I’ve been trying out more Air Fryer Baking Recipes lately, and I’m here to tell you, Air Fryer Cake Recipes are a total win. I’ve made Air Fryer Cakes in all sorts of flavors, and let me tell you, they come out super moist and delicious every time! Whether you’re looking for a quick Air Fryer Desserts Easy Recipe or want to try some new Air Fryer Dessert Recipes, this is definitely the way to go.
You can even use your Ninja Air Fryer to bake a cake! It’s so easy to make Air Fryer Sweets like Air Fried Desserts or Air Fryer Cakes Recipe that will have your family thinking you spent hours baking when really, you just followed a simple Cake In Air Fryer Recipe.
Trust me, once you learn How to Bake in Air Fryer, you’ll be hooked. So let’s dive in and I’ll show you how to Bake a Cake in Air Fryer—because who doesn’t love an easy dessert in the air fryer, right?
What You’ll Need
Before we jump in, here’s what you’ll need for this super easy Air Fryer Box Cake:
- 1 box of cake mix (I like vanilla or chocolate, but any flavor works!)
- 3 eggs (check your box mix for specifics, but most recipes ask for 3)
- 1/2 cup of oil or melted butter (again, the box will tell you the exact amount)
- 1 cup of water (or as directed by your cake mix)
- Optional: Frosting or whipped cream to top it off
- Your air fryer (of course!)
Now that we’ve got our ingredients, let’s get baking!
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
I know it’s tempting to skip this step, but trust me, it’s worth it! Preheating your air fryer helps the cake cook evenly. I set mine to 320°F (160°C) and let it heat up for a few minutes. While it’s preheating, you can start getting your cake mix ready.
Step 2: Mix Your Cake Batter
This is the fun part! Just grab a big bowl and mix the cake batter according to the instructions on the box. For most box mixes, you’ll need to add the eggs, oil (or melted butter), and water. I always let my kids help with this part—my youngest loves cracking the eggs (just gotta keep an eye out so we don’t end up with egg shells in the batter, ha!). Mix everything until it’s smooth, and you’re all set for the next step.
Step 3: Prepare Your Cake Pan or Basket
Okay, now for the pan. If you’re using a cake pan, make sure it fits inside your air fryer. I usually go with a 7-inch round cake pan, which fits most air fryers perfectly. Grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Or, if you’re feeling lazy (I totally get it), you can pour the batter directly into the air fryer basket if it’s a good fit. Just don’t fill it all the way to the top, or it might overflow when it rises.
Step 4: Pour the Batter Into the Pan
Now, pour the cake batter into the pan or basket. I usually fill it about halfway so the cake has room to rise. If you fill it too high, you might end up with a bit of a mess, and we don’t want that, right?
Step 5: Bake the Cake in the Air Fryer
Time to bake! Place the pan or basket in your preheated air fryer and set the timer for 20-25 minutes at 320°F (160°C). Now, every air fryer is different, so check your cake at the 20-minute mark. You can stick a toothpick in the middle—if it comes out clean, your cake is done! If it’s still a little wet, just let it bake for a few more minutes. You don’t want to overcook it, but sometimes it takes a little longer depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 6: Let the Cake Cool
Once your cake is done, carefully take it out of the air fryer (use oven mitts, it’s hot!). Let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before you try to take it out of the pan. Trust me, it’ll make your life easier when it comes time to frost or serve. If you’re in a rush (like me most days), you can pop it in the fridge for a bit to cool faster.
Step 7: Frost or Serve
Okay, now the fun part—frosting! I usually go for store-bought frosting (because, let’s be real, I’m all about saving time) or sometimes just whipped cream. You can also leave it plain if you’re keeping it simple. Either way, it’s going to taste amazing! My kids love adding sprinkles or chocolate chips on top, too, so get creative!
FAQs About Baking Cakes in the Air Fryer
Can you bake a regular cake mix in the air fryer?
Yes! You can totally use a regular box cake mix in the air fryer. Just follow the instructions on the box, but instead of using the oven, you’ll bake it in the air fryer. It’s super easy and fast!
How long does it take to bake a cake in an air fryer?
The baking time will vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the cake, but most cakes bake in about 20-25 minutes at 320°F (160°C). Be sure to check it with a toothpick at the 20-minute mark to make sure it’s done.
Can I frost my cake after baking it in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Once your cake is cooled (give it about 10-15 minutes), you can frost it just like any other cake. Whether you go for store-bought frosting or homemade, it’ll be delicious!
Can I make a Ninja Air Fryer Cake with this recipe?
Yes, you can make a cake in a Ninja Air Fryer! The process is the same, just make sure your cake pan fits inside the air fryer basket. If you’re using a Ninja Cooking System, it works just like other air fryers, so you can use the same baking temperature and time.
What are some fun Air Fryer Cake Variations I can try?
Get creative! Add chocolate chips, fruit, or even some sprinkles to your cake batter. You can also make a fun layered cake by baking two smaller cakes and stacking them with frosting in between. The possibilities are endless!
Air Fryer Box Cake Recipe Card
Air Fryer Box Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box of cake mix vanilla, chocolate, or your choice
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup oil or melted butter
- 1 cup water or as per box instructions
Optional:
- Frosting or whipped cream for topping
Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a bowl, mix the cake mix with 3 eggs, 1/2 cup of oil (or melted butter), and 1 cup of water. Stir until smooth.
Prepare the Pan
- Grease a 7-inch round cake pan or silicone mold with butter or cooking spray. If your air fryer basket is big enough, you can pour the batter directly in.
Pour the Batter Into the Pan
- Pour the prepared cake batter into the pan, filling it halfway.
Bake the Cake
- Place the pan into the air fryer and bake for 20-25 minutes at 320°F (160°C). Check with a toothpick around 20 minutes—if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Cool and Frost
- Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes. Frost with your favorite frosting or whipped cream, and enjoy!
Notes
- Pan Size: If you’re using a cake pan, make sure it fits in your air fryer basket. A 7-inch round cake pan fits in most air fryers, but it never hurts to double-check.
- Add-ins: Want to make your cake extra special? Toss in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fruit (like raspberries or blueberries) into the batter before baking.
- Check Early: Since every air fryer is different, check your cake early and often. Some may bake faster than others, so don’t walk away!
- Leftovers: If you have any cake left over (which, honestly, I never do), you can store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Or freeze it for up to a month for a rainy day!
I’ve tried several Air Fryer Cake Recipes over the years, and honestly, this is one of the best. It’s simple, no-fuss, and comes out perfectly every time. Whether you’re using a Ninja Air Fryer, a regular air fryer, or trying out some Air Fryer Oven Recipes, you’ll be able to Bake a Cake in Air Fryer and serve up delicious treats with minimal effort.
So, go ahead and try this out! If you’ve been wondering How to Bake in Air Fryer, now you know—just follow this Cake in Air Fryer Recipe, and you’ll be a pro in no time. If you’re craving more Air Fryer Recipes Dessert or want to explore new Air Fryer Sweets, keep experimenting and have fun with all the Air Fryer Desserts you can create. Trust me, your family will thank you!
