Last Updated on January 29, 2026 by The Daily Simmer Team
Air fryer cakes might sound a bit unusual, but I’ve discovered they can turn out quite well. This recipe is straightforward and uses ingredients you likely have in your pantry. I like making this cake when I want something light and sweet but don’t want to spend a lot of time baking. The air fryer, as it turns out, is quite adept at baking; my kids are always excited when they see it come out. Just keep an eye on the timing — I once got caught up in a show and nearly overcooked it.
Contents
Ingredients
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup milk
- Vegetable oil as needed
- 1 teaspoon liquid vanilla
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the egg yolks and milk and whisk it with a hand mixer.
- Add 5 tablespoons of vegetable oil and the liquid vanilla; mix well until combined.
- Incorporate the flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until you have a smooth, batter-like consistency.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites and lemon juice until creamy.
- Gradually add sugar to the egg whites while continuing to beat until well integrated.
- Fold the egg white mixture gently into the egg yolk mixture until just combined.
- Preheat the air fryer to 340°F for about 7 minutes before baking.
- Prepare a suitable baking tin, greasing it with a bit of oil and lining it with parchment paper.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin and place it in the air fryer.
- Set the air fryer to cook at 340°F for 35 to 40 minutes until the cake is done.
- Carefully remove the tin once the cake is cooked, and allow it to cool before removing it from the tin.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving it with your favorite drink.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s simple and uses common ingredients, making it easy to prepare.
- The texture is light and fluffy, perfect for dessert or a snack.
- Great for quick gatherings or a light treat when family visits.
Chef’s Tips for Perfection
- Be gentle when folding the egg whites into the batter to maintain that fluffy texture.
- Don’t skip preheating the air fryer; it helps with even cooking.
- You can experiment with different flavors by adding cocoa or orange zest.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate it if you prefer, but let it sit out for a bit before serving to soften up the texture.
Nutritional Notes
Each slice contains around 250 calories, depending on portion sizes and specific ingredient brands used. This is a rough estimation, so keep that in mind when planning your meals.
