Welcome to the club! You’re staring at your trusty air fryer, the champion of crispy chicken wings and perfect French fries, and you’re wondering, “Can it really bake a cake?” I’m here to tell you, with a resounding YES, that your countertop wonder is about to become your new favorite baker. Forget heating up your entire kitchen with a conventional oven for a small treat. We’re about to unlock a whole new level of convenience with this incredible Air Fryer Cake Recipe. It’s faster, ridiculously energy-efficient, and the result is a beautifully moist and tender cake that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about baking.
Why Even Bother Baking a Cake in an Air Fryer?
That’s a fair question. I was skeptical at first, too. My first thought was, “Isn’t that for, you know, frying?” But think of your air fryer less as a “fryer” and more as a powerful, compact convection oven. It circulates hot air at high speed, which is a baker’s dream for even cooking.
Here’s the real-deal breakdown of why this is a game-changer:
- Speed: No more waiting 15-20 minutes for a big oven to preheat. The air fryer is ready in just a few minutes, and the cake itself often bakes faster.
- Energy Efficiency: Why power up a huge appliance for one small 6-inch cake? The air fryer uses significantly less electricity, making it perfect for small-batch baking.
- Perfect for Small Households: Living alone or with a partner? This method lets you bake a fresh, perfectly-portioned cake without being stuck with leftovers for a week.
- Incredible Results: The constant air circulation helps create a wonderfully even bake with a delicate, golden-brown crust. The inside stays surprisingly moist and fluffy.
It’s the ultimate kitchen hack for when a cake craving strikes and you want a delicious, homemade dessert without the fuss.
The Easiest Air Fryer Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Alright, let’s get down to business. This is my go-to vanilla cake recipe. It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that serves as a perfect base. Feel free to get creative with mix-ins like chocolate chips or a swirl of jam!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (whole or 2% works best)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Pan: Find a 6-inch or 7-inch round cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. Make sure to leave a little space around the sides for air to circulate! Lightly grease the pan and line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper. This is non-negotiable for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly, which is key for a good rise.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the milk, oil (or melted butter), egg, and vanilla extract until they’re well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or whisk just until combined. A few small lumps are perfectly okay. Over-mixing develops gluten and can lead to a tough, rubbery cake.
- Fill the Pan and Preheat: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Now, preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Time to Bake: Carefully place the cake pan into the preheated air fryer basket. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- The Toothpick Test: Around the 20-minute mark, check for doneness. Carefully open the air fryer and insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, it’s done. If there’s wet batter, bake for another 3-5 minutes and check again.
- Cool It Down: Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the air fryer (it will be hot!). Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Don’t even think about frosting it while it’s warm!
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Our Picks for the Best Air Fryer in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black |
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| 2 | CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket, Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Digital Timer and Shake Reminder – Black |
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| 3 | Ninja | Air Fryer | 4 QT Capacity | 4-in1 Roast, Crisp, Roast, Reheats, & Dehydrates | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Includes 20 Easy & Healthy Recipes | Compact | Grey | AF101 |
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| 4 | Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate | 5QT Capacity fits up to 4lbs of French Fries | 400F Max Temp | Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate | 120V | Grey | AF141 |
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| 5 | Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black |
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| 6 | Amazon Basics 3.2 Quart 6-In-1 Air Fryer (Fry, Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate), Non-Stick, with Timer, Auto Shut-Off, Digital Touch Screen, 180-400°F, 1400W, Black/Silver |
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| 7 | Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black |
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| 8 | Chefman TurboFry Touch Air Fryer, Large 5-Quart Family Size, One Touch Digital Control Presets, French Fries, Chicken, Meat, Fish, Nonstick Dishwasher-Safe Parts, Automatic Shutoff, Stainless Steel |
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| 9 | Cuisinart Air Fryer, 2.6-Quart Compact Basket Fryer with 3 Cooking Functions to Air Fry, Roast, and Bake, 3 Airfryer Presets, Dishwasher-Safe Parts, AIR-80, Stainless Steel & Black |
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| 10 | Instant Pot 4QT VORTEX 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer, Air fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate or Reheat, Rosewater, 4 Quarts |
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Pro Tips for a Perfect Air Fryer Cake Every Time
Baking in an air fryer is more of an art than a science sometimes. Every model is a little different. After a few (admittedly) lopsided first attempts, I’ve gathered some tips that make a world of difference.
Choosing the Right Pan is Crucial
The biggest mistake people make is using a pan that’s too big. You must have at least half an inch of space around the entire pan for the hot air to do its job. A 6-inch or 7-inch round pan is usually a safe bet for most standard-sized air fryers. Silicone pans also work beautifully. For more tips on gear, check out our guide to [the best air fryer accessories].
Getting the Temperature Just Right
Most cake recipes for conventional ovens call for 350°F (175°C). In an air fryer, that’s often too high. The powerful fan can cook the top of the cake way too fast, leaving you with a burnt crust and a raw, gooey center. I’ve found that 320°F (160°C) is the sweet spot. It’s hot enough to cook the cake through but gentle enough to prevent burning.
“Your air fryer’s biggest strength is consistent, dry heat—perfect for getting that golden crust on a cake. The trick is to lower the temperature slightly from your oven recipes to give the inside time to catch up with the outside.” – As kitchen appliance specialist Maria Flores often says.
What if the Top is Browning Too Fast?
This is a classic air fryer baking problem. If you notice the top of your cake getting dark but the center is still uncooked, you have a simple solution: a small piece of aluminum foil. Loosely tent the foil over the top of the cake pan for the remainder of the baking time. This shields the top from the direct heat, allowing the inside to finish baking perfectly.
Common Air Fryer Baking Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- The Problem: My cake is dry.
- The Fix: You likely over-baked it. Air fryers cook fast! Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recipe says to. Also, be sure you’re measuring your flour correctly—scooping directly from the bag can pack in too much flour.
- The Problem: My cake is sunk in the middle.
- The Fix: This could be from opening the air fryer too early or too often, causing a sudden temperature drop. It could also be under-baking. Make sure that toothpick comes out clean!
- The Problem: The cake is dense and heavy.
- The Fix: You almost certainly over-mixed the batter. Remember, mix just until the flour disappears. A few lumps are your friends.
Properly caring for your machine can also impact performance. For a full rundown, learn more about [how to properly clean your air fryer] after a baking session.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Cake Recipes
Can I use a regular boxed cake mix in an air fryer?
Absolutely! This is one of the best shortcuts. Simply prepare the batter according to the package directions, but follow the air fryer temperature and time guidance from this recipe (320°F / 160°C for around 20-25 minutes). You’ll likely only use about half the batter, so it’s perfect for making two small cakes or a batch of cupcakes.
Do I need to cover my air fryer cake with foil?
Not usually, but it’s a great trick to have up your sleeve. Only cover it if you notice the top is browning too quickly before the inside is cooked through. Don’t start with it covered, as this can prevent the cake from rising properly.
What size cake pan should I use in my air fryer?
The most important rule is that the pan must fit with at least a half-inch of clearance on all sides to allow for proper air circulation. For most 4 to 6-quart air fryers, a 6-inch or 7-inch round pan is ideal.
Can I make cupcakes in the air fryer?
Yes, and they’re fantastic! Use silicone cupcake liners placed directly in the air fryer basket. They bake even faster, usually in about 12-15 minutes at 320°F (160°C).
Can I bake other desserts in my air fryer?
You bet! Your air fryer is a surprisingly versatile dessert machine. You can make brownies, cookies, apple crumble, and even donuts. The same principles apply: slightly lower temperatures and shorter cooking times.
So there you have it. Your air fryer is so much more than a machine for reheating pizza. It’s a bona fide baking powerhouse waiting to be unleashed. Give this air fryer cake recipe a try—I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious the results are. Go ahead, get baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with our community! We can’t wait to see what you whip up.