Apple Cake in Air Fryer is one of those desserts I prepare when I want something simple, fragrant, and genuine, without turning on the oven. In January, with apples always present in the house and the air fryer I use almost every day, this cake has become a real ally for breakfast and snack.
If you love homemade desserts, those that taste of tradition and simplicity, I’m sure you’ll also appreciate my jam tart, a great classic I often make, or the grandma’s apple cake, soft and comforting, just like in the old days. Different recipes, but united by the same spirit: few ingredients, simple gestures, and lots of home fragrance.
This version of the apple cake in the air fryer is tall, soft, and easy to make, perfect when you want a homemade dessert without complications, but with a result that wins everyone over 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 – Apple Cake in Air Fryer
- 2 eggs (medium size)
- 130 g sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup partially skimmed milk (or plant-based beverage)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 lemon zest
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 apples (medium, about 300 g)
- to taste powdered sugar (for decoration)
Useful Tools for Apple Cake in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer
- Baking Pan 20 cm round for air fryer
- Bowl
- Hand Whisk
- Spatula
- Grater for lemon zest
- Knife
How to Make Apple Cake in Air Fryer
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.
Scent the mixture with the grated lemon zest and a pinch of salt, stirring 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, peel the apples. Dice one and add it to the batter with a spatula. Pour the mixture into the slightly oiled or lined 20 cm pan, leveling the surface.
Slice the second apple thinly and distribute the slices on top of the batter, adding a bit of brown sugar on top, optional.
Place the pan in the air fryer basket and bake at 320°F (160°C) for 45 minutes. In the last few minutes, check the baking with a toothpick; if the surface tends to darken too much, cover the cake with a sheet of aluminum foil and continue baking.
Once cooked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely. Before serving, dust it with powdered sugar.
Storage and Useful Tips
The apple cake in the air fryer stays soft for 2-3 days at room temperature, under a cake cover. Alternatively, it can be stored in the refrigerator, well covered, and brought back to room temperature before serving.
For baking, keep in mind that every air fryer is different: time and power can vary depending on the model. This is why I always recommend checking the cake in the last minutes of baking and doing the toothpick test in the center. If the surface tends to color too much, just cover it with a sheet of aluminum foil and continue baking without increasing the temperature.
When preparing desserts in an air fryer, it’s important to know that not all pans suitable for traditional ovens are ideal for this type of baking. 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 pans 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 baking 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 bakes differently. If the inside is still moist, extend the baking for a few more minutes at 320°F (160°C) and always check with the toothpick test.
What type of apples is best to use?
The most suitable apples are Golden, Renette, or Fuji, as they remain soft and fragrant when baked.
