Air Fryer Vegan Cake Recipes for Easy Delicious Desserts

There’s something truly magical about a cake that’s not only vegan and comforting, but also comes together effortlessly in your air fryer. If you’ve ever wished for a way to enjoy homemade cake without the hassle (or heat!) of a traditional oven, you’re in the right place.

Air fryer vegan cakes are light, moist, and ready in a fraction of the time. This recipe is perfect for anyone craving a sweet treat that aligns with a plant-based lifestyle, whether you’re a longtime vegan or simply exploring new ways to bake.

In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through creating a luscious vegan vanilla cake in your air fryer, plus offer plenty of tips for customizing the flavors and textures to your liking. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s start baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re new to baking with an air fryer, prepare to be amazed. This cake is a true game-changer for busy bakers, families, and anyone who loves quick, wholesome desserts.

• Quick & Convenient: No need to preheat a big oven or wait an hour for your cake to bake. The air fryer speeds up the process and uses less energy.
• Vegan & Allergy-Friendly: Free from eggs and dairy, this cake is perfect for those with food sensitivities, or anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals.
• Moist & Tender: The air fryer creates a beautiful crumb that rivals any bakery cake—no dry, dense slices here!
• Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite plant milks, add-ins, and glazes for endless flavor combinations.
• Minimal Cleanup: With fewer dishes and no bulky pans, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your creation.

This recipe is also a fantastic gateway into more adventurous vegan baking, just like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

If you love making treats at home, you’ll cherish how simple and satisfying this air fryer cake can be.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a classic vegan vanilla cake in your air fryer. All ingredients are easy to find, and you may already have most of them in your pantry!

Tip: For a chocolate version, substitute 1/4 cup (30g) of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder.

Equipment

To make this cake, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:

• Air fryer (with a cake or baking insert, or a 6-inch round cake pan that fits your basket)
• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Whisk or sturdy spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
• Cooling rack
• Spatula

Be sure your cake pan fits comfortably in your air fryer basket and allows for air circulation around the sides for even baking.

Instructions

1. Prepare the cake pan and air fryer:

   Lightly grease a 6-inch round cake pan (or a similar-sized pan that fits your air fryer). If you like, line the bottom with a parchment circle for easy removal.

   Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3–5 minutes if it requires preheating.

2. Mix dry ingredients:

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

3. Combine wet ingredients:

   In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, stir together the plant milk, oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.

4. Make the batter:

   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a whisk or spatula until just combined.

   If you’re adding extras (like berries or chocolate chips), fold them in here. Do not overmix—the batter should be smooth but small lumps are fine.

5. Fill the pan:

   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with your spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.

6. Bake in the air fryer:

   Carefully place the cake pan in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 320°F (160°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes.

   Check at the 20-minute mark: the cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).

7. Cool the cake:

   Remove the pan from the air fryer (use oven mitts—it will be hot!). Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

   Then, run a knife around the edge and turn it out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

8. Serve and enjoy:

   Once cooled, slice and serve as is, or top with your favorite vegan frosting, fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Pro Tip: Every air fryer is a little different, so keep an eye on your cake the first time you bake. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through.

Tips & Variations

• Flavor swaps: Try swapping vanilla for almond extract, add lemon zest for brightness, or fold in spices like cinnamon or cardamom.
• Chocolate version: Replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder and add 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check that your baking powder is certified gluten-free.
• Oil-free: Substitute applesauce or mashed banana for the oil for a lower-fat cake.
• Mini cakes: Divide the batter among ramekins or silicone muffin cups for adorable individual servings—just reduce the bake time to 12–18 minutes.
• Frosting ideas: Top with vegan buttercream, chocolate ganache, or a simple lemon glaze. For a lighter touch, use coconut whipped cream and berries.
• Seasonal fruits: Fold in blueberries, raspberries, or diced apple for a fresh, fruity version.
• More vegan air fryer ideas: Explore other plant-based air fryer recipes, like Air Fryer Frozen Vegetable Recipes for Quick Healthy Meals for savory inspiration.

“Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and add-ins. The air fryer bakes quickly, so you can try a new twist every week!”

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a general nutrition estimate for one slice (1/8 of the cake, without frosting or add-ins):

Nutrition may vary based on ingredients and add-ins. For less sugar, you can reduce the amount to 1/3 cup or use a sugar alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic style: Serve slices of this cake with fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant dessert.
• For breakfast: Enjoy a small slice with your morning coffee or tea—this cake isn’t overly sweet and pairs beautifully with fruit.
• Party platter: Cut the cake into bite-size squares and serve with a selection of dips, like Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite, fresh fruit, and vegan cheese for a chic snack board.
• Special occasions: Layer two cakes with vegan buttercream between, then decorate with edible flowers for a show-stopping celebration treat.
• Fun & healthy: Serve with a spoonful of coconut yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup for a nourishing dessert.

For more creative plant-based desserts and party ideas, check out our Vegan Valentine Recipes for a Sweet and Healthy Celebration!

Conclusion

Baking a vegan cake in your air fryer is not only possible—it’s wonderfully easy, efficient, and rewarding. This recipe takes the intimidation out of vegan baking and delivers a moist, fluffy cake every time.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a quick weeknight treat, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this air fryer vegan cake will become a go-to favorite.

Remember, the beauty of plant-based baking is its flexibility—feel free to adapt the flavors and add-ins to your heart’s content. If you’re looking for more vegan baking inspiration, don’t miss our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or branch out with Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

And for savory air fryer ideas, try Air Fryer Frozen Vegetable Recipes for Quick Healthy Meals.

So, preheat your air fryer and treat yourself to a slice of homemade, plant-powered cake. Happy baking!

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