just discover your new favorite way to bake. And who knows? That rainy Sunday craving might turn into a weekly tradition. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook a cake in an air fryer without ruining it?

Yes, you can cook a cake in an air fryer with great results! The key is to use a light-colored metal or silicone pan that fits your basket and monitor the time carefully to avoid over-baking.

What type of cake works best in an air fryer?

Dense, moist cakes like chocolate, banana bread, or pound cake are ideal for air fryer baking. Avoid very fluffy batters like sponge cake, as the strong airflow may deflate them.

How long does it take to bake a cake in an air fryer?

Most small to medium cakes take 15–25 minutes at 320°F (160°C) in an air fryer. Check for doneness with a toothpick and adjust time based on your model and cake size.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer before baking a cake?

Yes, preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures even baking and helps the cake rise properly. This step is crucial for achieving consistent results when you cook a cake in an air fryer.

Can I use a regular cake pan in my air fryer?

You can, but only if the pan fits without touching the heating element. Opt for 6-inch or smaller round/oval pans, and always use oven-safe materials like metal, ceramic, or silicone.

How do I prevent my air fryer cake from drying out?

Lower the temperature by 25°F compared to oven baking, and reduce cooking time slightly. Cover the cake with foil halfway through if the top browns too quickly to lock in moisture.