Air Fryer Lemon Cake

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

• Start by creaming the butter and sugar together in a medium mixing bowl using an electric mixer or a whisk. Beat for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk and lemon juice, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

2. Prepare the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3-5 minutes (if your model requires preheating).
• Lightly grease your baking pan or cake pan to fit into your air fryer basket. You can use a 6-inch round cake pan or a silicone baking pan that fits into your air fryer basket. If you don’t have a cake pan that fits, you can also use a silicone muffin tin for individual cakes.

3. Bake the Cake

• Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
• Place the pan into the air fryer basket and cook at 320°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your cake. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown.
• If you’re baking individual mini cakes, check them after about 12 minutes.

4. Cool the Cake

• Once your cake is baked, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

5. Make the Lemon Glaze

• While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar depending on how thick or thin you prefer the glaze.
• If you like a thicker glaze, use less lemon juice. For a more drizzle-able consistency, add a bit more lemon juice.

6. Glaze the Cake

• Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of the cake. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
• Optional: Garnish the cake with a few extra lemon zest strands or a dusting of powdered sugar for a decorative touch.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

• Slice the cake into wedges, serve, and enjoy this bright, zesty dessert!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Lemon Cake

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid overworking the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a dense cake.
• Check the Cake Early: Air fryers can cook food faster than ovens, so start checking your cake after 12-15 minutes to ensure it doesn’t overbake.
• Pan Size: Be sure to choose a pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. If the pan is too large, the cake may be too thick, while a pan that’s too small will result in a thin, overcooked cake.
• Flavor Variations: If you love lemon, feel free to add more lemon zest to the cake batter or the glaze for an extra citrus punch! You can also try adding a bit of vanilla extract or even almond extract for a subtle flavor contrast.
• Glaze Tip: If you prefer a glossy finish, use a bit of corn syrup in your glaze. It helps create that shiny, smooth top.
• Decorating: For extra flair, top your lemon cake with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, or sprinkle with a handful of toasted coconut flakes.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Lemon Cake

• Quick and Easy: This cake takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, thanks to the air fryer’s fast cooking time.
• Light and Refreshing: The lemon flavor is refreshing and light, making it a perfect dessert for any season—especially during warm weather.
• Moist and Fluffy: The air fryer cooks the cake evenly, leaving it moist and fluffy on the inside while forming a delicate, slightly crisp crust on the outside.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the cake to suit your preferences, whether you want a lighter glaze or a richer lemon flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make in individual portions or a larger cake.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and refreshing dessert, look no further than this Air Fryer Lemon Cake. Its tangy lemon flavor and light, fluffy texture make it the perfect treat for any occasion. The best part is that the air fryer makes it easy and quick—no oven required!

So next time you’re craving something sweet, why not give this zesty lemon cake a try? Whether you’re baking for a special event, or just want a simple dessert to enjoy at home, this recipe will become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!