This air fryer apple cake recipe is made without yogurt, with little sugar and only 2 eggs, for a lighter and more genuine result. To keep the batter soft yet light, I chose ricotta cheese as the base ingredient. Furthermore, I preferred type 1 flour, which adds a rustic touch and a slightly whole grain texture. The 8.5-inch diameter and 2.4-inch height pan, the same that I use for mini cakes in the traditional oven, is perfect for keeping the cake soft without the surface drying out. The result was surprising, with quick baking time, perfect texture, and a flavor appreciated by the whole family! An easy, fluffy, and quick cake.
APPLE SEASON – all year round, the best period is from late summer to all autumn.
APPLE CAKE RECIPES
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cost: Cost-effective
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: Servings for a 8 or 8.5-inch cake pan
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
- Energy 287.88 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 38.03 (g) of which sugars 16.08 (g)
- Proteins 7.03 (g)
- Fat 12.15 (g) of which saturated 3.56 (g)of which unsaturated 7.91 (g)
- Fibers 1.72 (g)
- Sodium 41.29 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 100 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Air Fryer Apple Cake
Servings for a 8.5 or 8-inch cake pan at least 2 inches high.
- 2 apples (small – about 200 g)
- 2 eggs (medium at room temperature)
- 1/3 cup sugar (white or brown or coconut sugar)
- 1/4 cup rice oil (or peanut oil – alternatively 1/4 cup melted clarified butter)
- 1 1/3 cups type 1 flour (or whole wheat)
- Half packet baking powder (about 8 g)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (or 80 g of Greek yogurt, cooking cream or mascarpone, alternatively 1/4 cup of milk)
- to taste ground cinnamon (optional – alternatively brown sugar)
Read the nutritionist’s opinion at the bottom.
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How many calories are in 100 g of apple and ricotta cake?
Tools
- Air Fryer
- Electric Whisk
- Spatula
- Cake Pan round d. 22 x 6 cm
In the classic air fryer basket, usually, a pan larger than 8 inches in diameter and with a maximum height of 2.8 inches won’t fit. Also, once the pan is filled, there must always be a space of 0.6 inches between the batter and the edge of the pan.
If using a too low pan, it is better to reduce the amount of batter to prevent the cake from drying out too much on the surface. With the leftover batter, you can make muffins, also cooked in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Apple Cake
In a bowl, crack the eggs, add the sugar, and whisk at maximum speed until a frothy mixture is obtained.
Add the oil in a thin stream and continue to whisk at low speed.
Then add the sifted flour and baking powder,
along with the ricotta.
Initially mix with the whisk and then with a spatula to combine all the ingredients well.
Pour the mixture into the previously buttered and floured pan (or lined with parchment paper), level.
Peel the apples, cut them into thin slices, and decorate the surface of the cake by arranging them in a circular pattern, as shown in the photo.
If desired, dust with ground cinnamon or brown sugar.
Insert the cake pan into the air fryer basket and, without preheating, set the cake program at 320°F for a cooking time of 25 minutes. After this time, when a golden surface has formed on the cake, check its doneness by inserting a toothpick. If the mini cake is too browned or at risk of burning, lower the temperature to 300°F and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or more. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model.
Remove from fryer and let cool in the pan for a few minutes.
Finally, turn out onto a cooling rack and, if desired, dust with powdered sugar and/or cinnamon.
TRADITIONAL OVEN BAKING
Bake in a pre-heated static oven at 350°F for about 50 minutes, adjusting based on your oven. Once baked, turn off the oven and leave it inside for another 10 minutes.
SERVE
Try serving it with some whipped cream, custard or Chantilly.
STORE the apple cake
To store the apple cake prepared in the air fryer, let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It stays soft at room temperature for 2 days. To keep it longer, you can put it in the fridge, where it will last up to 4 days.
The apple cake cooked in the air fryer can be frozen. It is advisable to cut it into slices and wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Stored this way, it will last up to a maximum of 3 months. To enjoy it, just let it thaw at room temperature or slightly reheat it in the air fryer or microwave to restore its softness.
The apple cake cooked in the air fryer can be frozen. It is advisable to cut it into slices and wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Stored this way, it will last up to a maximum of 3 months. To enjoy it, just let it thaw at room temperature or slightly reheat it in the air fryer or microwave to restore its softness.
BENEFITS of apple and cinnamon cake
The nutritionist Rosaria Avallone says
This apple and cinnamon cake is a dessert that combines taste and interesting nutritional properties. Apples are a valuable source of fiber, especially pectin, which helps regulate intestinal transit and maintains stable blood sugar levels. They also contain vitamins, such as vitamin C, and antioxidant compounds that help combat oxidative stress. Cinnamon, in addition to providing a distinctive aroma, has antimicrobial properties and can aid in controlling glucose metabolism, helping to reduce blood sugar spikes.
For an even healthier version, I recommend using whole or semi-whole flours to increase fiber intake, and natural sweeteners in moderation, such as coconut sugar or honey, for a lower glycemic index. If you want a lactose-free option, you can use lactose-free yogurt or delactosed milk.
Perfect as a breakfast or snack, this cake is a good example of how you can combine the pleasure of dessert with balanced and conscious choices!
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What pan can I put in the air fryer?
In the air fryer, you can use all ovenproof pans that are heat resistant, such as those made of metal or disposable aluminum, provided they are compatible with the size of the basket. Silicone or tempered glass pans are also suitable, but they can extend the cooking times. It is important that the pan does not touch the sides of the basket to ensure proper air circulation and uniform cooking.
What other type of fruit can I use instead of apples?
Instead of apples, you can use pears, peaches, apricots, plums, or cherries. Choose the one you prefer based on the season and your taste, remembering to cut the fruit into thin slices for even cooking.
What can be made in the air fryer?
The air fryer is versatile and allows you to cook many dishes with less oil than traditional frying. You can prepare crispy fries, grilled vegetables, chicken, fish, and even desserts like muffins and cakes. It’s also great for reheating or browning cooked foods, making them crispy without drying them out too much. Thanks to the fast and uniform cooking, it’s ideal for light and quick dishes.
What cannot be done in the air fryer?
The air fryer is not ideal for cooking foods or batters that are too liquid, like those for pancakes or batters, as they risk spreading and not cooking well. Also, avoid stews and foods with a light coating, like plain flour, which can fly away due to the strong airflow in operation, as well as very light leaves that risk burning. Finally, be careful not to overload the basket: for even cooking, it’s better to leave space between the foods.
