Can Cakes Be Cooked in an Air Fryer? What You Should Know First
Air fryers have taken over Aussie kitchens, and for good reason. They’re quick, convenient, and give everything that crisp, golden edge we love. But here’s a question more and more people are asking: Can you actually bake a cake in an air fryer?
It sounds a bit odd at first, right? But with the right approach, the answer is YES! You absolutely can bake a cake in an air fryer.
Let’s break down how it works.
How Air Fryers Bake Cakes Differently
Air fryers work by circulating hot air rapidly around the food, almost like a tiny convection oven. When it comes to cake, this means the outside can cook a bit faster than the inside.
That's why there are a few important things to remember when baking cakes in an air fryer:
- Timing and temperature matter a lot. Cakes tend to cook about 25% faster in an air fryer, so be sure to periodically check the baking progress.
- Go easy on the temperature. Bake your cake at a slightly lower temperature than you would in a regular oven.
- Ensure that there is sufficient space for air to circulate. The cake tin should sit in the centre of the basket with plenty of space around it for air circulation.
- Cakes are prone to burning due to the small space in an air fryer. You can mitigate this by covering the cake loosely with aluminium foil halfway through the cooking. Alternatively, you can lower the temperature even more after the halfway mark.
Types of Cakes That Work Well In An Air Fryer
Dense, moist cakes usually work best in air fryers. Think banana bread, butter cakes, or chocolate mud cake. These hold their structure and bake more evenly in a smaller space.
On the other hand, lighter sponges or chiffon-style cakes can be a little trickier. Because of the quick air circulation, they might rise too fast or collapse if they’re not set properly. But that doesn’t mean they’re impossible to achieve in an air fryer. It's just that you might want to start with something more forgiving, like denser cakes, before you move to the fluffier stuff.
Cupcakes, mug cakes, and small loaf cakes are also perfect candidates when trying to get the hang of cooking cakes in an air fryer. They cook fast, don’t take up much space, and are great for single or small-batch baking.
Can You Use A Normal Cake Tin In An Air Fryer?
Short answer: yes, but be mindful of its size.
Most standard round cake tins won’t fit unless you’ve got a large air fryer. Assuming that you only have a standard household air fryer, you’ll need a tin that fits comfortably inside the basket with a bit of room on the sides. If it’s too snug, the air won’t circulate properly, and you’ll end up with uneven baking.
As such, you might want to purchase smaller cake tins dedicated to air-fry oven baking. We recommend looking for small round tins, mini loaf pans, silicone cake moulds, or even ramekins. Just make sure whatever you use is oven-safe and can handle high temperatures. Non-stick tins work well, but always grease and line them like you would for any regular bake.
If you’re not sure, try placing the empty tin inside the fryer before starting. If it slides in with a little space around it, you’re good to go.
The Difference Between Air Fryer Cakes & Oven Cakes
Let’s be honest, an oven still gives you more control, especially when baking larger cakes or complex-layer desserts. But that doesn’t mean the air fryer isn’t up to the job.
Air fryer cakes can be just as delicious, especially for small batches or quick cravings. They’re great when you don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen, or if you’re baking in a dorm, caravan, or small apartment. Some people even prefer the denser, richer texture that air fryer cakes often have.
Air fryers are also great for occasional baking, as you no longer have to invest in a dedicated baking oven. But as we mentioned above, there is a learning curve to this, just like when baking in a normal cake oven.
The trick is to start small and test a few recipes until you find what works for your air fryer model. And always check for doneness by inserting a skewer in the centre, just like with regular cakes.
So YES. You Can Bake Cakes Using An Air Fryer. It's Worth A Go.
Air fryer cakes are a great option when you want something quick, fun, and a little different. They won’t replace your oven entirely, but they open the door to more flexible baking, especially for smaller households or spontaneous sweet cravings.
If you’re keen to try, start with a simple chocolate or vanilla cake, use a small tin, and don’t be afraid to experiment. It might not be perfect the first time, but that’s half the fun of baking. And if all else fails? Well, Profiterole Patisserie’s cakes are just a click away.
At Profiterole Patisserie, we love when people get creative in the kitchen. But when air frying cakes won't do the job for you, our handcrafted cakes are always here to save the day. No baking required. Explore our
cake collection to find your perfect match.
Written by Jason Yacoub from Profiterole Patisserie
Date written: 07/01/2026
FAQs:
Can cakes be cooked in an air fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely bake cakes in an air fryer. With the right tin, temperature, and recipe, air fryers can produce moist, rich cakes, especially for small batches or quick bakes.
What kind of cake tins can I use in an air fryer?
You can use any oven-safe tin that fits inside the air fryer basket with space around it. Mini loaf tins, round tins, silicone moulds, or ramekins are ideal. Just avoid tins that are too tall or wide to avoid hampering air circulation while baking.
Does an air fryer bake faster than an oven?
It usually does. Air fryers cook faster due to their compact size and rapid air movement. Cakes may finish baking up to 25% faster, so keep an eye on them and check for doneness early.
Do air fryer cakes taste different?
Cakes baked in an air fryer still taste the same, but they may differ in texture. They can have a slightly denser texture, but many people love that. The flavour is still rich and satisfying, especially with cakes like banana bread, chocolate cake, or butter cake.
What’s the best first cake to try in an air fryer?
Start simple with dense cakes such as chocolate or vanilla butter cake. They’re forgiving, taste great, and help you get a feel for how your air fryer handles cake batter.
