If you think air fryers are only for chips and chicken, think again. The air fryer has quietly become a star in the world of baking too, offering quick, delicious results with less fuss than traditional ovens.

Perfect for small batches, fast cravings, or quick celebrations, baking in air fryer settings allows you to make fluffy, moist cakes with very little effort. This blog explores everything you need to know about crafting the perfect air fryer cake recipe and creating easy, impressive air fryer dessert options from the comfort of your kitchen.

Why Bake Cakes in the Air Fryer?

Air frying cakes may sound unusual, but the method brings several real benefits:

  • Speed: Cakes bake faster due to hot air circulation
  • Energy efficiency: Heats quicker than a traditional oven
  • Small batch-friendly: Ideal for single cakes or small celebrations
  • Consistent results: Even heat for moist, evenly baked cakes

When done properly, the air fryer delivers light, airy cakes with a golden exterior — and much faster than you might expect.

Choosing the Right Air Fryer for Baking

Not every air fryer is perfect for baking, but most modern models can handle small cakes with ease.

Features to Look For

  • Adjustable temperature settings: Essential for delicate baking control
  • Baking accessories: Some models come with cake pans or compatible trays
  • Sufficient basket space: You’ll need room for the pan and proper airflow
  • Stable heat: Consistent temperatures prevent uneven baking

Even a compact air fryer can create a beautiful cake if you plan the size and settings carefully.

Types of Cakes Best Suited for Air Fryers

Not every cake style works equally well when air frying. Denser, sturdier cakes perform better than fragile, delicate sponges.

A light and fluffy sponge cake dusted with powdered sugar, featuring layers of cream and raspberry jam, with a slice removed.

Ideal Choices Include:

  • Pound cakes
  • Sponge cakes
  • Chocolate fudge cakes
  • Banana bread-style loaves
  • Muffins and cupcakes

Lighter soufflé-style desserts may require adjustments, but most everyday cakes adapt beautifully to the air fryer.

Essential Tools for Air Fryer Baking

To get the best results when baking in air fryer setups, a few simple tools help:

  • Small cake tins: 6-inch pans often fit most air fryer baskets
  • Baking paper or silicone liners: Prevent sticking and simplify clean-up
  • Measuring spoons and cups: Precision matters even more in smaller batches
  • Cooling racks: Allow cakes to cool evenly without becoming soggy

Good preparation makes the difference between a soggy bottom and a perfect bake.

Basic Method for an Air Fryer Cake Recipe

While recipes vary, the general method stays consistent.

General Steps

  1. Grease and line a small cake tin.
  2. Prepare your batter as usual.
  3. Pour batter into the pan, filling only halfway to allow rising.
  4. Preheat the air fryer if required (typically 3 minutes at 160–170°C).
  5. Place the pan in the basket.
  6. Bake at 150–160°C, checking for doneness from 15 minutes onward.
  7. Test with a toothpick — it should come out clean when the cake is done.

Timing can vary based on air fryer model and cake thickness, so monitor closely near the end.

Best Air Fryer Cake Flavours to Try

Classic flavours tend to shine in the air fryer, delivering comfort and nostalgia with every slice.

Tasty Ideas

  • Vanilla sponge: Light, fluffy, and versatile
  • Rich chocolate cake: Deep, gooey, and crowd-pleasing
  • Lemon drizzle: Bright, zesty, and refreshing
  • Carrot cake: Moist, spiced, and hearty
  • Banana bread: Naturally sweet and great for using overripe bananas

Starting with simple flavours lets you focus on mastering texture before experimenting with more complex cakes.

(For even more sweet ideas, don’t miss: Brownies & Cookies in the Air Fryer.)

How to Avoid Common Baking Issues

Air fryer baking has its quirks. Avoiding a few mistakes ensures better results every time.

Common Problems and Fixes

  • Sinking middles: Avoid opening the basket too early — wait until the cake has mostly set.
  • Burnt tops: Reduce temperature slightly or cover with foil halfway through baking.
  • Undercooked centres: Check cake thickness — very thick cakes may need lower temperatures and longer times.
  • Dry cakes: Do not overbake — check early and often near the estimated cooking time.

A little patience and practice guarantee professional-looking cakes from your air fryer.

Decorating and Serving Air Fryer Cakes

Air fryer cakes are just as deserving of celebration as any oven-baked creation.

Simple Decoration Ideas

  • Dust with icing sugar for an elegant finish
  • Spread a thin layer of jam or frosting between cake layers
  • Add a quick chocolate ganache drizzle
  • Top with fresh berries and whipped cream or coconut whip
  • Use dairy-free frosting for plant-based options

Small cakes make ideal desserts for couples, small families, or quick gifts — and they decorate beautifully without much effort.

Fun Mini Desserts You Can Bake in the Air Fryer

Beyond cakes, your air fryer can create mini-sized treats that are perfect for snacking or sharing.

A tray of freshly baked muffins in colorful silicone cups, topped with nuts, resting on a wire rack on a wooden table.

Mini Treat Ideas

  • Cupcakes: Quick baking and easy to customise
  • Brownies: Rich and chewy in small batches
  • Scones: Ideal with jam and cream for a quick tea
  • Mini cheesecakes: Bake in silicone cups for a no-fuss treat

Mastering mini desserts keeps your freezer stocked and your snack game strong — without heating up the whole kitchen.

Time and Temperature Guidelines for Different Cakes

Every recipe varies slightly, but here’s a general guide:

Cake Type Temperature Time
Sponge cake 160°C 18–22 minutes
Chocolate cake 150°C 20–25 minutes
Banana bread 150°C 22–28 minutes
Muffins/cupcakes 160°C 10–15 minutes
Brownies 150°C 15–20 minutes


Always check for doneness with a skewer or knife — adjust as needed for your air fryer model.

Why Air Fryer Desserts Are a Game-Changer

Having dessert ready in under 30 minutes changes everything. Air fryer baking means you can enjoy fresh cake without:

  • Preheating the oven
  • Worrying about batch sizes
  • Overheating your kitchen
  • Using tons of dishes

Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just treating yourself midweek, these quick bakes offer maximum reward for minimum effort.

Bake Brilliantly with Your Air Fryer

Baking cakes in the air fryer is more than a convenient shortcut — it’s a clever way to enjoy homemade desserts without the wait. From rich chocolate bakes to light vanilla sponges, a good air fryer cake recipe offers flavour, speed, and simplicity in every slice.

Mastering baking in air fryer settings opens up endless possibilities for easy, delicious treats at any time of day. Whether you’re whipping up a birthday surprise or simply craving a little something sweet, the perfect air fryer dessert is now only minutes away.

So preheat, mix, bake — and enjoy.

New to the air fryer game? Check out our Getting Started with Your First Air Fryer guide for beginners!