Easy Air Fryer Vanilla Cake

This soft, fluffy vanilla cake is perfectly baked in the air fryer with a tender crumb and golden top. It’s ideal for birthdays, afternoon tea, or whenever you’re craving a homemade cake without turning on the oven.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk

Optional Vanilla Buttercream

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Prepare the pan: Grease and line a 6-inch round cake pan that fits inside your air fryer basket.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
5. Add the eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Combine: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined.
7. Fill the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
8. Air fry: Place the pan in the air fryer and cook at 320°F (160°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Buttercream

1. Beat the butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar.
3. Mix in the vanilla and enough milk to create a smooth, spreadable frosting.
4. Frost the cooled cake and decorate as desired.

Tips

• Use a cake pan that leaves at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space around the sides for proper air circulation.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
• Check for doneness a few minutes early, as air fryer models vary.
• If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the final 10 minutes.

Flavor Variations

• Chocolate: Replace ¼ cup of the flour with ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Lemon: Add the zest of 1 lemon and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
• Funfetti: Fold in ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles.
• Cinnamon: Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream
• Chocolate ganache
• Caramel sauce
• A dusting of powdered sugar

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.