ingredients and tools needed
To make a delicious air fryer chocolate cake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (or any dairy-free alternative)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup hot water
Tools:
- Air fryer with a cake pan or baking dish that fits inside
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Non-stick spray or parchment paper (for lining the cake pan)
step-by-step cooking instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making your air fryer chocolate cake. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure a moist and delicious cake every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pan
Start by preparing your cake pan. If you’re using a non-stick pan, lightly spray it with non-stick spray. Alternatively, you can line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking. Make sure the pan fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure that all the dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Once the wet ingredients are well mixed, slowly add the hot water. The hot water helps to bloom the cocoa powder, enhancing the chocolate flavor. The mixture will be thin, but don’t worry—this is normal.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a whisk or an electric mixer on low speed to combine everything until you have a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 5: Pour the Batter into the Cake Pan
Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan, ensuring a smooth surface. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles trapped in the batter.
Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures that the cake bakes evenly from the start.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Carefully place the cake pan into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check the cake after 20 minutes by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If not, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, checking periodically.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Once the cake is fully baked, remove the pan from the air fryer and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
tips for perfect air fryer cakes
To ensure your air fryer chocolate cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Use the Right Pan Size: Make sure the cake pan you use fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. If the pan is too large, the air won’t circulate properly, leading to uneven baking. A 6-inch or 7-inch round cake pan typically works well for most air fryers.
- Don’t Overfill the Pan: Air fryers work best when there’s enough space for air to circulate around the food. Fill your cake pan no more than halfway to allow the cake to rise without spilling over. If you have extra batter, consider making cupcakes or a second, smaller cake.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Just like with a traditional oven, preheating your air fryer is crucial for even baking. Preheat for at least 3 minutes before placing the cake inside to ensure the temperature is consistent from the start.
- Check for Doneness Early: Air fryers can bake faster than traditional ovens, so start checking your cake for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time is up. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
- Rotate the Pan if Necessary: Some air fryers have hot spots, meaning certain areas may cook faster than others. If you notice one side of the cake browning more quickly, pause the air fryer and rotate the pan halfway through the baking time for even cooking.
- Let the Cake Cool Completely: After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking.
- Adjust for Altitude and Humidity: If you live in a high-altitude area or a particularly humid environment, you may need to adjust the baking time or temperature slightly. Keep an eye on the cake and make small adjustments as needed.
- Experiment with Flavors: While this recipe is for a classic chocolate cake, feel free to get creative! Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to enhance the chocolate flavor, or mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for added texture.