I’ll admit it—when I first heard about baking a cake in an air fryer, I was skeptical. But after trying this incredibly simple recipe, I’ve become a believer. With just four basic ingredients and no complicated steps, this cake is not only a lifesaver for busy days but also a delightful treat that tastes like it came from a bakery.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re craving a quick dessert, hosting unexpected guests, or simply looking for an easy sweet fix, this Air Fryer 4-Ingredient Cake delivers every time. Let me show you how to whip up this fluffy, moist cake in no time!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Boxed Cake Mix: The foundation of this recipe is a pre-packaged cake mix, which takes the guesswork out of measurements and flavor combinations. Choose your favorite flavor—vanilla, chocolate, or even red velvet—and you’re good to go!
Eggs: Eggs are crucial for adding structure and moisture to your cake. They help the batter rise while binding all the ingredients together, ensuring the perfect fluffy texture.
Vegetable Oil: This pantry staple adds richness and ensures the cake stays moist. It’s also great because it doesn’t overpower the flavor of the cake mix.
Water: The final ingredient is plain water, which hydrates the mix and helps the batter come together seamlessly.
Ingredients List
- 1 box of cake mix (any flavor)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
How to Make Air Fryer 4-Ingredient Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Use a whisk or hand mixer to blend everything until smooth and free of lumps. The batter should be thick yet pourable.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking for the cake.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Pan
Lightly grease an air fryer-safe cake pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Air Fry the Cake
Place the cake pan in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25–30 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Carefully remove the pan from the air fryer and let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a plate. Slice and serve with your favorite toppings or enjoy it plain!
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Use the Right Pan: Make sure your cake pan fits your air fryer basket with room for air circulation.
- Don’t Overfill the Pan: Fill the pan only halfway to prevent batter from overflowing as it rises.
- Check for Doneness Early: Every air fryer is different, so start checking your cake at the 20-minute mark.
- Add a Personal Touch: Sprinkle chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit into the batter before cooking for extra flavor.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool fully before slicing to ensure it holds its shape.
FAQs
Can I use any type of boxed cake mix?
Yes! This recipe works with almost any flavor of boxed cake mix. Choose the one you love most.
Do I need to adjust the recipe for high-altitude cooking?
If you live at a high altitude, you may need to add a tablespoon of flour or reduce the water slightly to get the right texture.
What if my air fryer doesn’t have a preheat option?
Simply let the air fryer run for 2–3 minutes at the baking temperature before adding the cake pan.
Can I store leftovers?
Absolutely! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge.
What toppings go well with this cake?
Whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup are all excellent choices to enhance this simple dessert.
Now you’re ready to create a delightful Air Fryer 4-Ingredient Cake that’s sure to impress!