Easy Air Fryer Cake Recipe

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Making an Air Fryer Cake is easier than you think. It comes out moist and delicious and will be your favorite way to bake a cake.

How to Make a Cake in the Air Fryer

Have you ever wanted to make a cake in your air fryer? It’s easier than you think to make a delicious cake! Did you know you can make a cake in a pressure cooker too?

I use my air fryer for everything. Mainly because we don’t have a conventional oven in our RV.

We do have a convection microwave though. However, in my opinion, it’s easier to make everything in the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer which also doubles as an Instant Pot.

However, an air fryer is great for cooking in the summer especially when it feels like 150 degrees F outside, lol.

It’s always a great idea to try out new air fryer recipes. This one is no exception.

EASY AIR FRYER CAKE RECIPE

You can make an awesome birthday cake, cake for a special occasion, or just dessert, for you and your friends!

Or just for yourself. This makes a great air fryer cake for one.

But remember, it’s going to be a small cake, a mini air fryer cake if you will, with simple ingredients.

easy air fryer cake recipe
This might not look real pretty, because it has bananas in it. But it tastes awesome!

Follow these simple steps for how to make a cake in the air fryer and you’ll have yourself not just any old dessert but a simple cake with your favorite frosting rather something they will remember long after it has disappeared from sight (and taste).

In this blog post, I’ll show you how to make a delicious and moist cake in your air fryer. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is – and how good the results are!

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started on making this delicious air fryer cake!

What is an Air Fryer

Air fryers are small appliances that use hot air to cook food, and they are perfect for making quick and easy cakes.

Air frying is the new and exciting way to make your favorite foods at home!

What’s even better? You don’t have to watch over it. Do something else without having to worry about burning anything or over-cooking things. 

ninja foodi air fryer instant pot

The best part of this process is all those extra benefits – like how healthy air-fried food actually tastes (no oil needed for things like french fries!)

Plus there’s always less mess than deep frying because nothing spills onto stovetop surfaces when we’re using our awesome Air Fryers right?

Do I Need a Special Air Fryer Cake Pan

Depending on the size of your air fryer, as long as it’s an oven-safe pan that fits, you can use it.

I have an air fryer/instant pot accessory kit that has multiple size pans, a handle for removing the hot pan, and a few other items.

It really comes in handy, especially when making a homemade cake.

Supplies Needed for an Air Fryer Cake

  • Wire rack for cooling after removal from air fryer.
  • 7-inch springform pan or regular instant pot cake pan.
  • Parchment paper so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
  • Hand mixer or kitchen aid stand mixer to mix your cake mix.
  • Mixing Bowls and measuring spoons.

Air Fryer Cake Ingredients

  • Favorite boxed cake mix (I made the Strawberry Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting)
  • Eggs (room temperature)
  • Oil
  • Water
  • Frosting
  • Cooking spray
  • 1/8 cup of milk

How to Make an Air Fryer Box Cake

First thing is to place a piece of parchment paper in the bottom of the pan. I found this to be the easiest way to get the cake out.

Next, spray your pan with high heat oil spray of your choice. You can also use a coconut oil spray if you prefer.

Some people like to use a preheated air fryer. I have never preheated mine for anything and the food still comes out perfect each time.

In a large bowl, mix your dry ingredients until well combined.

Mix your wet ingredients in a small bowl. Pour the wet ingredients into the mixing bowl with dry ingredients and mix well.

Pour your cake batter into the pan a little under half full and place in the air fryer basket.

Why is My Cake Not Cooking in the Middle in Air Fryer

When this happens, it’s usually because the air wasn’t able to circulate correctly around the pan.

I placed my pan on the trivet that came with the air fryer so the bottom got more air too.

Can You Use a Regular Cake Pan in an Air Fryer

You have to make sure the pan has room around the sides to circulate.

So more than likely, the answer would be no unless you have oven type of air fryer. I know that a regular cake pan does not fit in mine.

I used the 7-inch springform and a regular pan is 9 inches.

In other words, don’t use a pan that’s too big.

How Long Does It Take to Bake a Cake in the Air Fryer

Since every air fryer is different, you will want to keep a close eye on the cake when it gets closer to the end of the cooking time.

Set the temperature to 300 degrees F and the cooking time for 35 minutes.

Since every air fryer is different, be sure to start checking the cake by placing a toothpick in the center to check if it’s done.

Once the cook time is up, remove the pan from the air fryer and place it on a cooling rack for 10 minutes.

Brush the top of the cake with the milk lightly using a pastry brush.

After 10 minutes, remove from pan and place the whole cake directly on rack to let the cake cool.

Repeat again for the second layer. The total time will be a little over an hour, but once again, you aren’t heating up the kitchen or RV in our case as you do with a traditional oven.

When the second layer is done cooling, you can use your favorite frosting to put together and frost.

The good news is that you can also dust the air fryer cake with powdered sugar if you prefer.

Top your slice of cake with a scoop of ice cream and some whipped topping and you are good to go.

STRAWBERRY BANANA CAKE

Homemade Air Fryer Cake Ingredients

DRY INGREDIENTS

  • Cake Flour or All-Purpose Flour
  • Baking Powder
  • Salt
  • Cup Sugar

WET INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup butter (room temperature)
  • Eggs (room temperature)
  • Egg yolks (room temperature)
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Buttermilk

Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Cream cheese softened
  • Unsalted butter
  • Confectioners’ sugar
  • Clear vanilla extract (the clear vanilla will make your cream cheese frosting look whiter.)
air fryer cake recipe

Cake Variations

With a simple switch of cake mix, you can make an Air Fryer Chocolate Cake covered with chocolate frosting for when you have that chocolate craving.

But, you can use any box cake mix that you might have in your pantry. A box mix can be used for so many different recipes and is just one of our pantry staples.

Next time, I’m going to add some chocolate chips to a vanilla cake for a change and some cocoa powder.

Printable Recipe Card

easy air fryer cake recipe

Easy Air Fryer Cake Recipe

Mary
Making an Air Fryer Cake is easier than you think. It comes out moist and delicious and will be your favorite way to bake a cake.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Additional Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Air Fryer
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 389 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Favorite boxed cake mix I made the Strawberry Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Eggs room temperature
  • Oil
  • Water
  • Frosting
  • Cooking spray
  • 1/8 cup of milk

Homemade Cake Ingredients

  • 3 cups Cake Flour or All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 Cup Sugar
  • 1 cup Butter room temperature
  • 3 large Eggs room temperature
  • 2 large Egg yolks room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Buttermilk

Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting for Strawberry Banana Cake

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 5 Tablespoons room temperature unsalted butter
  • 2 3/4 Cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons clear vanilla extract the clear vanilla will make your cream cheese frosting look whiter.

Instructions
 

  • First thing is to place a piece of parchment paper in the bottom of the pan. I found this to be the easiest way to get the cake out.
    air fryer cake recipe
  • Next, spray your pan with high heat oil spray of your choice. You can also use a coconut oil spray if you prefer. Some people like to use a preheated air fryer. I have never preheated mine for anything and the food still comes out perfect each time. In a large bowl, mix your dry ingredients until well combined.
    air fryer cake recipe
  • Mix your wet ingredients in a small bowl. Pour the wet ingredients into the mixing bowl with dry ingredients and mix well.
    air fryer cake recipe
  • Pour your cake batter into the pan a little under half full and place in the air fryer basket.
    air fryer cake recipe
  • Set the temperature to 300 degrees F and the cooking time for 35 minutes. Since every air fryer is different, be sure to start checking the cake by placing a toothpick in the center of the cake to check if it's done. Once the cook time is up, remove the pan from the air fryer and place it on a cooling rack for 10 minutes. Brush the top of the cake with the milk lightly using a pastry brush.
    STRAWBERRY BANANA CAKE
  • After 10 minutes, remove from pan and place the whole cake directly on rack to let the cake cool.
    air fryer cake recipe
  • Repeat again for the second layer. The total time will be a little over an hour, but once again, you aren't heating up the kitchen or RV in our case as you do with a traditional oven.
    EASY easy AIR FRYER CAKE RECIPE
  • When the second layer is done cooling, you can use your favorite frosting to put together and frost.
    STRAWBERRY BANANA CAKE
  • The good news is that you can also just dust with powdered sugar if you prefer.
    air fryer cake recipe
  • Top with a scoop of ice cream and some whipped topping and you are good to go.
    air fryer cake recipe

Video

Notes

Cake Variations

With a simple switch of cake mix, you can make an Air Fryer Chocolate Cake covered with chocolate frosting for when you have that chocolate craving.
But, you can use any box cake mix that you might have in your pantry. A box mix can be used for so many different recipes and is just one of our pantry staples.
Next time, I'm going to add some chocolate chips to a vanilla cake for a change and some cocoa powder.

How to Store Leftover Cake the Easy Way

If there are any leftovers, you will want to store the unfrosted cake in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap.
I would eat it within 3 days though. In our house, it doesn't last more than a day and a half.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 389kcalCarbohydrates: 76gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 664mgFiber: 1gSugar: 42g
Keyword air fryer, air fryer cake, birthday cake, box cake, cakes, holiday, layer cake, layered dessert, spring, spring recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

How to Store Leftover Cake the Easy Way

If there are any air fryer cake leftovers, you will want to store the unfrosted cake in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap.

I would eat it within 3 days though. In our house, it doesn’t last more than a day and a half.

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easy air fryer cake recipe

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    The air fryer cake is so easy and is going to be the way I make it all the time. It came out so moist and tasted good.

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