Can You Bake in Air Fryer Discover the Surprising Answer

Yes, you can bake in an air fryer—this versatile appliance isn’t just for frying, but also excels at baking cookies, cakes, muffins, and more with faster cooking times and crispier results. With the right settings and a bit of experimentation, your air fryer can become a go-to tool for delicious, evenly baked treats without heating up your entire kitchen.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake in an air fryer with great results.
• Adjust cooking times—air fryers cook faster than ovens.
• Use oven-safe pans to fit and protect your air fryer basket.
• Preheat for consistency to ensure even baking every time.
• Monitor closely to prevent overcooking due to rapid heat circulation.
• Experiment with recipes like cakes, cookies, and bread successfully.

Can You Bake in Air Fryer? Discover the Surprising Answer

You’ve probably heard about air fryers—the sleek kitchen gadgets that promise crispy fries, golden chicken wings, and guilt-free indulgence. But have you ever stared at your air fryer and wondered: can you bake in an air fryer? Maybe you’re short on oven space, or you’re just curious if this countertop wonder can handle more than just frying. I was in the same boat a few months ago. I had just upgraded to a newer model, and after nailing crispy tater tots and juicy chicken tenders, I started eyeing my baking recipes with newfound hope.

Let me tell you—this question isn’t just about curiosity. For many of us, baking in a full-sized oven feels like overkill. It heats up the whole kitchen, uses more energy, and takes longer. But what if your air fryer could handle muffins, cookies, even brownies? I decided to test it out. Spoiler: the answer is yes, and it’s more versatile than most people realize. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—what works, what doesn’t, and how to get the best results when you bake in an air fryer.

How Air Frying Works (And Why It Can Bake)

Before we dive into recipes and tips, let’s clear up a common misconception: air fryers don’t actually fry. Instead, they use rapid air circulation to mimic the effects of deep frying. A powerful heating element and a fan work together to blow super-hot air around the food, creating a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist. This process, called convection cooking, is similar to how convection ovens work—but in a much smaller space.

Convection vs. Traditional Baking

Traditional baking relies on radiant heat—hot air that surrounds the food from all directions, but more slowly. Convection ovens (and air fryers) speed this up with a fan, resulting in faster, more even cooking. When you bake in an air fryer, you’re essentially using a compact convection oven. That means many baked goods—especially those that benefit from even browning and a crisp crust—can thrive.

For example, cookies turn out golden and chewy with a slight crunch. Muffins rise beautifully and develop a delicate crust. Even breads like banana bread or cornbread can be air-fried with excellent results. The key is understanding how air movement affects texture and adjusting your technique accordingly.

Heat Distribution and Cooking Time

One thing to keep in mind: air fryers cook faster than ovens. Why? Because the air is constantly moving, transferring heat more efficiently. Most recipes need a 20–30% reduction in cooking time when adapted for air fryers. For instance, if a muffin recipe says 25 minutes in the oven, start checking around 17–18 minutes in the air fryer.

Also, the smaller cooking chamber means food is closer to the heating element. This can cause top-heavy browning. To avoid burnt tops, consider covering delicate items with aluminum foil halfway through cooking—especially for cakes or breads with a high sugar content.

Pro tip: Use oven-safe baking pans, silicone molds, or even ramekins that fit comfortably inside your air fryer basket. I love using silicone cupcake liners—they pop out easily and clean up in seconds.

What Can You Bake in an Air Fryer? A Breakdown of Baked Goods

Now for the fun part: what actually works? Not all baked goods are created equal in the air fryer world. Some shine, some need tweaks, and a few should probably stay in the oven. Let’s break it down by category.

Cookies and Brownies

Yes, you can bake in an air fryer cookies and brownies—and they come out delicious. I tried classic chocolate chip cookies using my regular recipe, just baked in silicone molds. The result? A crisp edge with a soft, gooey center. Perfect for that bakery-style texture.

• Use silicone molds or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Preheat the air fryer for 3–5 minutes to ensure even heat.
• Cook in batches—don’t overcrowd the basket.
• Brownies do especially well. They set faster and develop a fudgy texture with a slight crust.

One caveat: delicate lace cookies or meringues may not work as well due to the strong airflow. But for standard drop cookies, brownies, and even blondies, the air fryer is a game-changer.

Muffins and Cupcakes

Muffins and cupcakes are ideal for air fryer baking. The convection heat helps them rise evenly and develop a nice dome. I tested blueberry muffins and chocolate cupcakes—both turned out moist and fluffy.

• Use silicone liners or grease the cups well.
• Fill liners only ¾ full to allow for rising.
• Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15–18 minutes, checking with a toothpick.

One thing I noticed: cupcakes cooled slightly faster, which helped prevent over-baking. Also, the smaller size of air fryer batches (usually 4–6 at a time) makes them perfect for small households or portion control.

Bread and Quick Breads

Banana bread, zucchini bread, cornbread—these all work beautifully. I made a mini banana bread in a 6-inch loaf pan that fit snugly in my air fryer. The outside was golden and slightly crisp, while the inside stayed moist and tender.

• Use a loaf pan that fits with at least 1 inch of clearance on all sides.
• Cover with foil after 20 minutes to prevent over-browning.
• Cook at 325°F for 30–40 minutes, depending on size.

Quick tip: if your bread batter is on the thicker side, it may take a bit longer. Always check with a toothpick—clean means it’s done.

Cakes and Pies (Yes, Really!)

You might be surprised, but you can bake in an air fryer a small cake or even a mini pie. I made a single-serving chocolate cake in a ramekin and a mini apple pie in a 4-inch pie dish. Both were fantastic.

• Use oven-safe dishes that fit—ramekins, mini pie pans, or small cake tins.
• Cakes with high sugar content may brown faster—tent with foil if needed.
• For pies, pre-bake the crust for 3–5 minutes before adding filling.

One thing to watch: custard-based pies (like pumpkin or pecan) can curdle if the heat is too intense. Lower the temperature to 300°F and cook longer (35–45 minutes) with a water bath if possible.

What Doesn’t Work (And Why)

As much as I love my air fryer, it’s not a magic wand. Some baked goods just don’t translate well. Knowing what to avoid saves time, frustration, and wasted ingredients.

Large or Tall Cakes

Air fryers have limited height and width. A full-sized 9-inch layer cake simply won’t fit. Even if it did, the hot air would hit the top too aggressively, causing uneven baking. The center might be raw while the top burns.

Stick to single-layer cakes, cupcakes, or mini versions. If you need a big cake, use the oven. But for a small birthday treat or a personal indulgence, the air fryer is perfect.

Delicate Pastries and Puff Pastry

Puff pastry relies on steam to lift the layers. In a traditional oven, the dry heat allows the butter to melt slowly, creating steam that puffs the dough. In an air fryer, the constant airflow disrupts this process.

I tried frozen puff pastry turnovers—they came out flat and tough. The same goes for delicate pastries like croissants or danishes. They need a stable, moist environment that air fryers can’t provide.

High-Rising Doughs (Like Sourdough)

Sourdough bread needs a long, slow rise and a moist environment to develop its signature open crumb and crisp crust. Air fryers are too small and too dry for this.

Even if you use a Dutch oven inside the air fryer (some models allow it), the heat is too intense and the air too dry. You’ll end up with a dense, gummy loaf instead of a light, airy one.

Baked Goods with Long Cooking Times

Some recipes, like cheesecakes or deep-dish pies, need 60+ minutes to set. Air fryers aren’t designed for long, slow cooking. The fan and heating element cycle on and off, creating temperature fluctuations that can crack cheesecakes or undercook dense fillings.

For these, stick to the oven. But for quick, small-batch baking, the air fryer shines.

Tips and Tricks for Baking Success in Your Air Fryer

Now that you know what works (and what doesn’t), let’s talk about how to get the best results. Baking in an air fryer isn’t just about swapping appliances—it’s about adjusting your approach.

Preheat Like You Mean It

Unlike some ovens, air fryers benefit greatly from preheating. I always preheat mine for 3–5 minutes at the target temperature before adding the food. This ensures consistent heat from the start, which is crucial for even baking.

For example, if you’re baking cookies at 350°F, preheat the air fryer at 350°F. This mimics the steady environment of an oven.

Use the Right Pans and Liners

Not all bakeware fits. Measure your air fryer basket and choose oven-safe containers that leave at least 1 inch of space around all sides. This allows air to circulate properly.

• Silicone molds: Great for muffins, cupcakes, and individual servings. Non-stick and easy to clean.
• Oven-safe glass or ceramic ramekins: Perfect for custards, cakes, and mini pies.
• Metal pans: Aluminum or stainless steel loaf pans work well for breads.
• Parchment paper: Use it to line baskets or pans for easy cleanup.

Avoid plastic or non-oven-safe materials—they can melt or warp.

Adjust Time and Temperature

As a general rule, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F and shorten cooking time by 20–30%. For example:

• Oven recipe: 350°F for 25 minutes → Air fryer: 325°F for 17–20 minutes
• Oven recipe: 375°F for 30 minutes → Air fryer: 350°F for 20–24 minutes

Always check for doneness early. Use a toothpick for cakes and muffins, or gently press the top—if it springs back, it’s done.

Rotate or Flip When Needed

Some air fryers have hot spots, especially near the heating element. If you notice uneven browning, rotate the pan halfway through cooking. For cookies, you might even flip them (carefully!) to ensure even crispness on both sides.

Don’t Overfill or Overcrowd

Air needs to circulate to bake properly. Overcrowding traps heat and steam, leading to soggy results. Bake in batches if needed. For example, I usually bake 4 muffins at a time instead of 6 to ensure even cooking.

Real-World Results: A Comparison Table

Baked Good	Oven Time & Temp	Air Fryer Time & Temp	Results	Tips
Chocolate Chip Cookies (6)	350°F, 10–12 min	325°F, 7–8 min	Crispy edges, chewy center	Use silicone molds; don’t flatten dough
Blueberry Muffins (4)	375°F, 20–25 min	350°F, 15–18 min	Moist, golden tops	Fill ¾ full; check at 15 min
Mini Banana Bread (6-inch)	350°F, 50–55 min	325°F, 35–40 min (with foil at 20 min)	Even rise, slightly crisp crust	Cover with foil to prevent burning
Chocolate Cupcakes (4)	350°F, 18–22 min	325°F, 14–16 min	Fluffy, moist	Cool in pan 5 min before removing
Mini Apple Pie (4-inch)	375°F, 30–35 min	350°F, 20–22 min (pre-bake crust 3 min)	Flaky crust, tender filling	Pre-bake crust; use thick filling
Brownies (6)	350°F, 20–25 min	325°F, 15–17 min	Fudgy, slightly crisp top	Don’t overbake; check at 14 min

This table is based on my personal testing with a 5.8-quart basket-style air fryer. Results may vary slightly depending on your model, but the principles remain the same: lower the temp, shorten the time, and monitor closely.

Final Thoughts: Should You Bake in Your Air Fryer?

So, can you bake in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes—but with a few caveats. You won’t be baking sourdough loaves or towering layer cakes, but for small-batch, everyday baking, the air fryer is a fantastic tool.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen. It’s ideal for solo eaters or couples who want fresh muffins without leftovers. And let’s be honest—it’s just fun to see your favorite desserts come out perfectly in a gadget you once thought was only for fries.

I’ve made everything from birthday cupcakes to midnight brownie bites in my air fryer, and I’ve never been disappointed. The key is to embrace the differences: shorter cook times, smaller portions, and the need for oven-safe containers. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you ever used the oven for these tasks.

Remember, baking in an air fryer isn’t about replacing your oven—it’s about expanding your cooking options. It’s about convenience, energy savings, and the joy of experimenting. So go ahead—try those chocolate chip cookies. Whip up a mini banana bread. Make a single-serving cake for a quiet night in.

Your air fryer is more than a fryer. It’s a compact, efficient, and surprisingly capable little oven. And once you discover what it can do, you’ll never look at it the same way again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bake in an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake in an air fryer! Its rapid air circulation technology mimics convection ovens, making it ideal for baking cakes, cookies, and even small loaves of bread with a crispy exterior and tender interior.

What types of baked goods can you make in an air fryer?

You can bake muffins, brownies, cupcakes, quick breads, and even small batches of cookies in an air fryer. Just ensure your bakeware fits and allows proper airflow for even cooking.

Do you need special pans to bake in an air fryer?

Not necessarily—most air fryer-safe baking pans, like silicone, metal, or oven-safe glass, work well. Just avoid oversized pans that block airflow and always check your air fryer’s manual for size limits.

How do you adjust baking time and temperature in an air fryer?

Lower the oven temperature by 25°F and reduce the time by 20–30% when baking in an air fryer. For example, a recipe calling for 350°F in an oven should be set to 325°F in the air fryer.

Can you bake in an air fryer without preheating?

Preheating ensures even baking and better texture, especially for delicate items like cakes. While some dense recipes may skip it, preheating for 3–5 minutes is recommended for best results.

Is baking in an air fryer healthier than using an oven?

Baking in an air fryer uses less energy and often requires little to no oil, making it a slightly healthier option. The quick cooking time also helps preserve nutrients in some ingredients better than conventional baking.