Air Fryer Sponge Cake

Air Fryer Sponge Cake is a delightful way to make a classic dessert with minimal effort and fewer calories. This recipe yields a light and fluffy sponge cake that’s perfect for any occasion, whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with fruit, whipped cream, or frosting.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs and sugar on high speed until the mixture is pale, thick, and tripled in volume. This should take about 5 minutes.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the batter.
5. Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the milk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract. Gently fold this mixture into the batter until just combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer Pan

1. Grease and Line Pan: Lightly grease an 8-inch round cake pan that fits in your air fryer basket. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Air Fry the Cake

1. Cook: Place the pan in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
2. Check for Doneness: If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue cooking until done.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

1. Remove from Pan: Carefully remove the cake from the air fryer and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Serve: Once cooled, the sponge cake can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or your favorite frosting.

Tips and Variations

• Flavor Variations: Add lemon zest, almond extract, or cocoa powder to the batter for different flavors.
• Add-ins: Gently fold in fresh berries or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutritional Information

Each slice (from a standard 8-inch cake, assuming 8 slices) provides approximately:

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 200mg

Conclusion

Air Fryer Sponge Cake is a wonderfully light and fluffy dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its delicate texture and simple preparation, this cake is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Enjoy the convenience of your air fryer while baking a classic treat with great results!