Air Fryer Upside-Down Cheesy Beef Cake

A layered “cake” consisting of seasoned ground beef, veggies, and cheese that is cooked inverted with a crust (such as biscuit dough or mashed potatoes) on top. The cake is then flipped before being served, allowing the crust to form the basis of the finished product.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Air Fry Time: 18–22 minutes

Cooling & Flip Time: 5 minutes

Total: ~45 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 4–6):

For the Beef Layer:

1 tbsp oil

250g (9 oz) ground beef

1/2 small onion, finely chopped

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp black pepper

Salt to taste

1/4 cup tomato sauce or ketchup

1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

For the Batter (Base Layer):

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup milk

1 egg

1 tbsp melted butter

1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar/mozzarella or blend)

Instructions

Cook the Beef (8–10 minutes)

Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté chopped onion for 2–3 minutes.

Add ground beef and cook until browned.

Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce.

Cook until well blended and slightly thickened.

Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Remove from heat.

Prepare the Batter (5 minutes)

In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, mix milk, egg, and melted butter.

Combine wet and dry ingredients into a smooth batter.

Fold in 1/2 cup shredded cheese.

Assemble in Pan (5 minutes)

Grease a 6-inch round cake pan or deep dish that fits your air fryer.

First, layer the cooked beef mixture evenly at the bottom.

Then, pour the cheesy batter gently over the beef — do not mix.

Air Fry (18–22 minutes)

Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes.

Place the assembled pan in the air fryer basket.

Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Let it rest 5 minutes in the pan after cooking.

Flip & Serve (5 minutes)

Run a knife around the edge to loosen.

Place a plate over the pan and flip it carefully to reveal the beef layer on top — like an upside-down cake.

Slice and serve hot with sour cream, hot sauce, or salad on the side.

Optional Add-Ins:

Jalapeños for a kick

Diced bell peppers or corn in the beef layer

A layer of mashed potatoes for a shepherd’s pie twist

Tips:

Want it crispier? Sprinkle shredded cheese on top after flipping and return to the air fryer for 2–3 minutes.

Can be made ahead and reheated in the air fryer at 300°F for 5–6 minutes.