Air Fryer Cake: 5 Simple Steps to Deliciousness

Name: Air Fryer Cake: 5 Simple Steps to Deliciousness
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 egg; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 1, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! Let me tell you about my latest obsession: air fryer cake. Seriously, it’s like magic! I stumbled upon this recipe one busy afternoon when I wanted something sweet but didn’t have the time for all the fuss of traditional baking. And guess what? This little gem is not only quick to whip up but also delivers a moist and delicious cake that’ll impress anyone who takes a bite.

With just a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, you can create a delightful dessert in no time. I love how the air fryer makes everything so much easier and faster. You’ll be amazed at how tender and fluffy it turns out! Trust me, once you try this air fryer cake, it’ll become your go-to recipe for any occasion. Get ready to have your taste buds dance with joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: You can whip up this air fryer cake in just 10 minutes! Who doesn’t love a speedy dessert?
Easy Ingredients: With only a few pantry staples like flour, sugar, and milk, this recipe is super accessible. No need for fancy stuff!
Delicious Flavor: The outcome is a wonderfully moist and fluffy cake with a delightful sweetness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Healthier Baking: Using an air fryer means less oil and fat compared to traditional baking methods. Plus, you’re cutting down on cooking time!
Versatile Recipe: You can easily customize this cake with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips or fruits for an extra flavor boost!

Ingredients List

To make this delightful air fryer cake, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll be using:

1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cake, providing structure and texture.
1/2 cup sugar: For that lovely sweetness that balances everything out.
1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
1/4 cup vegetable oil: This keeps the cake moist and gives it a delicious richness.
1 egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping everything stick together.
1 tsp baking powder: This is your leavening agent, making the cake rise and fluff up beautifully.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting flavor that elevates the entire cake.
1/4 tsp salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those wonderful flavors!

Gather these ingredients, and let’s get ready to bake something special!

How to Prepare Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making your air fryer cake! It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious cake in no time!

Step 1: Mixing Dry Ingredients

First things first, grab a medium bowl and combine your dry ingredients. This includes 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tsp of baking powder, and 1/4 tsp of salt. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed—this helps to ensure your cake rises evenly and has a lovely texture. It’s a simple step, but trust me, it sets the foundation for your cake!

Step 2: Combining Wet Ingredients

Next up, it’s time to add the wet ingredients! In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1 egg, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Whisk everything until it’s nice and smooth. Then, pour this mixture into your dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; you don’t want to overmix here! A few lumps are perfectly fine—it’ll all come together beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 3: Preheating the Air Fryer

Alright, now let’s get that air fryer warmed up! Preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Preheating is essential because it helps your cake cook evenly and rise properly. While it’s warming up, you can prepare your cake pan and get everything else ready!

Step 4: Pouring the Batter

Now, grab your greased cake pan—make sure it fits your air fryer! I usually use a little vegetable oil or cooking spray to grease the bottom and sides; this will help your cake pop right out when it’s done. Pour your batter into the pan, spreading it out evenly. Don’t be afraid to give it a little shake to level it out.

Step 5: Cooking the Cake

Time to bake! Carefully place the pan in the preheated air fryer and set a timer for 25 minutes. Now, here’s a little tip: halfway through cooking, you might want to check on it. When the timer goes off, do the toothpick test—insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, you’re all set! If not, give it another minute or two, and check again.

Step 6: Cooling the Cake

Once your cake is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer (it’ll be hot!). Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This is super important because it allows the cake to set and makes it easier to remove from the pan. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, waiting to dig in will be worth it—your cake will be perfectly tender and fluffy!

Nutritional Information Section

Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of this delightful air fryer cake! While dessert is all about indulgence, it’s nice to know what you’re enjoying. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional information per slice, which is about 1/8 of the cake:

Calories: Approximately 150
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 8g

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and measurements you use. But hey, life’s too short not to enjoy a slice of cake every now and then, right? Indulge a little and savor every bite!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re all set to bake your amazing air fryer cake, let’s go over some pro tips that’ll help you achieve the best results! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a world of difference in your baking journey.

Know Your Air Fryer: Every air fryer is a little different. Some cook hotter or cooler than others, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. If you notice it browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
Check Doneness Early: For added peace of mind, start checking your cake a few minutes before the timer goes off. It’s better to catch it before it overbakes! Remember the toothpick test—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
Experiment with Add-ins: Don’t hesitate to have some fun! Toss in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to customize your cake. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you add extra moisture from fruits.
Cool Completely: Allow your cake to cool completely before slicing. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture and avoiding a crumbly mess. Plus, it gives the flavors a chance to settle!
Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can even pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds the next day for a warm treat!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delicious air fryer cake ever. Happy baking!

Variations

Now that you’ve nailed the basic air fryer cake, let’s have some fun with variations! This recipe is super versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit your taste buds or whatever you have on hand. Here are some delicious ideas to jazz up your cake:

Chocolate Chips: Who doesn’t love chocolate? Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a rich, decadent treat. You can use semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate chips for a delightful twist!
Fruits: Add 1/2 cup of your favorite fruits, like blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries, for a fruity burst of flavor. Fresh or frozen works well, but be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using frozen.
Nuts: Want a little crunch? Toss in 1/4 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add a lovely texture and flavor that complements the cake beautifully.
Spices: Spice things up by adding 1 tsp of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. It’ll give your cake a warm, aromatic flavor that’s perfect for cozy days!
Citrus Zest: Brighten up your cake with 1 tsp of lemon or orange zest. It adds a refreshing zing that balances out the sweetness perfectly.
Different Extracts: Swap out the vanilla extract for other flavors like almond or coconut for a unique twist. Just a teaspoon will do the trick!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect air fryer cake. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear about your tasty creations!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made this delicious air fryer cake, and now you’ve got some leftovers—lucky you! Storing it properly is key to keeping that moist, fluffy texture intact. Here’s how to do it:

Cool Completely: First things first, make sure your cake has cooled down completely before storing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your cake soggy.
Airtight Container: Place your cooled cake in an airtight container. If you don’t have one, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
Room Temperature or Refrigerate: If you plan to eat the cake within a few days, it’s fine to store it at room temperature. Just keep it in a cool, dry place. For longer storage, pop it in the fridge, where it’ll last up to a week!

When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, here’s how to reheat it:

Microwave: Pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up. If you like it extra cozy, you can add a small pat of butter on top while it heats—yum!
Air Fryer: You can also reheat it in the air fryer! Set it at 300°F (150°C) for just a couple of minutes. It’ll come out warm and delicious, almost like it was just baked!

With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor your air fryer cake for days to come. Enjoy every bite!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of flour for the air fryer cake?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour works great, you can experiment with alternatives like whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends. Just keep in mind that this may slightly change the texture and flavor, but it’s totally worth trying!

Q2: How can I tell if my air fryer cake is done?
The best way to check for doneness is to perform the toothpick test. Just insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready to go! If there’s wet batter on it, give it a couple more minutes.

Q3: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This air fryer cake stores beautifully. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh on the counter for a few days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Q4: What can I do if my air fryer doesn’t have a cake setting?
No worries at all! Just set the temperature to 320°F (160°C) and keep an eye on the cooking time. Most air fryers will bake just fine without a specific cake setting, so you’re good to go!

Q5: Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?
Definitely! If you want to make a bigger cake, you can double the ingredients. Just remember to check the cooking time, as larger cakes might need a bit more time in the air fryer. Be sure to monitor it closely!