Tired of complicated baking recipes that take hours? Craving a moist, delicious cake but short on time? Then you've come to the right place! This air fryer simple cake recipe is your answer to quick and easy homemade cooking. Forget the oven; we're taking this classic dessert to new heights (or rather, new deliciousness) using your trusty air fryer. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want a sweet treat, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup milk (any kind)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Lightly grease a 6-inch round cake pan suitable for air frying or line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, leading to a lighter cake.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
Mix Wet and Dry:
- Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. If adding chocolate chips or other mix-ins, gently fold them in now.
Air Fry the Cake:
- Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Place the pan in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost, dust with powdered sugar, or enjoy it plain!
Tips for Air Fryer Cake Success:
- Don't overfill the pan: Leave some space at the top to allow for rising.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark. Every air fryer is slightly different.
- Experiment with flavors: Add different extracts like almond or lemon, or use different mix-ins like blueberries or cranberries.
Variations:
- Chocolate Cake: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and a teaspoon of lemon extract.
- Spice Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator online and input the exact ingredients and quantities.
This air fryer simple cake recipe provides a delicious and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a perfect example of delicious dishes you can easily make at home, perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Enjoy!