Fluffy Vanilla Sponge Cake (Air Fryer Recipe)
Soft, light, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious — this Fluffy Vanilla Sponge Cake is an absolute treat! Made with pantry staples and baked to perfection in the air fryer, it’s ideal for birthdays, tea time, or just a sweet homemade moment. No oven needed!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or ½ cup neutral oil)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup milk, room temperature
1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice (to activate the baking soda)
Instructions
Prep the Batter (10 minutes)
Grease a 6- or 7-inch round cake pan that fits your air fryer basket. Line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar using a whisk or hand mixer until pale and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
Add the vanilla extract.
Add vinegar to the milk (this makes DIY buttermilk), then mix it into the wet mixture.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently until smooth and lump-free.
Bake in the Air Fryer (25–30 minutes)
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and gently tap to release air bubbles.
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 comes out clean.
Start checking around 25 minutes.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through.
Cool & Serve (10 minutes)
Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack.
Allow it to cool completely before slicing or decorating.
Optional Add-Ons
Dust with powdered sugar
Top with whipped cream and berries
Frost with buttercream or ganache
Layer with jam and fresh cream for a Victoria sponge twist
Tips & Tricks
Room temp eggs and milk help the cake rise better.
Don’t overmix the batter or it may deflate.
For extra moistness, brush cooled cake with sugar syrup.
Nutrition (Per Slice, 1 of 8 slices)
Calories: 215
Carbs: 27g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Sugar: 14g