If you thought your air fryer was just for chips and chicken, think again. This popular mod con is a secret weapon for quick, energy-saving bakes when sweet cravings hit. Whether you’re after a classic teatime treat or a twist on a beloved bake, these air fryer recipes are fuss-free and full of flavour. Keep scrolling to discover our best cakes and bakes you can whip up in your trusty air fryer, all with a Good Food stamp of approval. Happy baking!
Looking for more ways to use your air fryer? check out our air fryer recipes, vegetarian air fryer recipes and healthy air fryer recipes. We also have the best air fryer desserts to try.
Tips for baking a cake in the air fryer for the first time:
- Check tin size: Ensure your cake tin or baking dish fits comfortably inside the air fryer basket. If it does not, use a smaller tin or an alternative shape that will fit.
- Line and grease the tin: Always line your cake tin with baking parchment and grease it well to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the cake after baking.
- Preheat if needed: If your air fryer has a preheat function, use it to bring the air fryer to the correct temperature before adding your cake batter.
- Adjust cooking time: Air fryers can bake cakes faster than conventional ovens. Check your cake earlier than the recipe suggests to avoid overbaking.
- Monitor browning: If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while the middle finishes cooking.
- Allow to cool: Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 5-15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Batch baking: If making smaller cakes or muffins, you may need to bake in batches, as air fryers have limited space.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions: Always refer to your air fryer’s manual for specific guidance on baking, including recommended temperatures and tin types.
1. Air fryer sponge cake
A classic Victoria sponge gets the air fryer treatment. The recipe is straightforward, using storecupboard baking staples like sugar, eggs and self-raising flour, with a hint of lemon zest and a touch of vanilla for extra flavour. The filling is a luscious mix of cream, honey and blackberries, but you can swap in any seasonal fruit you fancy. This bake is ready in about 45 minutes, and the result is a beautifully golden, light sponge – ideal for weekend baking or special occasions.
See more of our Victoria sponge cake recipes.
2. Air fryer lemon drizzle cake
This loaf cake is a fuss-free classic, made even easier in the air fryer. With bright, zesty lemon running through both the sponge and the drizzle, it’s a brilliant bake that tastes delicious throughout the year. The method is as simple as mixing everything in one bowl and letting the air fryer do the work – you’ll need butter, sugar, eggs, flour and lemons. The result is a moist, tangy cake with a sharp-sweet icing that sets to a satisfying finish. It’s great for sharing with friends or enjoying as an afternoon pick-me-up.
See more of our lemon cake recipes.
3. Air fryer carrot cake
Classic carrot cake gets a modern makeover with this air fryer recipe. Grated carrots, pecans, raisins and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg make for a rich, flavourful and textured sponge. The cake is topped with a cream cheese icing and a sprinkling of pecans, delivering that classic tangy-sweet finish. The air fryer cuts down on time and energy use, and the result is a moist, crowd-pleasing cake – perfect for birthdays, celebrations or a weekend treat with a pot of tea.
See more of our carrot cake recipes.
4. Air fryer banana bread
Banana bread is a perennial favourite, and the air fryer version is just as comforting – with the added bonus of being quick and energy-efficient. This recipe is dairy-free and uses oil, sugar, eggs and flour, with optional pecans and chocolate chips for extra texture and flavour. The loaf bakes up soft and moist, with a lovely and sweet banana aroma. It’s ideal for using up leftover bananas, makes a brilliant homemade sweet treat and keeps well for a few days.
See more of our lemon cake recipes.
5. Air fryer brownies
If you love your brownies squidgy in the middle and packed with chocolate, this version is a must-try. Air fryer brownies are a speedy bake, taking just 25–35 minutes. The recipe calls for dark and white chocolate, giving you that double chocolate hit, plus simple ingredients like butter, eggs, flour and sugar. The texture is gloriously fudgy with a crisp top. A batch of these would make a great last-minute option for a bake sale, too.
See more of our brownie recipes.
6. Air fryer muffins
For a quick bake that’s endlessly adaptable, try these air fryer muffins. The recipe is easy to double and uses yogurt, egg, milk, flour and sugar as a base, with your choice of blueberries, chocolate chips or dried fruit for the mix-in. They’re ready in just 15 minutes and come out golden and fluffy every time. These muffins are brilliant for breakfast on the go and lunchboxes, plus they are a great way to get children involved in baking.
See more of our muffin recipes.
7. Air fryer hot cross bun brownie
This inventive bake is a mash-up of two mighty favourites: chocolate brownie and hot cross bun. The recipe brings together dark chocolate, butter, eggs, sugar, flour and cocoa, with chunks of hot cross bun and optional marzipan for a spiced, fruity twist. The texture is fudgy and rich, with chewy, crunchy bites from the bun pieces (you could also add chopped nuts and crystallised stem ginger). It’s a brilliant way to use up leftover hot cross buns at Easter, or to surprise guests with something a bit different for a spring celebration.
See more of our hot cross bun recipes.
8. Air fryer scones
Fluffy, golden scones are only minutes away with this air fryer recipe. You’ll need self-raising flour, butter, sugar, buttermilk (or milk), and a dash of vanilla extract. The dough comes together quickly and bakes in less than 20 minutes. Serve them warm with jam and clotted cream for a classic afternoon tea, spontaneous baking session or simply when you fancy something a bit special with your cuppa.
See more of our scone recipes.
9. Air fryer cinnamon rolls
These cinnamon rolls are a tear-and-share delight, ideal for a leisurely weekend brunch. The combination of a sweet cinnamon filling and cream cheese icing truly makes these buns the ultimate treat. After setting aside to rise, the rolls bake up soft and fluffy in the air fryer in under 20 minutes. Prep them the night before for a fresh, warm bake in the morning – perfect for sharing with family and friends.
See more of our cinnamon roll recipes.
10. Air fryer pavlova
For something a little different, try making a pavlova in your air fryer. This recipe produces a crisp meringue shell with a soft, marshmallowy centre, topped with whipped cream and seasonal fruit. It’s a showstopper for late spring or summer gatherings, dinner parties or as a celebratory dessert.
See more of our pavlova recipes.
