Love baking but hate waiting for your oven to preheat? Good news—you can bake your favorite treats in your air fryer! This guide will show you exactly how to bake in an air fryer, even if you’ve never tried it before.
From warm banana bread to gooey cookies, air fryers aren’t just for crispy fries and chicken wings anymore. They’re now your mini countertop baker.
Why Bake in an Air Fryer?
If you’ve been using your air fryer just for frying, you’re missing out! Air fryers use rapid air circulation, similar to convection ovens, to cook food evenly. This makes them great for baking small batches of desserts and snacks.
Benefits of Baking in an Air Fryer:
- Faster baking time than a traditional oven
- No preheating needed (in most cases)
- Energy-efficient and compact
- Perfect for small kitchens or one-person servings
- Great for summer baking (no heating the whole kitchen!)
Whether you’re craving cookies, muffins, or banana bread, the air fryer can handle it.
Can You Really Bake in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Many people are surprised to learn that air fryers can bake everything from cakes to muffins to donuts. The circulating hot air cooks your batter or dough evenly, giving it a golden crust and fluffy interior.
What You Can Bake:
- Air fryer banana bread
- Air fryer chocolate chip cookies
- Air fryer muffins and cupcakes
- Mini cakes and brownies
- Gluten-free or vegan baked goods
- Baked apples and other fruits
What to Avoid:
- Oversized cakes or large batches
- Very runny batters without proper containers
- Items requiring even, gentle rise like soufflés
Air fryers are perfect for quick, single-serve desserts, not for large-scale baking.
Tools & Accessories You’ll Need for Air Fryer Baking
Baking in an air fryer is easy, but having the right tools makes it even better.
Must-Have Air Fryer Baking Accessories:
- Silicone muffin cups – non-stick and air fryer-safe
- Mini cake pans or ramekins – fit well in baskets
- Parchment paper liners – prevent sticking
- Air fryer baking rack – helps for layered cooking
- Digital thermometer – to check internal temperature
Avoid oversized baking trays or glass dishes unless they are labeled air fryer-safe.
How to Bake in an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step
Here’s the heart of the guide. If you’re wondering exactly how to bake in an air fryer, follow these steps:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Some air fryers preheat automatically. If yours doesn’t, run it empty at baking temperature (around 320°F–350°F) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Choose the Right Container
Use a mini cake tin, ramekin, or silicone muffin cup. Always leave room for air to circulate.
3. Prepare Your Batter or Dough
Use your favorite cake, muffin, or cookie recipe. Avoid overfilling—air fryers cook from the top, so leave room for rising.
4. Line or Grease Your Pan
Use parchment paper or non-stick spray to prevent sticking, especially with sticky batters.
5. Place It in the Air Fryer Basket
Center it in the basket or tray. Don’t overcrowd—air needs to flow freely around your food.
6. Adjust Time and Temperature
Reduce your oven recipe temp by 25°F and cut baking time by about 20%. Always check early.
7. Check for Doneness
Use a toothpick or thermometer. Internal temp should be 190–210°F for most baked goods.
8. Cool Before Serving
Let your baked item rest for a few minutes before removing from the mold. This helps with structure.
Time & Temperature Chart for Air Fryer Baking
| Baked Item | Air Fryer Temp | Time (approx.) |
| Muffins (standard size) | 330°F (165°C) | 12–15 minutes |
| Mini cakes | 320°F (160°C) | 15–20 minutes |
| Cookies | 325°F (163°C) | 8–10 minutes |
| Brownies (in ramekins) | 330°F (165°C) | 12–14 minutes |
| Baked apples | 350°F (175°C) | 10–12 minutes |
Note: Always check doneness a few minutes early!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking in an Air Fryer
Even the best bakers mess up sometimes. Here’s what to avoid:
- Overcrowding: Prevents air circulation = uneven baking
- Wrong bakeware: Too big or not air fryer-safe
- Skipping preheat: May cause soggy or underbaked centers
- Not adjusting time/temp: Air fryer baking is faster!
Best Recipes to Try First
If you’re just starting out, these beginner-friendly baked goods are foolproof:
- Air Fryer Banana Bread – moist and sweet
- Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies – chewy with crisp edges
- Air Fryer Carrot Muffins – quick breakfast
- Air Fryer Brownies – fudgy and rich
- Air Fryer Vegan Donuts – with or without yeast
These recipes are easy, forgiving, and perfect for learning how to bake in an air fryer.
How to Bake in an Air Fryer for Special Diets
Trying to eat healthier or avoid allergens? Air fryer baking supports all types of diets.
Vegan Air Fryer Baking:
- Use flax eggs or applesauce as egg replacers
- Opt for plant-based milk and butter
Gluten-Free Air Fryer Baking:
- Almond flour, oat flour, and gluten-free all-purpose blends work well
Low-Carb & Keto Air Fryer Baking:
- Try coconut flour, almond flour, and sugar alternatives
Cleaning Up After Baking in an Air Fryer
Baking can get messy. Here’s how to clean your air fryer:
- Unplug and cool down
- Remove crumbs and liner
- Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe interior
- Soak basket or tray in warm soapy water
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers to protect non-stick coating
Want a full guide? Check out How to Clean Your Air Fryer Properly.
Final Thoughts: How to Bake in an Air Fryer
Baking in an air fryer is quick, fun, and beginner-friendly. With the right tools, smart temperature adjustments, and a bit of practice, you’ll be making delicious cakes, cookies, and more—without heating up your whole kitchen.
Try it once, and you’ll never look at your oven the same way again!
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try:
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