Air fryer sponge cake
Sponge cake is a light, fluffy, and airy cake that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s traditionally made in an oven, but did you know that you can make a soft and spongy cake in your air fryer? This air fryer sponge cake recipe is quick, simple, and delivers a moist, fluffy cake that’s perfect on its own or as the base for layered desserts. Whether you’re short on time or simply don’t want to heat up your oven, the air fryer is your new best friend for baking a sponge cake.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make a light, spongy cake with just a few ingredients. The air fryer allows you to bake your cake faster while keeping it moist and delicious, all without using much oil or butter.
Recipe Overview:
- Dish Name: Air Fryer Sponge Cake
- Cuisine: Baking/Dessert
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Serves: 8-10 slices
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients:
This air fryer sponge cake requires just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen:
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for extra fluffiness)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for a slightly softer texture)
- Butter or oil for greasing the pan
Preparation Time:
- Active Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Intensity Level:
Making an air fryer sponge cake is very easy, even for beginners. The key steps are whisking the eggs and sugar until fluffy, folding in the flour carefully, and baking it in the air fryer. This recipe is perfect for those new to baking or looking for a quick cake option.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pan
- Grease the pan: Lightly grease a round cake pan (preferably 6-inch in diameter) with butter or oil. Alternatively, you can line the bottom with parchment paper. This will help the cake to come out easily once it’s baked.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures that the cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- Whisk the eggs and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the granulated sugar. Using an electric hand mixer or a whisk, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, and has doubled in size. This will take about 5-7 minutes. The mixture should form soft peaks.
- Add the vanilla: Once the egg mixture is light and fluffy, add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Continue to whisk until incorporated.
- Fold in the flour: Sift the all-purpose flour and (optional) baking powder together into the egg mixture. Gently fold the flour in using a spatula or wooden spoon, being careful not to deflate the batter. The batter should remain light and airy.
- Add milk (optional): If you want a softer sponge, you can add a tablespoon of milk to the batter and fold it in gently.
Step 3: Bake in the Air Fryer
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan: Once the batter is ready, pour it into the greased or lined cake pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Place the pan in the air fryer: Carefully place the cake pan in the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure the pan fits comfortably and there is enough space for the air to circulate around the cake.
- Bake the sponge cake: Cook the sponge cake in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Check the cake after 20 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. If it’s not fully set, continue baking for another 5 minutes.
- Let the cake cool: Once the cake is cooked through and golden on top, remove the cake pan from the air fryer. Allow the sponge cake to cool for about 5 minutes in the pan, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Serve
- Slice and enjoy: Once the cake is fully cooled, slice it into pieces and serve. You can enjoy the cake on its own or add frosting, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or jam.
Tips for Success:
- Eggs and sugar: Whisking the eggs and sugar properly is key to getting a light, airy sponge. Make sure to beat them until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and doubled in size. This step helps incorporate air into the batter.
- Sift the flour: Always sift your flour to prevent lumps and ensure the batter stays smooth and light.
- Cake pan size: Use a 6-inch cake pan for best results, as larger pans may not fit well in your air fryer, and the cake may bake unevenly.
- Don’t overmix: When folding in the flour, be gentle to avoid deflating the batter. Overmixing will result in a dense cake.
- Check doneness: Since air fryer models vary, the cooking time may differ slightly. Always check the doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your sponge cake is done.
- Air fryer tips: If your air fryer has a smaller basket, you may need to bake the cake in two smaller batches or use a smaller cake pan. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket.
Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 10 slices):
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for a slice of air fryer sponge cake:
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Potassium: 40 mg
- Vitamin A: 6%
- Vitamin C: 0%
- Calcium: 1%
- Iron: 5%
Conclusion:
This Air Fryer Sponge Cake recipe is an easy and quick way to enjoy a light, fluffy cake without the need for an oven. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can make a delicious cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a standalone dessert or use it as the base for a more elaborate creation, this cake is sure to impress with its airy texture and subtle sweetness.
The air fryer makes it incredibly convenient to bake this cake in no time, and the results are just as good as traditional oven-baked sponge cakes. So, next time you’re craving a fresh, homemade cake, try this air fryer sponge cake and enjoy a delightful treat in a fraction of the time!
