Some days, you just need a little cake with your coffee… or maybe coffee with your cake. Either way, this Air Fryer Coffee Cake is the perfect excuse to whip up something sweet without all the hassle. As a mom of three, I love baking, but let’s be real—I don’t always have time to wait for the oven to preheat, let alone bake for an hour. That’s where Air Fryer Cakes come in clutch. They’re quick, easy, and still give you that soft, fluffy texture you want in a Homemade Coffee Cake—no dry, sad cake here.
If you’ve never tried making a Cake Coffee in the air fryer, you’re in for a treat. This recipe has all the cozy vibes of an Old Fashioned Coffee Cake, with that buttery cinnamon crumble on top that makes every bite absolute perfection. Plus, it’s one of those Air Fryer Dessert Recipes Easy enough to throw together whenever the craving hits. Whether you’re a die-hard Coffee and Cake person or just need a quick sweet fix, this Air Fryer Cake Recipe is about to be your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy – No oven, no stress, just quick and delicious.
- Perfect for small batches – No need to bake a giant cake unless you want to (and honestly, I get it).
- Cinnamon-sugar crumble perfection – The topping is the best part. Don’t fight me on this.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + ½ tablespoon vinegar)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the crumble topping:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
How to Make Air Fryer Coffee Cake
Step 1: Mix the Batter
First, grab a mixing bowl and toss in the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a quick whisk.
In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. If you don’t have buttermilk, just mix regular milk with ½ tablespoon of vinegar and let it sit for five minutes.
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix or the cake will end up dense instead of soft and fluffy.
Step 2: Make the Crumbly Topping
The real MVP of this recipe is the crumble. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Then add the softened butter and mash it all together with a fork until it forms little crumbles. If you’re tempted to eat it straight from the bowl, I completely understand.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Grease a six-inch round pan (or any air fryer-safe baking dish). Pour in the batter, smoothing it out a little. Then, sprinkle the crumble topping all over. Be generous. This is what makes coffee cake, well… coffee cake.
Step 4: Air Fry It
Place the pan in the air fryer and set the temperature to 320°F. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes.
Around the 15-minute mark, do the classic toothpick test—stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done. If it’s still wet, give it another couple of minutes.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Or just dig right in, because waiting is overrated. Grab a cup of coffee (or, in my case, reheat the same coffee I’ve microwaved three times already) and enjoy.
Tips for the Best Coffee Cake
- Do not overmix the batter – A few lumps are totally fine. Overmixing makes it dense.
- Check your air fryer early – Some air fryers run hotter than others, so keep an eye on it.
- Serve warm – Coffee cake is next level when it’s still slightly warm. The crumble just melts into the top.
Storing Leftovers
If by some miracle you don’t eat the whole thing in one sitting, just wrap leftovers in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.
- At room temperature: Two days
- In the fridge: Up to five days
- Reheat in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds before eating for that fresh-baked feel
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pan for this air fryer cake?
Yep! As long as it’s air fryer-safe, you’re good to go. A 6-inch round cake pan works best, but you can also use a small loaf pan or even ramekins for mini cakes. Just keep an eye on the baking time—it might need a little adjusting.
Can I make this without buttermilk?
Totally! If you don’t have buttermilk, just mix ½ cup of milk with ½ tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Instant buttermilk substitute!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can, but let’s be honest—it’s best fresh. If you do make it ahead, store it in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 5 days. Just warm it up for 10-15 seconds in the microwave before eating.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be amazing in the crumble topping. And if you’re a chocolate lover, sprinkle some chocolate chips into the batter before baking. No rules here—make it your own!
Air Fryer Coffee Cake Recipe Card
Air Fryer Coffee Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk or milk + ½ tbsp vinegar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumble Topping:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
Instructions
- Mix the Batter – In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
- Make the Crumble – In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add softened butter and mash with a fork until crumbly.
- Assemble the Cake – Grease a 6-inch air fryer-safe pan. Pour in the batter and sprinkle the crumble topping evenly.
- Air Fry – Set the air fryer to 320°F and bake for 15-18 minutes. Check with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, it’s done.
- Cool & Serve – Let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with coffee or tea.
Notes
Notes & Tips
- If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ½ cup milk with ½ tbsp vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2 days at room temp or 5 days in the fridge.
- Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.
And that’s it—your Air Fried Coffee Cake is ready to go! See? No oven, no long wait, just a soft, buttery Homemade Coffee Cake that’s giving all the cozy vibes. If you’ve been sleeping on Air Fryer Cake Recipes, this is your sign to try one. Seriously, once you see how easy it is to whip up Air Fry Desserts, you’ll be making them all the time.
Whether you need a quick breakfast treat, a sweet snack, or just an excuse for some Coffee And Cake, this Old Fashioned Coffee Cake (but make it Air Fryer Cakes Recipe style) is a total game-changer. So go ahead, grab a slice, pour some coffee (or reheat the same cup for the third time—no judgment), and enjoy. And if you try this, let me know! I love seeing how y’all’s Air Fryer Coffee Cake Recipes turn out.
