Air Fryer Sponge Cake Recipe: Light, Fluffy, and Perfectly Baked
Forget oven-baked sponge cakes! This recipe shows you how to achieve a light and fluffy sponge cake using your air fryer. This method offers a faster cooking time and consistent results, perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Let's dive into this surprisingly simple air fryer sponge cake recipe.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields a delightful 6-inch sponge cake. Adjust quantities proportionally for larger or smaller cakes.
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature (this is crucial for optimal volume)
- 100g caster sugar, or granulated sugar
- 100g self-raising flour, sifted (if using plain flour, add 2 tsp baking powder)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Icing sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Butter and flour, for greasing the air fryer basket
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparation is Key:
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Grease and Flour: Generously grease a 6-inch round cake tin that fits comfortably within your air fryer basket. Dust with flour, tapping out any excess. This prevents sticking.
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Prepare Your Eggs and Sugar: In a large, clean bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until pale and thick. This should take approximately 5-7 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer. The mixture should triple in volume and leave a trail when you lift the whisk.
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Gentle Folding: Gently fold in the sifted flour, a little at a time, using a large spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. Add the vanilla extract during this step. The batter should be smooth and light.
Air Frying Your Sponge Cake:
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Air Fryer Setup: Preheat your air fryer to 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes.
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Transfer Batter: Carefully pour the batter into the prepared cake tin.
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Air Frying Time: Place the cake tin in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. Check regularly after 20 minutes to avoid over-baking.
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Cooling Down: Once cooked, carefully remove the cake tin from the air fryer and let it cool completely in the tin before inverting it onto a wire rack.
Finishing Touches:
- Dust with Icing Sugar: Once completely cooled, dust generously with icing sugar. You can also add your favorite fillings and frostings to create a truly special dessert.
Tips for Air Fryer Sponge Cake Success:
- Room Temperature Eggs: This is critical for achieving maximum volume.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake.
- Check for Doneness: Use a skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is cooked through.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your cake.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add cocoa powder for a chocolate sponge, or citrus zest for a zesty twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different size cake tin?
A: Yes, you can. Adjust the cooking time accordingly. Smaller cakes will cook faster, and larger cakes will take longer.
Q: What if my cake is too brown on top?
A: Try covering the top of the cake tin loosely with foil during the last few minutes of cooking.
Q: Can I use this recipe in a regular oven?
A: Yes, you can bake this sponge cake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for approximately 25-30 minutes.
This air fryer sponge cake recipe provides a quick, easy, and delicious alternative to traditional oven baking. Enjoy! Remember to share your baking creations using #AirFryerSpongeCake.
