Air Fryer Apple Cake is one of those desserts I make when I crave something simple, fragrant, and genuine, without turning on the oven. In January, with apples always at home and the air fryer I use almost every day, this cake has become a true ally for breakfast and snacks.
If you love homemade desserts, those that taste of tradition and simplicity, I am sure you will also appreciate my jam tart, a great classic I often make, or the grandma’s apple cake, soft and comforting, just like it used to be. Different recipes, but united by the same spirit: few ingredients, simple gestures, and lots of homey aroma.
This version of the air fryer apple cake is tall, soft, and easy to make, perfect when you want a homemade dessert without complications, but with a result that conquers everyone at the first bite.
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- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Rest time: 10 Minutes
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 6 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Energy 386.55 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 58.60 (g) of which sugars 29.03 (g)
- Proteins 7.21 (g)
- Fat 15.16 (g) of which saturated 2.46 (g)of which unsaturated 11.74 (g)
- Fibers 2.30 (g)
- Sodium 88.87 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 140 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
Ingredients – Air Fryer Apple Cake
- 2 eggs (medium size)
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup partially skimmed milk (or plant-based drink)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder (optional)
- 1 lemon zest
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 apples (medium, about 10.5 oz)
- as needed powdered sugar (for decoration)
Useful Tools for Air Fryer Apple Cake
- Air Fryer
- Baking Pan 20 cm round for air fryer
- Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Grater for lemon zest
- Knife
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Cake
In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until you get a light and slightly frothy mixture. Gradually add the vegetable oil and then pour in the milk, continuing to mix with a hand whisk.
Perfume the batter with grated lemon zest and a pinch of salt, mixing to distribute them evenly.
Sift directly into the bowl the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon, incorporating them little by little and mixing gently until you get a smooth and homogeneous batter, without lumps.
Only at this point do I peel the apples. I dice one and add it to the batter with a spatula. Pour the batter into the slightly oiled or lined 8-inch mold, leveling the surface.
Thinly slice the second apple and distribute it over the batter.
Place the mold in the air fryer basket and bake at 320°F for 35–40 minutes. In the last few minutes, check the cooking with a toothpick; if the surface tends to darken too much, cover the cake with a sheet of aluminum foil and continue baking.
Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes, then unmold it and let it cool completely. Before serving, sprinkle it with powdered sugar.
Storage and Useful Tips
The air fryer apple cake stays soft for 2–3 days at room temperature, under a cake dome. Alternatively, it can be stored in the refrigerator, well covered, and brought to room temperature before serving.
When baking, keep in mind that each air fryer is different: times and power may vary depending on the model. For this reason, I always recommend checking the cake in the last minutes of cooking and testing with a toothpick in the center. If the surface tends to color too much, simply cover it with a sheet of aluminum foil and continue baking without increasing the temperature.
When making desserts in the air fryer, it is important to know that not all pans suitable for the traditional oven are ideal for this type of cooking. The air fryer works with a very hot and direct air flow, which can stress some materials, especially non-specific non-stick coatings.
For optimal results and to preserve the molds over time, it is advisable to use silicone molds or accessories certified for air fryer and preferably wash them by hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a pan other than 20 cm?
Yes, but the cooking times may change. With smaller pans, the cake will be taller and may require a few more minutes.
Why does the cake remain moist in the center?
Each air fryer cooks differently. If the inside is still moist, extend the cooking time by a few minutes at 320°F and always check with a toothpick.
What type of apples is best to use?
The best apples are Golden, Renette, or Fuji, as they remain soft and fragrant during baking.
