Air Fryer Chocolate Cake Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious

Updated On: September 29, 2025

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a slice of rich, moist chocolate cake—especially when it’s both vegan and incredibly easy to make. Imagine whipping up a decadent dessert in under an hour, without heating up your kitchen or dirtying multiple pans.

That’s exactly what this Air Fryer Vegan Chocolate Cake delivers. Using simple plant-based ingredients and the magic of your air fryer, you can enjoy bakery-quality cake with minimal fuss.

This recipe isn’t just for seasoned vegans. Whether you’re new to plant-based baking or just looking for a quick chocolate fix, you’ll find this cake to be foolproof and satisfying.

It’s also perfect for those days when you need to make dessert in a pinch—no oven required! Plus, because it’s baked in the air fryer, it’s a little healthier and much faster than traditional oven methods.

Ready to indulge your sweet tooth the easy way? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: The air fryer cuts down on baking time, making this cake ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish.
  • Plant-Based Goodness: No eggs or dairy—just wholesome, vegan ingredients for a guilt-free treat.
  • No Oven Needed: Perfect for summer baking or small kitchens.
  • Moist & Decadent: The cake comes out perfectly soft, rich, and chocolatey every time.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like nuts, vegan chocolate chips, or berries.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Only one bowl, one pan, and your trusty air fryer needed!
  • Allergy-Friendly: Easily adaptable to be nut-free, soy-free, or gluten-free.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity Notes
All-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) Use gluten-free blend if needed
Cocoa powder 1/3 cup (35g) Unsweetened, natural or Dutch-processed
Baking soda 3/4 tsp For rise
Salt 1/4 tsp Enhances chocolate flavor
Cane sugar 3/4 cup (150g) Or coconut sugar for less refined option
Unsweetened plant milk 3/4 cup (180ml) Almond, oat, soy, or coconut
Neutral oil 1/4 cup (60ml) Sunflower, canola, or melted coconut oil
Apple cider vinegar 1 tsp Helps activate baking soda
Vanilla extract 1 tsp Pure vanilla for best flavor
Vegan chocolate chips (optional) 1/3 cup (60g) For extra decadence

Equipment

  • Air fryer (with cake or baking pan that fits inside)
  • Mixing bowl (medium size)
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Non-stick spray or parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Prepare your pan and air fryer:

    • Lightly grease a 6-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
    • Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients:

    • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until well combined.
  3. Add wet ingredients:

    • Pour in the plant milk, oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
    • Mix gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are okay.
  4. Fold in chocolate chips (optional):

    • If using, gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey cake.
  5. Transfer to the pan:

    • Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. Bake in the air fryer:

    • Carefully place the cake pan in the air fryer basket.
    • Bake at 320°F (160°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
    • If your air fryer is smaller, check after 20 minutes and cover loosely with foil if the top is browning too quickly.
  7. Cool the cake:

    • Remove the cake pan from the air fryer using oven mitts.
    • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge and invert onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
  8. Serve & enjoy:

    • Slice, serve plain, or top with your favorite vegan frosting, berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips & Variations

  • “Don’t overmix the batter—this helps keep your cake tender and prevents it from getting tough.”

  • Make it gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
  • Add-ins: Stir in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut for texture.
  • Oil-free option: Substitute the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat treat.
  • Frosting ideas: Try a vegan ganache, chocolate glaze, or a simple coconut whipped cream.
  • Mini cakes: Divide batter among silicone muffin cups for air fryer chocolate cupcakes. Reduce baking time to 15–18 minutes.
  • “Every air fryer model is slightly different. Always check your cake a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.”

  • Serving for a crowd: Double the recipe and bake in batches, or use a larger air fryer with a bigger pan.
  • Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Slice (1/8 cake, without chocolate chips or frosting)
Calories 175
Fat 5g
Saturated Fat 0.5g
Carbohydrates 32g
Sugar 13g
Fiber 2g
Protein 2.5g
Sodium 210mg

Nutrition will vary with add-ins, chocolate chips, or frosting.

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic & Simple: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with a cup of coffee or tea.
  • With Fruit: Top with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas for a burst of freshness.
  • Indulgent: Drizzle with vegan chocolate sauce or serve with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
  • Cake Parfait: Layer cubes of cake with vegan whipped cream and berries in a glass for an elegant dessert.
  • Birthday Treat: Frost with your favorite vegan buttercream, add sprinkles, and some candles!
  • Lunchbox Friendly: Make mini cakes or cupcakes for easy grab-and-go snacks.

Looking for more vegan baking inspiration? Try our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for another quick dessert idea, or explore savory options like Air Fryer Frozen Vegetable Recipes for Quick Healthy Me and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to round out your plant-based menu.

Conclusion

Baking a delicious, tender chocolate cake doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen or using complicated ingredients. With this air fryer vegan chocolate cake recipe, you can treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a decadent dessert any day of the week—no oven required.

The simple method and easy cleanup make it a go-to favorite, while the rich chocolate flavor makes every bite feel special.

Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just trying out plant-based baking, this cake is sure to impress. Enjoy it as a quick weeknight treat, a festive birthday cake, or a sweet ending to any meal.

Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite toppings and mix-ins for your own signature version. Happy baking—and happy eating!

📖 Recipe Card: Air Fryer Vegan Chocolate Cake

Description: This easy vegan chocolate cake is moist, rich, and made entirely in the air fryer. Perfect for a quick and delicious dessert without the oven.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
  2. Grease a 6-inch round cake pan.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Add almond milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
  5. Mix until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  7. Place pan in air fryer basket.
  8. Air fry for 23-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Let cool before removing from pan and serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 260 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 37g

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Marta K

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