This air fryer almond cake is one of the easiest cakes to make. Rich and buttery, this simple cake has minimal ingredients and tastes amazing. The almond flavor really shines in this air fryer cake recipe. When you want to make a smaller almond 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 and salt.
Use a handheld or stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and creamy. Do not use high speed. Periodically scrape the sides of the bowl using a silicone spatula.
Beat in the egg on medium speed until combined.
Beat in almond and vanilla extracts until just incorporated.
Add the flour and beat until combined. Don't overmix. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl periodically.
Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to gently even out the batter.
Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over the batter.
Instant Pot with air fryer lid: Place the baking pan on a rack in the air fryer and air fry at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes.Basket style air fryer (I use Cosori): Place the baking pan in the basket and air fry at 340 degrees for 25 minutes.
Once the time is up, 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 air fryer 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.
To Make in the Oven, Follow Air Fryer Instructions Except:
Double all ingredients and use a 9-inch cake pan.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Video
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 in a basket-style air fryer (like Cosori), check on the cake at 22 minutes to make sure it's not over-browning. If you find it's too brown at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, the next time reduce the temperature to 340 degrees.
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!