A Rustic, Moist, and Cinnamon-Kissed Dessert — Ready Right in Your Air Fryer
There’s something about the aroma of baked apples and cinnamon that evokes warmth, comfort, and home. The good news? You don’t need a traditional oven to enjoy the cozy magic of a homemade apple cake. With just a few pantry staples and an air fryer, you can whip up a beautifully tender, lightly crisped, and spiced apple cake that rivals any baked version.
This Air Fryer Apple Cake is moist on the inside, golden on top, and studded with tender chunks of fresh apple. It’s perfect for fall, yes—but so good you’ll want it all year round.
🍏 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
✅ Made with real apples
-
✅ No oven needed — ideal for small kitchens or hot days
-
✅ Ready in about 40 minutes
-
✅ Beautifully spiced and balanced
-
✅ Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a tea-time treat
🍎 Ingredients
For the Cake:
-
2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
-
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
-
¾ cup granulated sugar
-
¼ cup brown sugar
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
½ teaspoon baking soda
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
-
2 large eggs
-
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
-
⅓ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice (to toss with apples)
Optional Toppings:
-
Powdered sugar for dusting
-
Drizzle of caramel sauce
-
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
🧂 Optional Add-Ins
-
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
-
¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries
-
Zest of 1 orange (adds brightness)
🍽️ Equipment Needed
-
Air fryer (preferably with baking capability or a cake pan insert)
-
6–7 inch round baking pan or silicone cake mold (fits inside your air fryer basket)
-
Mixing bowls
-
Rubber spatula or spoon
-
Whisk
-
Toothpick for doneness test
⏲️ Time Breakdown
-
Prep time: 15 minutes
-
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
-
Cooling time: 10 minutes
-
Total time: ~55 minutes
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔪 Step 1: Prepare the Apples
-
Peel, core, and dice your apples into small cubes (about ¼ inch).
-
Toss the diced apples with lemon juice in a bowl to prevent browning.
-
Set aside while you prepare the batter.
🍏 Tip: A mix of sweet and tart apples adds depth of flavor and texture.
🥣 Step 2: Make the Batter
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
-
Flour
-
Baking powder
-
Baking soda
-
Salt
-
Cinnamon
-
Nutmeg
-
-
In a separate large bowl, combine:
-
Eggs
-
Granulated sugar
-
Brown sugar
-
Oil
-
Yogurt or sour cream
-
Vanilla extract
-
-
Mix wet ingredients until smooth and creamy.
-
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix until just combined.
-
Fold in the diced apples and any optional add-ins (nuts, raisins, etc.).
👩🍳 Do not overmix—this ensures a tender crumb.
🧁 Step 3: Prep the Pan
-
Lightly grease your baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
-
Tap the pan gently to remove air bubbles.
🌬️ Step 4: Air Fry the Cake
-
Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3–5 minutes.
-
Carefully place the filled cake pan into the air fryer basket.
-
Bake for 30–35 minutes, checking after 25 minutes.
-
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done.
-
If browning too quickly on top but still raw inside, tent with foil and continue baking.
-
⚠️ Air fryer models vary; yours may require a few minutes more or less depending on wattage and pan size.
🧊 Step 5: Cool and Serve
-
Let the cake rest in the pan for about 10 minutes.
-
Carefully remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with caramel, or serve with a scoop of ice cream.
🍰 Best served slightly warm for maximum cozy flavor!
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with:
-
☕ Coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast
-
🍦 Vanilla bean ice cream for dessert
-
🧁 Whipped cream and cinnamon for an elegant finish
-
🥄 Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a healthier option
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
-
Wrap leftover cake tightly or store in an airtight container.
-
Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
-
Wrap cooled cake slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
-
Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave individual slices for 30 seconds.
Reheating:
-
Air fryer: 300°F for 3–4 minutes
-
Microwave: 15–20 seconds per slice
🍁 Variations to Try
🍂 Autumn Apple Spice Cake:
Add ½ teaspoon ground cloves and ¼ teaspoon allspice for deeper fall flavor.
🍌 Apple-Banana Cake:
Substitute half the oil with mashed banana for extra moisture and sweetness.
🧀 Apple Cream Cheese Swirl Cake:
Add a swirl of sweetened cream cheese mixture before baking.
🥕 Apple-Carrot Cake:
Fold in ½ cup of finely grated carrots for a wholesome texture and a nutrient boost.
📊 Nutrition Estimate (Per Slice – Based on 8 Slices)
-
Calories: ~260
-
Fat: 12g
-
Carbohydrates: 35g
-
Sugar: 20g
-
Fiber: 2g
-
Protein: 3g
(Values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
✅ Tips for Success
-
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a firm bite and balanced sweetness.
-
Don’t overmix the batter—just stir until combined to avoid a dense cake.
-
Grease the pan well or line with parchment to prevent sticking.
-
Check early for doneness; air fryer cakes cook faster than oven cakes.
-
Let it cool before slicing or topping to avoid crumbling.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Apple Cake is proof that you don’t need an oven to enjoy a warm, delicious homemade dessert. With tender apple chunks, hints of cinnamon and vanilla, and a soft crumb that melts in your mouth, this cake feels like a hug in every bite.
It’s easy enough for a weekday sweet tooth fix but tasty and impressive enough to serve at brunches, potlucks, or holiday tables. The air fryer simplifies the process, offering consistent heat and a beautifully golden exterior in less time.
Give it a try—you might just start baking all your cakes in the air fryer from now on.
