Our easy air fryer chocolate cake is a perfect quick fix for a chocolate craving. It bakes up moist and rich every time and is ideal for a small dessert or special occasion.
Air Fryer Chocolate Cake Ingredients
You’ll need:
For the Cake
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup flour (all-purpose; see substitutions below)
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 8 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Frosting
- 2 cups powdered (icing) sugar
- 8 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Substitutions and Additions
Flour: Substitute gluten-free or whole-wheat flour if needed. Texture may vary slightly, but the cake will still be delicious.
Toppings: Frost the cake with the chocolate frosting below or choose another topping. Fresh berries, chocolate chips, or a dusting of powdered sugar work well. You can also serve slices with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
How To Make This Air Fryer Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the wet and dry cake ingredients. Beat on low with an electric mixer until just combined and smooth.
Step 3: Spray the oven-safe pan or air fryer oven attachment with non-stick spray and pour in the batter.
Pro tip:
Even if your pan is nonstick, give it a light spray before adding batter to ensure the cake releases easily.
Step 4: Place the baking pan in the air fryer basket and slide it into the unit.
Step 5: Set the timer for 25 minutes.
Pro tip:
Check your air fryer manual for recommended baking times and temperatures for your model; times can vary between units.
Step 6: When the timer rings, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out with wet batter, or the cake doesn’t spring back when touched, cook for an additional 5 minutes and check again.
Pro tip:
Watch the cake closely during baking. Because air fryers cook from the top, the surface can brown quickly.
Step 7: Remove the cake and let it cool on a wire rack before icing.
Step 8: Once cooled, spread the chocolate frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
For the Frosting
Step 1: Combine the powdered sugar, butter, cocoa, heavy cream, and salt in a bowl. Beat on low until smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 2: Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
Step 3: Slice and serve.
How To Serve
Serve slices warm or at room temperature. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of hot fudge for an indulgent dessert. This cake also makes a nice small birthday cake or celebration treat.
More air fryer recipes
Chocolate cake is always a crowd-pleaser, and making it in the air fryer is fast and convenient. If you enjoy this recipe, try other chocolate desserts for more variety.
Storage
In the fridge: Store the frosted cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to one week.
In the freezer: Freeze the unfrosted cake in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting and serving.
With minimal mess and a short bake time, this air fryer chocolate cake is an easy way to satisfy a sweet tooth. It yields a perfectly sized cake that’s simple to customize with different frostings and toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If this chocolate air fryer cake turns out well, you can experiment with other cake recipes adapted to the size and heat of your air fryer.
Air fryers often bake faster than conventional ovens and don’t heat the kitchen as much. Results vary by recipe and model, but an air fryer is a convenient alternative for small cakes.
Yes. Freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost just before serving for the best texture.
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Air Fryer Cake
Ingredients
For the cake
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup flour
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 8 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 8 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
For the Cake
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F.
- Mix the cake ingredients with a hand mixer on low speed until combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased air fryer-safe pan.
- Place the pan in the air fryer basket and slide into the unit.
- Set timer for 25 minutes.
- Check doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out wet, cook 5 minutes more.
- Cool on a wire rack, then frost when chilled.
For the Frosting
- Combine frosting ingredients and beat on low until smooth.
- Spread frosting over the cooled cake.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
- Lightly spray your pan with cooking spray even if it’s nonstick to help the cake release easily.
- Times and temperatures vary by air fryer model; consult your manual for guidance.
- Keep an eye on the cake’s top to prevent over-browning since heat comes from above.
Nutrition
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