How to Bake a Cake Using an Air Fryer (Easy Step-by-Step Recipe)

Did you know you can bake a delicious, fluffy cake right in your air fryer? Yep — no oven needed! Air fryer cakes cook faster, stay moist, and are perfect when you want a small, homemade treat without heating up the whole kitchen.

Let’s get baking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup sugar

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ½ cup milk

  • ¼ cup melted butter or oil

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(You can also use any box cake mix — just make half the batter for most air fryers!)

Tools You’ll Need

  • Air fryer

  • A small cake pan that fits inside your air fryer

  • Mixing bowl

  • Whisk or spoon

  • Measuring cups

  • Baking spray or butter

  • Aluminum foil (optional)

Step-by-Step: How to Bake a Cake in an Air Fryer

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

  • Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
    Air fryers preheat quickly, so this takes only a minute or two.

2. Prepare the Cake Pan

  • Spray the pan with baking spray OR lightly butter it.

  • Add a small dusting of flour so the cake doesn’t stick.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine:

  • Flour

  • Sugar

  • Baking powder

  • Salt

Mix gently with a whisk.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients

Add:

  • Milk

  • Egg

  • Melted butter/oil

  • Vanilla

Whisk until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

5. Pour the Batter into the Pan

Fill the pan only halfway — air fryer cakes rise more quickly than oven cakes.

(Optional) Cover the top with foil for the first half of cooking to avoid burning the top.

6. Bake the Cake

  • Place the pan in the air fryer basket.

  • Bake for 20–25 minutes at 320°F (160°C).

Check at the 15-minute mark:
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is done!

If not, bake for 5 more minutes at a time.

7. Cool the Cake

  • Remove the pan carefully (it’s hot!).

  • Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.

8. Decorate and Enjoy!

Top it with:

  • Frosting

  • Powdered sugar

  • Chocolate drizzle

  • Fruit

  • Whipped cream

Or enjoy it plain — air fryer cakes are soft and moist on their own!

Tips for the BEST Air Fryer Cake

  • Don’t overfill the pan — air circulation is key.

  • Keep the temperature lower than oven baking.

  • Check early because air fryers cook fast.

  • Use foil if the top browns too quickly.

  • Rotate the pan halfway through if your air fryer cooks unevenly.

Final Thoughts

Baking a cake in an air fryer is quick, convenient, and surprisingly delicious. Whether you’re craving a single-layer cake, a mini birthday treat, or just a fun afternoon bake, your air fryer can do the job beautifully.