Baking a Perfect Vanilla Cake in the Air Fryer

Why the Air Fryer is a better for Baking?

If you’re a fan of quick, easy, and delicious cakes, the air fryer should be your go-to kitchen appliance. Known for its ability to cook food faster than traditional ovens, the air fryer is versatile enough to bake a fluffy, moist vanilla cake in just a fraction of the time. Plus, its compact size ensures even heat distribution, which means you won’t have to worry about the cake edges burning while waiting for the center to cook through.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking to try something new, an air fryer cake is an excellent option. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. With a few basic ingredients like flour, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla, you can create a cake that’s soft, tender, and light with just a few simple steps.

Air Fryer and Cake Baking Settings

Air fryers are smaller than conventional ovens, which leads to faster heating. While traditional ovens require more preheating time, air fryers heat up almost immediately, shortening the overall cooking time for your cake. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to adjust the baking time or pan size. For example, with larger air fryers, you can use an 8-inch round pan, while smaller air fryers require a smaller, more compact pan. Always check your cake periodically as air fryers can vary in heat levels.

For a perfectly baked vanilla cake, we recommend setting your air fryer at 375°F (180°C) and adjusting the time for optimal results. You’ll want to start checking the cake at 35 minutes to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Since air fryers use circulating hot air, your cake may bake slightly faster than in a traditional oven.

Ingredients Required to Make Vanilla Cake in the Air Fryer

The ingredients for this air fryer vanilla cake are simple, but the quality and freshness of your ingredients will make a difference in the final product. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient for the structure and texture of the cake.
• Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps in achieving a lighter and fluffier cake texture.
• Butter: You can use either salted or unsalted butter. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and moisture.
• Whole Milk: Full-fat milk works best in baking as it contributes to the cake’s richness.
• Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise and become light and airy.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds the signature flavor to your cake.

How to Make the Air Fryer Vanilla Cake

Step 1: Preparing the Dry Ingredients

Begin by sifting your all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl. Sifting is crucial as it removes any lumps and ensures even mixing. Add in the baking powder and stir well to combine. This will be your dry mixture for the cake.

Step 2: Whisking the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, crack your eggs and whisk them together with sugar until the mixture becomes foamy and light in color. The more you whisk, the fluffier your cake will be! This step incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for creating a light texture.

Step 3: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the sifted flour mixture into the egg-sugar mixture. Stir gently to avoid deflating the air you’ve incorporated into the eggs. Add the whole milk and vanilla extract, then whisk until everything is evenly combined. Finally, add the melted butter to the mixture and give it one last stir to ensure the butter is well incorporated.

Step 4: Preparing the Pan

Line your cake pan with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick. If you don’t have a cake pan, you can also use a silicone mold or any other oven-safe container that fits into your air fryer. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, filling it up about two-thirds of the way.

Step 5: Baking the Cake

Place the cake pan in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 375°F (180°C). Bake for about 35-40 minutes. Start checking the cake for doneness around 35 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

Step 6: Cooling and Serving

Once your cake is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer and allow it to cool for 10 minutes. After cooling, transfer the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Tips for Success and Variations

• Check Doneness Early: Air fryers cook quicker than traditional ovens. Start checking your cake around 35 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Cake Size Adjustment: If you’re using a larger air fryer, you can increase the cake size by using an 8-inch pan. For smaller air fryers, a 6-inch pan works best.
• Flavor Variations: You can experiment with different extracts, such as almond or lemon, for a unique twist on the classic vanilla cake.
• Frosting Ideas: Serve your cake plain, or go the extra mile with a rich chocolate or vanilla buttercream frosting. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze your cake wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.

Why You Should Try This Air Fryer Vanilla Cake Recipe

The beauty of making cake in the air fryer is the convenience and the quick cooking time. There’s no need to wait for your oven to preheat or worry about your cake getting burnt. With this air fryer recipe, you can enjoy a homemade vanilla cake in a fraction of the time. Perfect for when you want a small, personal-sized cake without the hassle!

Simple Air Fryer Vanilla Cake Recipe

Duration

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 240g All-Purpose Flour (1 3/4 cups)
• 3 Eggs
• 80g Melted Butter (5 tbsp)
• 60ml Whole Milk (1/4 cup)
• 150g Sugar (3/4 cup)
• 10g Baking Powder (3/4 tbsp)
• 15ml Vanilla Extract (1 tbsp)
• Pinch of Salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   • Sift the flour into a large bowl and add the baking powder. Stir to combine.
2. Whisk Wet Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until light and foamy.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the egg mixture, mixing well. Add the milk, vanilla extract, salt, and mix thoroughly. Finally, fold in the melted butter.
4. Prepare the Cake Pan:
   • Line a 6-inch cake pan with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
5. Bake the Cake:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (375°F). Place the cake pan in the air fryer and bake for 40 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and serve as desired.

Notes:
This recipe is perfect for a small batch of cake. If you prefer a larger cake, you can double the ingredients and adjust the baking time accordingly.