Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake made in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup boiling water

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

For the Frosting:

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups powdered sugar

2-3 tbsp milk (or more, to adjust consistency)

1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preparing the Cake:

Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). You can use a round 7-inch cake pan or smaller, depending on your air fryer’s basket size. Grease and line the cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and mix in the vanilla extract.

Add the mashed bananas: Stir in the mashed bananas into the butter mixture until combined.

Combine the dry ingredients and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Add the boiling water (the batter will be thin), and stir until smooth. Optionally, fold in chocolate chips.

Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top. Place the cake pan in the air fryer basket and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Depending on your air fryer, the time may vary, so check after 15 minutes and adjust as needed. You may need to flip the pan halfway through for even cooking.

Cool the cake: Once done, remove the cake from the air fryer and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Frosting:

Make the frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter and cocoa powder together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until combined. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency for spreading. Stir in vanilla extract.

Assembling the Cake:

Once the cake layers are completely cooled, carefully cut the cake in half horizontally to make two layers.

Spread a layer of frosting on the first cake layer.

Place the second cake layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

Decorate with chocolate shavings, banana slices, or extra chocolate chips if desired.

Tips:

Make sure the bananas are ripe for the best flavor and moisture.

You can use a cake tester or toothpick to check if the cake is done.

If you don’t have a round cake pan, you can use silicone molds or a similar pan that fits in your air fryer.