Can You Bake a Cake in the Air Fryer Discover How

Yes, you can bake a cake in the air fryer—it’s faster, energy-efficient, and delivers a perfectly moist, evenly baked dessert every time. With the right batter and temperature settings, your air fryer transforms into a mini convection oven, ideal for single-serve cakes or small batches without heating up your entire kitchen.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake cakes in most air fryers with proper adjustments.
• Use oven-safe pans that fit inside your air fryer basket safely.
• Reduce temperature by 25°F compared to conventional oven recipes for even baking.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure consistent results and proper rise.
• Check doneness early—air fryers cook faster, so test at 20 minutes.
• Smaller cakes work best due to space and airflow limitations in baskets.
• Grease pans thoroughly to prevent sticking and ease removal after baking.

The Air Fryer Revolution: Baking Cakes Without an Oven

Let’s be honest—baking a cake in a conventional oven can feel like a chore. Preheating takes forever, you’re left guessing if it’s done, and sometimes the edges burn while the center stays undercooked. But what if I told you there’s a faster, simpler way? Enter the air fryer, the kitchen gadget that’s already transformed how we cook everything from fries to salmon. But can you bake a cake in the air fryer? The short answer: absolutely. And it might just change how you bake forever.

I remember the first time I tried it. I had a sudden craving for a chocolate cake, but my oven was acting up. My air fryer sat there, quietly humming, as if to say, “Hey, I can handle this.” Skeptical but desperate, I gave it a shot. The result? A moist, evenly baked single-layer cake in 20 minutes. No preheating. No hot kitchen. Just pure dessert magic. Since then, I’ve experimented with everything from lemon drizzle to red velvet, and the air fryer hasn’t let me down. If you’re curious about this game-changing method, let’s dive into the how, why, and what-ifs.

Why Bake Cakes in an Air Fryer? The Surprising Benefits

You might be wondering: “Why fix what isn’t broken?” Fair question. But the air fryer brings some unique advantages to the baking table—especially if you’re short on time, space, or patience.

1. Speed: No More Waiting 30 Minutes to Preheat

Conventional ovens can take up to 30 minutes to reach the right temperature. Air fryers, on the other hand, heat up in 2–5 minutes. This means you can go from craving a cake to eating it in under an hour. For busy parents, late-night snackers, or anyone with a sweet tooth, this is a game-changer.

2. Energy Efficiency: Smaller Appliance, Lower Bills

Air fryers use up to 70% less energy than traditional ovens, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Since they’re compact, they heat smaller spaces faster. This is perfect for apartment dwellers or anyone trying to reduce their carbon footprint. Plus, your kitchen stays cooler—no more sweaty summer baking sessions.

3. Even Baking: No More “Hot Spots”

One of the biggest baking frustrations is uneven heat. With an air fryer’s 360° hot air circulation, cakes bake evenly from all sides. No more rotating pans halfway through. No more burnt edges and raw centers. Just consistent results, batch after batch.

4. Portability and Space-Saving

Got a small kitchen? No problem. Air fryers are compact and easy to store. They’re also ideal for RVs, dorms, or offices. Imagine baking a mini birthday cake at your desk—yes, it’s possible!

5. Healthier Results (With a Caveat)

While cakes aren’t exactly health food, air fryers require less oil than some baking methods (like greasing a pan heavily). You can also experiment with lighter batters, like mug cakes or protein-enriched mixes, without sacrificing texture.

How to Bake a Cake in the Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to try it yourself? Here’s how to bake a cake in the air fryer, with tips to avoid common pitfalls. Spoiler: It’s easier than you think.

1. Choose the Right Pan

Not all pans fit in an air fryer. You’ll need one that’s:

• Heat-safe: Silicone, ceramic, or oven-safe metal (like aluminum or steel).
• Size-appropriate: For a standard 5.8-quart air fryer, a 6- or 7-inch round or square pan works best. Too large, and the cake won’t cook evenly. Too small, and it’ll overflow.
• Non-stick: Even with greasing, a non-stick surface prevents sticking. Silicone pans are my top pick—they’re flexible and easy to remove.

Pro tip: Line the pan with parchment paper for extra insurance. It also makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Prep Your Batter

You can use any cake recipe, but here’s what to tweak:

• Reduce liquid slightly: Air fryers are drier than ovens. For every 1 cup of liquid, reduce by 1–2 tablespoons to avoid a soggy center.
• Add a bit of oil or butter: This keeps the cake moist. For a 5-inch pan, add 1–2 tablespoons extra.
• Use room-temperature ingredients: This ensures a smooth, lump-free batter.

Example: For a 6-inch vanilla cake, I use a boxed mix (15.25 oz) but add 1 extra egg and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. The result? A richer, fluffier texture.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer (Yes, Really!)

Even though air fryers heat fast, preheat for 2–3 minutes at 320°F (160°C). This ensures consistent baking from the first minute. Skip this step, and your cake might cook unevenly.

4. Bake Time and Temperature

Here’s the golden rule: lower and slower. Air fryers run hotter than ovens, so:

• Set the temperature to 320°F (160°C)—10–20°F lower than oven recipes.
• Bake for 18–25 minutes, depending on pan size and batter thickness.
• Check at 15 minutes with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s done. If not, add 2–3 minutes at a time.

Watch for over-browning: If the top browns too fast, cover it loosely with foil.

5. Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. This prevents condensation from making the bottom soggy. Frosting? Add it once fully cooled.

Air Fryer Cake Recipes: From Classic to Creative

Now that you know the basics, let’s get creative! Here are five foolproof recipes, tested and approved by my (very happy) family and friends.

1. Classic Vanilla Mug Cake (Single-Serving)

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp oil or melted butter
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Method:

1. Mix all ingredients in a 6-ounce mug.
2. Place in air fryer basket. Bake at 320°F for 12–15 minutes.
3. Top with whipped cream or berries.

Tip: For a richer flavor, add 1 tbsp cocoa powder to make chocolate mug cake.

2. Lemon Drizzle Cake (6-Inch Pan)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ cup milk
• ⅓ cup oil
• 1 egg
• Zest and juice of ½ lemon

Method:

1. Mix wet ingredients, then fold in dry. Pour into a greased 6-inch pan.
2. Bake at 320°F for 20–22 minutes.
3. While warm, poke holes with a fork and pour over a glaze (mix 2 tbsp lemon juice + ½ cup powdered sugar).

3. Red Velvet Mini Cake (7-Inch Pan)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup oil
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tbsp red food coloring

Method:

1. Combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk wet ingredients.
2. Mix until just combined. Bake at 320°F for 22–25 minutes.
3. Cool, then frost with cream cheese icing.

Note: For a deeper red, use gel food coloring (it won’t dilute the batter).

4. Banana Bread (Loaf-Style)

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• ⅓ cup oil
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Method:

1. Mix wet ingredients, then fold in dry. Add walnuts.
2. Pour into a greased 6-inch loaf pan. Bake at 320°F for 25–30 minutes.
3. Cool before slicing.

5. Flourless Chocolate Cake (Diet-Friendly)

Ingredients:

• ½ cup dark chocolate chips
• ¼ cup butter
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla

Method:

1. Melt chocolate and butter. Cool slightly.
2. Whisk eggs and sugar, then fold in chocolate, cocoa, and vanilla.
3. Bake at 320°F for 18–20 minutes. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here’s how to troubleshoot the most common air fryer cake issues.

1. The Cake is Too Dry

Why it happens: Air fryers remove moisture quickly.
Fix:

• Add 1–2 tbsp extra oil or butter to the batter.
• Reduce baking time by 2–3 minutes.
• Brush the cake with syrup (like simple syrup or fruit juice) after baking.

2. The Top is Burnt

Why it happens: The air fryer’s heating element is close to the top.
Fix:

• Cover the cake with foil after 10 minutes.
• Lower the temperature to 300°F and extend baking time by 5–10 minutes.
• Use a darker pan (it absorbs less heat).

3. The Cake Sinks in the Middle

Why it happens: Overmixing or underbaking.
Fix:

• Mix the batter until just combined.
• Check for doneness 2–3 minutes before the timer ends.
• Let the cake cool in the air fryer for 5 minutes before removing (this stabilizes the structure).

4. The Cake Sticks to the Pan

Why it happens: Poor greasing or wrong pan material.
Fix:

• Use parchment paper or a silicone liner.
• Grease with butter (not oil), then dust with flour.
• Let the cake cool for 5 minutes before removing.

5. The Cake is Uneven

Why it happens: The pan is too large or the batter is too thick.
Fix:

• Use the right pan size (6–7 inches).
• Spread the batter evenly with a spatula.
• Rotate the pan halfway through (if your air fryer basket allows).

Air Fryer vs. Oven: Which is Better for Baking Cakes?

Let’s settle the debate: Is the air fryer truly better than a conventional oven for cakes? The answer depends on what you value most.

Factor	Air Fryer	Conventional Oven
Speed	20–25 minutes (no preheat)	45–60 minutes (with preheat)
Energy Use	70% less energy	Higher energy use
Even Baking	Excellent (360° air circulation)	Good (may need pan rotation)
Batch Size	Single or double layers (6–7 inches)	Multiple layers or large sheet cakes
Ease of Use	Minimal cleanup (small pans)	More cleanup (large pans, spills)
Versatility	Best for small cakes, mug cakes, and quick bakes	Better for large gatherings, tiered cakes, and delicate pastries

When to Choose the Air Fryer:

• You need a cake fast (under 30 minutes).
• You’re baking for 1–4 people.
• You want to save energy or avoid heating the kitchen.
• You love experimenting with mini desserts (mug cakes, cupcakes).

When to Stick with the Oven:

• You’re baking for a crowd (12+ servings).
• You’re making layered or intricate cakes (like wedding cakes).
• You need precise temperature control for delicate recipes (like soufflés).

Final Thoughts: The Air Fryer Cake Revolution is Here

So, can you bake a cake in the air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes—and it’s not just a gimmick. From speed and energy savings to even baking and portability, the air fryer brings real advantages to the dessert table. It’s not a replacement for your oven, but a powerful sidekick for quick, small-batch baking.

I’ve baked everything from birthday cakes to midnight snacks in my air fryer, and the results always impress. Sure, you’ll need to adjust recipes and watch the time, but once you master the technique, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. The next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the oven and give your air fryer a chance. Your taste buds (and your energy bill) will thank you.

Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bake a cake in the air fryer?

Yes, you can bake a cake in the air fryer! It’s a quick and energy-efficient method that yields moist, fluffy results with a slightly crisp exterior. Just ensure you use an air fryer-safe pan or silicone mold.

What type of cake works best in an air fryer?

Dense cakes like pound cake, banana bread, or mug cakes are ideal for air frying. Their structure holds up well to the air fryer’s rapid, hot air circulation, preventing dryness or uneven baking.

Do I need to adjust baking time and temperature for air fryer cakes?

Yes, reduce the temperature by 25°F (typically 325°F instead of 350°F) and check for doneness 5–10 minutes earlier than traditional oven baking. The air fryer’s concentrated heat cooks cakes faster.

Can you bake a cake in the air fryer without special tools?

You’ll need a small oven-safe dish, metal pan, or silicone mold that fits your air fryer basket. Avoid glass (unless rated for air frying) and ensure the cake batter isn’t too tall to block airflow.

Why is my air fryer cake dry or uneven?

Overcooking or incorrect batter depth (too thick) can cause dryness. Try using a lower temperature, shorter time, or covering the cake with foil halfway through to prevent over-browning while ensuring even baking.

How do I prevent sticking when baking a cake in the air fryer?

Lightly grease your pan with butter or oil, or line it with parchment paper. Silicone molds are naturally non-stick, making them a hassle-free option for easy cake removal.