How to cook a cake in an air fryer
If you’re a fan of both air fryers and delicious homemade cakes, we have a treat for you! Did you know that you can actually bake a cake in an air fryer? With the right recipe and a few tips, you can achieve a perfectly moist and fluffy cake with a golden brown crust, all cooked in the convenience of your air fryer.
Why bake a cake in an air fryer, you ask? Well, for starters, an air fryer is much quicker than a conventional oven, reducing the baking time significantly. It also uses less energy, making it a more eco-friendly option. Additionally, the circulating hot air in the air fryer ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior, adding a unique texture to your cake.
While it may sound unconventional, baking a cake in an air fryer is a straightforward process. You will need a suitable cake pan that fits your air fryer, and of course, a reliable air fryer with adjustable temperature settings. Follow our step-by-step guide below to create a delectable cake in your air fryer, and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!
Preparing the Air Fryer
Before using your air fryer to cook a cake, it’s important to prepare the appliance properly to ensure the best results. Follow these steps to get your air fryer ready for baking:
- Clean the inside of the air fryer thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Make sure to remove any remnants from previous cooking sessions.
- Remove all accessories and trays from the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature specified in your cake recipe. This usually takes around 3-5 minutes.
- While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the cake batter according to your recipe.
- If using a cake pan that fits in the air fryer, line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Alternatively, you can also use a silicone cake mold or a baking dish that fits inside the air fryer basket. Grease the chosen pan or dish with a small amount of cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.
Once the air fryer has reached the desired temperature and the cake batter is ready, you can proceed with cooking the cake in the air fryer. By properly preparing the air fryer, you’ll create the perfect environment for baking a delicious cake with a crisp, golden crust on the outside and a moist and fluffy texture on the inside.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Before you start cooking your cake in the air fryer, it’s important to preheat the appliance. Preheating ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired temperature before you begin baking.
Here are the steps to preheat your air fryer:
- Plug in the air fryer and make sure it’s placed on a stable and heat-resistant surface.
- Set the temperature dial or control panel to the desired baking temperature. Most cake recipes recommend a temperature of around 350°F (175°C).
- Press the power button to turn on the air fryer. You may need to adjust the cooking time based on the capacity and power of your specific model.
- Allow the air fryer to preheat for about 5 minutes. This time may vary depending on the model, so check your appliance’s manual for specific instructions.
During the preheating process, you can gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare the cake batter. Once the air fryer reaches the desired temperature, you’re ready to start baking your cake.
Choosing the Right Pan
When cooking a cake in an air fryer, choosing the right pan is essential to ensure even cooking and a perfectly baked cake. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a pan:
Size: The size of the pan will determine the thickness of your cake. Make sure to choose a pan that is suitable for the amount of batter you have.
Material: It is recommended to use a pan that is made of aluminum or a similar material that distributes heat evenly. This will help to avoid hot spots and ensure that the cake bakes evenly.
Shape: Most air fryers have a round cooking basket, so a round cake pan is usually the best choice. However, if you prefer a different shape, make sure the pan fits inside the air fryer and allows for proper air circulation.
Height: Pay attention to the height of the pan, as it can affect the cooking time. A taller pan may require a longer cooking time, whereas a shorter pan may result in a faster cooking time.
Coating: Consider choosing a pan with a non-stick coating to prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove from the pan.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that the right pan is chosen, resulting in a deliciously baked cake in your air fryer.
Greasing the Pan
Before you begin baking your cake in the air fryer, it’s important to properly grease the pan to ensure that the cake doesn’t stick. This will make it easier to remove the cake from the pan once it’s finished baking.
Using a cooking spray or a small amount of oil, thoroughly coat the bottom and sides of the cake pan. Make sure to get into all the crevices and corners to prevent any sticking. You can use a pastry brush or even a paper towel to evenly distribute the grease.
Note: It’s important to use a pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer. Make sure to measure your pan and check that it’s not too large or too small for your air fryer basket.
If you prefer a non-stick option, you can also line your cake pan with parchment paper. Simply cut a circle of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan and place it on top of the greased surface.
Greasing the pan will create a nice, smooth surface for your cake batter, allowing it to bake evenly and easily release from the pan once it’s done. With a well-greased pan, you can bake the perfect cake in your air fryer every time!
Preparing the Cake Batter
To start preparing the cake batter for your air fryer cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups of sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, follow these steps to prepare the cake batter:
- Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C), ensuring the basket is clean and grease-free.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Mix well until creamy using an electric mixer or a whisk.
- Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate them fully into the batter.
- Step 4: Next, add the vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until it is well combined.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Mix them together using a whisk or a fork.
- Step 6: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture.
- Step 7: Continue mixing until all the ingredients are well incorporated and a smooth batter is formed.
Note: It is important not to overmix the batter as it can result in a dense cake.
Once your cake batter is ready, you can proceed to the next step of baking your cake in the air fryer.
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