What Temperature Do You Bake a Cake in the Air Fryer? Expert Tips for Perfect Results

When you’re baking a cake in an air fryer, temperature really makes a difference. The best temperature to bake a cake in an air fryer is usually around 150°C (300°F).

That sweet spot lets your cake cook through without burning on the outside or staying gooey in the middle.

Some air fryers have a bake setting, but if yours doesn’t, you can just set it manually to about 145-176°C (290-350°F). Your recipe and the model you own might nudge you to tweak it a bit.

Baking times jump around, too—anywhere from 20 to 50 minutes. It’s smart to check on your cake often so you don’t end up with a dry brick.

If you know how to handle the temperature, you’ll get a cake that’s actually moist and baked all the way through.

The right temperature also means you can whip up a cake fast, even if you don’t have a regular oven handy. Air fryers are honestly pretty convenient for last-minute dessert cravings.

Optimal Temperature For Baking Cake In The Air Fryer

Picking the right temperature makes a big difference in how your cake turns out. It depends on both your air fryer and the type of cake you want.

Even small changes in temperature can change how your cake rises or bakes through.

Recommended Temperature Range

Most cakes bake well in an air fryer set between 320°F and 350°F (160°C to 176°C). That’s a bit lower than your usual oven, since air fryers blast hot air in a tight space.

A lot of recipes call for baking at 350°F (176°C) for about 20 minutes. Some cakes do better at a lower heat, like 300°F (150°C), especially if they need more time.

Preheating your air fryer for a couple of minutes—say, 2 or 3—before you start helps keep things consistent.

Factors Affecting Air Fryer Temperature

A few things mess with the temperature you need. The size and wattage of your air fryer change how fast it cooks.

A smaller air fryer can bake your cake faster, so you might want to lower the heat or shave off a few minutes.

Cake pan size matters too. Deeper pans often need a lower temperature so the middle cooks before the edges get too dark.

If your air fryer has a convection mode, try dropping the temperature by about 25°F (14°C) compared to a regular oven. That hot air really speeds things up.

Temperature Adjustments For Different Cake Types

Different cakes like different temperatures. Dense cakes, like pound cake, usually need a lower temperature—about 300°F (150°C)—so they don’t dry out or split.

Lighter cakes, like sponges, are fine with a bit more heat, around 350°F (176°C). That helps them puff up.

Cakes with a lot of moisture, like carrot or banana cake, do best if you start at 320°F (160°C) for half an hour, then drop to 300°F (150°C) to finish.

If you want more tips, check out How to bake cake in your air fryer: 5 tips.

Tips For Perfect Air Fryer Cakes

You need to keep an eye on temperature, watch the baking time, and pick the right pan. These small things really help you avoid burned edges or raw centers.

Preheating The Air Fryer

Always preheat your air fryer before baking. Set it to your baking temperature—usually between 320°F and 350°F (160°C to 176°C)—and let it run empty for about three minutes.

This step helps spread the heat evenly. If you skip preheating, your cake might bake weirdly or take longer.

Sometimes the edges cook way faster than the center. Some air fryer models heat up quicker, so you might want to adjust your preheat time a bit.

Monitoring Baking Time And Doneness

Air fryers generally bake faster than ovens. Start checking your cake at least five minutes before the recipe says it’s done.

Stick a toothpick or cake tester in the middle. If it comes out clean, you’re good.

If it comes out wet or with crumbs, bake it a bit longer—just three to five minutes more at a time.

Try lowering the temperature by 25°F from what your oven recipe suggests. That helps keep your cake moist and avoids burning the outside. For more details, check out Supergolden Bakes.

Choosing Cake Pans For Air Fryers

Pick pans that actually fit inside your air fryer basket, but don’t block the airflow. I usually go for metal or silicone pans with low sides—they let the air move around better.

Try round or square pans, somewhere between 6 and 7 inches wide. Deep pans? I’d skip those since they tend to slow things down and your cake might not bake evenly.

Make sure your pans are oven safe and sit comfortably in the basket. That way, your cake cooks evenly on every side.