Effortless Air Fryer Cake: Your Guide to Perfectly Baked Desserts Every Time
Discover the magic of making a perfectly moist and delicious cake right in your air fryer! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete novice, baking an **Air Fryer Cake** is an incredibly easy and convenient way to whip up a fantastic dessert in no time. Forget heating up your large oven for a small treat; your air fryer can handle it with surprising efficiency. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the right ingredients to advanced tips for an impeccably baked cake, ensuring you achieve a delightful homemade treat with minimal effort.
Whether you’re battling a sudden craving or need a quick dessert for an unexpected guest, the air fryer is your secret weapon. You can use a convenient box mix for ultimate simplicity, or craft a cake from scratch for that authentic homemade flavor. Recently, I found myself craving chocolate and luckily had a Pillsbury Devil’s Food Boxed Cake Mix in the pantry, which turned into a delightful air fryer treat. If you lean towards baking cakes from scratch for that truly homemade taste, you’ll be pleased to know that many other air fryer cake recipes are available, such as this delicious Air Fryer Chocolate Bundt Cake or a rich Chocolate Chip Pound Cake recipe, both perfectly suited for air frying.
Why Bake Cake in an Air Fryer?
The air fryer, often celebrated for its ability to crisp up fries and chicken, is surprisingly excellent for baking. Here’s why it’s becoming a favorite for cake lovers:
- Speed and Efficiency: Air fryers heat up much faster than conventional ovens, reducing preheating time and often cooking cakes more quickly. This is perfect for when you need a dessert in a hurry.
- Perfect for Small Batches: If you’re baking for one or two, or simply don’t want a huge cake sitting around, the air fryer allows you to make smaller, perfectly portioned desserts.
- Even Baking: The convection mechanism of an air fryer circulates hot air evenly around the cake pan, often leading to a consistently baked cake with a beautiful texture.
- Energy Saving: Using a smaller appliance like an air fryer consumes less energy than a full-sized oven, making it a more economical choice for baking.
- Less Heat in the Kitchen: Especially during warmer months, using an air fryer prevents your kitchen from becoming overly hot, a welcome relief compared to traditional baking.
Ingredients Needed to Make a Box Cake Mix in Your Air Fryer
Making a cake from a box mix in your air fryer is incredibly straightforward, requiring just a few basic pantry staples in addition to the mix itself. This particular recipe focuses on a standard box cake mix, which usually comes with instructions for oven baking. We’ll adapt those simple instructions for the air fryer, ensuring a perfect result every time.
For this recipe, I primarily use a Cosori 5.8 Quart Air Fryer, which perfectly accommodates a 7-inch cake pan in its basket. If your air fryer is a different size, you might need to adjust your cake pan size accordingly. A 6-inch pan will result in a taller cake that cooks slightly faster, while an 8-inch pan will yield a flatter cake that may require a longer cooking time. Always ensure your pan has enough space for air circulation around it in the air fryer basket.
- Box Cake Mix: Any brand and flavor will work! I used a 15.25-ounce Pillsbury Devil’s Food Mix, but feel free to choose your favorite – whether it’s classic yellow, rich chocolate, vibrant red velvet, or a fun confetti mix. The key is to follow the liquid and egg amounts specified on *your specific box* for consistency.
- Oil: Vegetable or canola oil are ideal due to their neutral flavor, which won’t interfere with the cake’s taste. Oil contributes to the cake’s moistness and tender crumb. You can also use melted unsalted butter for a richer flavor, or even unsweetened applesauce as a healthier alternative for added moisture (though this might slightly alter the texture).
- Water: Water is essential for hydrating the dry mix and creating the batter’s structure. For a slightly richer cake, you can substitute the water with milk (dairy or non-dairy), which adds more flavor and sometimes a denser texture.
- Eggs: Use medium to large eggs as specified on your cake mix box. Eggs act as a binder, provide structure, add richness, and help the cake rise. Ensure they are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
How to Make Cake in Your Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bake a perfectly moist and delicious cake using your air fryer. This method is quick, easy, and yields fantastic results every time.
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Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the box cake mix, water, oil, and eggs according to the specific directions provided on your cake mix box. Use a hand mixer on medium speed or a sturdy whisk to mix the ingredients together until the cake batter is well combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake; mix just until no dry streaks remain.
-
Prepare the Cake Pan
To prevent sticking and ensure easy removal, prepare your cake pan thoroughly. First, cut a circle from parchment paper to perfectly line the bottom of your cake pan. This creates a non-stick barrier. Then, generously spray the insides of the pan, including the parchment paper and the sides, with a non-stick cooking spray. This double layer of protection is key to a clean release.
-
Pour Batter and Air Fry
Carefully transfer the prepared cake batter from the mixing bowl and pour it into the lined and greased cake pan. Do not overfill; aim for about two-thirds full to allow for rising. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles. Next, place the cake pan into the air fryer basket. Air fry at 320 degrees F (160 degrees C) for 25-30 minutes. The lower temperature helps prevent the outside from cooking too quickly before the inside is done.
-
Check for Doneness
Around the 25-minute mark, carefully open the air fryer. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. When the toothpick comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is done. If it comes out with wet batter, continue cooking in 3-5 minute intervals, checking with the toothpick each time.
-
Cool the Cake
Once the cake is baked, use oven mitts to carefully remove the cake pan from the air fryer. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. Then, gently flip the cake over onto a wire cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely on the rack. Once it’s cool, remove the parchment paper from the bottom, and place the unfrosted cake onto a plate or cake stand, ready for decorating.
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Frost and Decorate
Once the cake is completely cool, it’s time to frost! You can use your favorite store-bought frosting like chocolate buttercream, prepare a homemade buttercream, or whip up a tangy cream cheese frosting. Decorate as desired with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh fruit. For optimal freshness and to maintain the frosting’s consistency, store frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Tips for a Perfect Air Fryer Cake
- Don’t Overfill the Pan: For best results and to prevent overflow, fill your cake pan no more than two-thirds full with batter. This allows room for the cake to rise properly.
- Monitor Closely: Air fryers can vary significantly in temperature and cooking speed. Always keep an eye on your cake, especially towards the end of the recommended cooking time.
- Prevent Browning Too Fast: If you notice the top of your cake browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil. This protects the top while allowing the inside to finish baking.
- Even Cooling: Cooling the cake completely on a wire rack is crucial. This allows air to circulate around all sides, preventing condensation and ensuring a firm, crumb-free texture before frosting.
- Dealing with the Fan Effect: The powerful fan in some air fryers can create a slight “swirl” or uneven top on your cake. Don’t worry, this is normal! You can easily trim the top with a serrated knife once cooled to create a flat surface for easy frosting.
Air Fryer Cake Variations and Customizations
While a classic chocolate cake is always a hit, the beauty of baking with a box mix in your air fryer is the endless possibilities for customization. Get creative and make your cake truly unique!
- Flavor Combinations: Don’t limit yourself to chocolate! Try a lemon cake mix with a lemon glaze, a spice cake mix with cream cheese frosting, or a yellow cake mix with rainbow sprinkles.
- Delicious Add-Ins: Fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips, fresh or frozen berries (toss frozen berries in a little flour first to prevent sinking), chopped nuts, or even a swirl of jam into your batter before baking.
- Gourmet Frostings: Beyond simple buttercream, consider a rich ganache, a light whipped cream, a zesty cream cheese frosting, or simply a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Serving Suggestions: Elevate your slice of air fryer cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Air Fryer Cake FAQs
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. While I opted for a rich chocolate cake mix for this demonstration, a yellow cake mix, white cake mix, red velvet, or any of your favorite cake mix flavors will work perfectly. Just be sure to follow the specific ingredient ratios (water, oil, eggs) listed on your chosen box mix.
You don’t necessarily need a “special” air fryer cake pan, but you do need a cake pan that is appropriately sized to fit comfortably inside your specific air fryer basket or oven. For my Cosori 5.8 Quart model, a 7-inch cake pan fits perfectly. If you frequently make air fryer desserts or other baked goods, investing in an air fryer accessory kit can be very helpful, as these often include various sized pans and silicone molds designed for air fryer use.
For unfrosted cake, keep it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to five days. If your cake is frosted, especially with a dairy-based frosting like cream cheese or buttercream, it should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. Unfrosted cake can also be wrapped well in plastic wrap and then foil, and stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Yes, absolutely! Making cupcakes in the air fryer is just as easy as making a full cake. You’ll need silicone cupcake liners or small ramekins that fit in your air fryer basket. Fill them about two-thirds full with batter and adjust the cooking time. Cupcakes typically bake faster, usually around 12-18 minutes at 320°F (160°C). Check for doneness with a toothpick as usual.
This can happen if your air fryer runs hot or if the cake is too close to the heating element. To prevent this, loosely tent a piece of aluminum foil over the top of the cake pan about halfway through the cooking time. This will shield the top from direct heat while allowing the inside to continue baking. You can also try slightly reducing the temperature by 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit.
MORE DELICIOUS AIR FRYER DESSERT RECIPES:
The versatility of your air fryer extends far beyond just cake. Explore these other fantastic air fryer dessert recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth:
- Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies (perfectly chewy with crisp edges!)
- Air Fryer Banana Bread (moist and flavorful, ideal for ripe bananas)
- Air Fryer Cake Mix Cookies (another super easy dessert hack using a box mix)
- Air Fryer Brownie Mix Cookies (fudgy goodness in cookie form!)
- Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls (fluffy, gooey, and ready in minutes for breakfast or dessert)
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Baking
Baking a cake in your air fryer opens up a world of convenience and delicious possibilities. It’s perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet but don’t want the fuss of traditional oven baking. With a box mix and your trusty air fryer, a moist, tender cake is just minutes away. Experiment with different flavors, add-ins, and frostings to make each air fryer cake a unique and satisfying experience. Happy baking!
10
Air Fryer Cake
Becky
5 minutes
30 minutes
Rate
Equipment
-
Air Fryer
-
Cake Pan
Ingredients
-
1
box
cake mix -
1
cup
water -
1/2
cup
vegetable oil,
or canola oil -
3
large
eggs
Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
-
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ingredients needed to prepare the cake mix, according to the box directions. Mix the ingredients together until the cake batter is well combined and smooth, ensuring no dry spots remain. Avoid overmixing.
-
To prepare the pan, cut a circle from parchment paper to line the bottom of your chosen cake pan. Then, spray the insides of the pan, including the parchment, with a non-stick cooking spray for easy release.
-
Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan, filling it about two-thirds full. Place the pan directly in the air fryer basket and air fry at 320 degrees F (160°C) for 25-30 minutes.
-
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake to check for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, the cake is done cooking. If wet batter appears, continue cooking in 3-5 minute increments.
-
Carefully remove the cake from the air fryer. Allow it to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, remove the parchment paper and place the unfrosted cake onto a plate or cake stand.
-
Once completely cooled, frost and decorate your delicious air fryer cake as desired. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Because all air fryers are different and temperatures can vary, cooking time may need to be adjusted by a 2-4 minutes (either more or less). Always rely on the toothpick test for doneness.
The internal fan in an air fryer can sometimes blow the top of the cake mix, resulting in a slight swirl or uneven surface. Don’t worry about this! You can simply trim the top of the cake with a serrated knife once it’s completely cooled to create a flat surface, making frosting much easier.
If you find the top of your cake is browning too quickly before the center is cooked, loosely tent a piece of aluminum foil over the cake pan for the remaining cooking time. This will help prevent over-browning.
Nutrition
Calories:
344
kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
53
g
,
Protein:
7
g
,
Fat:
14
g
,
Saturated Fat:
3
g
,
Polyunsaturated Fat:
4
g
,
Monounsaturated Fat:
5
g
,
Trans Fat:
1
g
,
Cholesterol:
93
mg
,
Sodium:
631
mg
,
Potassium:
272
mg
,
Fiber:
2
g
,
Sugar:
28
g
,
Vitamin A:
137
IU
,
Calcium:
123
mg
,
Iron:
4
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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