Moist and delicious, this air fryer cake recipe is as tasty as the oven version. When you want to make a smaller pound cake or you don’t want to use the oven in the summer, the air fryer is a great option to bake a delicious cake easily and quickly. Use a traditional air fryer or Instant Pot air fryer. (Oven instructions also provided.)
In a small bowl, use a whisk to stir together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Use a handheld or stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and airy, for about 3 minutes. Do not use high speed. Periodically scrape the sides of the bowl using a silicone spatula.
Beat in the egg on medium speed until just combined. Don't overmix.
Beat in vanilla until just incorporated.
Use a sieve or flour sifter to sift in half the flour mixture.
Beat until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Beat in the sour cream until just combined.
Add the remaining flour mixture and mix to combine. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl periodically.
Generously grease and flour a 7-inch cake pan.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to gently even out the batter.
Place a trivet in inner pot and place the cake pan on the trivet.
Close the air fryer lid and select Bake (or Air Fry) and set it at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.
Once the time is up, place the air fryer lid on the cooling mat and test the cake for doneness with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out wet or has crumbs on it, bake for another 3 to 5 minutes.
Transfer the cake from the Instant Pot onto a cooling rack and allow to cool for 15 minutes.
Turn the cake out onto a cake rack and allow it to cool completely.
Glaze Instructions
Right before you’re ready to glaze the cake, stir together confectioners sugar, milk and vanilla (if using) in a small bowl, to create a smooth glaze that's the consistency of maple syrup. Add more or less milk to get the right consistency.
Place the cake on a plate and drizzle the glaze over the top. The glaze will harden at room temperature.
To Make in the Oven, Follow Air Fryer Instructions Except:
Double all ingredients.
Use a bundt cake pan or loaf pan.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bake for 55 minutes to one hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Notes
Prep time does not include steps that are already accounted for in the ingredient list, e.g. room temperature eggs, softened butter, etc.
If baking the cake in the oven, follow instructions for the air fryer except you'll double the ingredients, increase the cake pan size, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake for 55 minutes to 1 hour or until done.
See the blog post for more detailed recipe tips, including some pro tips for success!