There’s something magical about baking with an air fryer. Not only does it cut down on cooking time, but it also makes the process more enjoyable by producing rich, moist cakes with a perfectly tender crumb. One of my favorites to make is this Air Fryer Chocolate Bundt Cake. The air fryer gives the cake a slight crisp on the outside while keeping it soft and decadent on the inside. It’s a must-try for anyone craving a chocolate dessert that’s easy to prepare, yet impressive to serve.
This recipe is the perfect way to use your air fryer for baking. With simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, it’s a quick and delicious treat that doesn’t require turning on the oven. Plus, the bundt shape makes it look fancy, and you won’t believe how beautifully it turns out. Let’s dive into the details on how to make this heavenly cake!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
All-Purpose Flour: The base of this cake is all-purpose flour, which gives the cake its structure and helps it rise. It ensures the cake is light but holds its shape, so every slice is perfect.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder is the key to that rich, deep chocolate flavor. Since we’re using unsweetened cocoa powder, it allows us to control the sweetness of the cake while still giving it that intense chocolate taste.
Baking Powder: Baking powder helps the cake rise in the air fryer, ensuring it doesn’t end up too dense. It works in combination with the flour to give the cake a light and airy texture.
Baking Soda: A small amount of baking soda adds extra lift to the cake and balances out the acidity in the cocoa powder. It also helps give the cake that tender crumb.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar is what brings sweetness to the cake, and it helps keep the texture moist and soft. It also gives the cake a slight crispness on the outside when air fried.
Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture. They help the cake rise and provide richness to the texture.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a slight tanginess to the cake, balancing the sweetness of the sugar while also making the cake super moist and tender.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla extract adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the chocolate. It’s the perfect finishing touch for this cake’s flavor profile.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist and tender. It also gives it a slight richness without overpowering the flavor.
Hot Water: The addition of hot water helps dissolve the cocoa powder, ensuring the chocolate flavor is evenly distributed throughout the batter. It also makes the batter smoother and easier to mix.
Chocolate Chips (Optional): While optional, adding chocolate chips to the batter creates little pockets of melted chocolate that add extra indulgence to every bite.
Ingredients List
- 1 ¾ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- ½ tsp Baking Soda
- 1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 cup Hot Water
- ½ cup Chocolate Chips (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Chocolate Bundt Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan
Start by greasing your bundt pan with cooking spray or butter, making sure to coat it evenly. You can also lightly dust it with flour to ensure the cake doesn’t stick once it’s done cooking. This is an important step to get that perfect cake release.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before you add the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Stir in the hot water, and then add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. If you’re adding chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this stage.
Step 4: Pour Batter into Bundt Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Make sure it’s spread evenly, tapping the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Step 5: Air Fry the Cake
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the bundt pan in the air fryer basket and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep in mind that air fryer models vary, so check the cake’s doneness as you go.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, feel free to dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate ganache for a decadent finish.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
- Check for Doneness: Since air fryer models vary, keep an eye on your cake toward the end of cooking. If it’s still not set, add a few more minutes of cook time.
- Use a Toothpick: For best results, use a toothpick to check the center of the cake for doneness. It should come out clean with just a few crumbs attached.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, buttermilk, and oil are at room temperature to help the batter come together more smoothly.
- Add Frosting: While this cake is delicious on its own, you can take it up a notch with your favorite frosting, such as a rich chocolate ganache or vanilla buttercream.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk. To replicate buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then use it in the recipe.
Can I make this cake without chocolate chips?
Absolutely! The cake will still be delicious without the chocolate chips. They just add an extra layer of chocolatey goodness, but the cake stands strong on its own.
Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, if you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake this cake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
How should I store leftover cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it or freeze slices individually.
Enjoy this easy and delicious Air Fryer Chocolate Bundt Cake – it’s the perfect treat for any occasion!