Chocolate cake

Creating a chocolate cake in an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious dessert with less time and effort compared to traditional oven baking. Here’s a detailed recipe for a rich, moist, and indulgent air fryer chocolate cake.

Air Fryer Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
• For the Frosting:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add Wet Ingredients:

• Add the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.

Add Boiling Water:

• Gradually add the boiling water to the batter, mixing continuously. The batter will be thin, but that’s normal.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Cake

1. Prepare the Pan:
   • Lightly grease a 6-inch round cake pan that fits in your air fryer. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Pour Batter:
   • Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan.
3. Air Fry:
   • Place the cake pan in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
4. Cool:
   • 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.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

1. Cream Butter and Cocoa:
   • In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and cocoa powder until well blended.
2. Add Sugar and Milk:
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Vanilla and Salt:
   • Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Frost the Cake:
   • Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
2. Decorate (Optional):
   • Decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries, if desired.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve:
   • Slice the cake and serve with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Tips for Success:

• Check for Doneness: Cooking times can vary depending on the air fryer model. Check the cake for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time. If the toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done.
• Pan Size: Ensure the cake pan fits in your air fryer. A 6-inch round pan works well for most air fryers, but you may need to adjust the size based on your specific model.
• Even Layer: For an even layer of frosting, use an offset spatula to spread the frosting over the cake. Chill the cake slightly before frosting to make it easier to handle.
• Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the boiling water for a mocha flavor. Or, mix in chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.

Enjoy your delicious air fryer chocolate cake! It’s a quick and satisfying way to indulge your chocolate cravings with minimal effort.