Air fryers have taken kitchens by storm. They’re fast, energy-efficient, and can make everything from crispy fries to juicy chicken with less oil. However, in recent years, a new trend has emerged: baking in an air fryer. If you’ve ever wondered “Can I bake a cake in my air fryer?” or “What’s not suitable for air fryer baking?”, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll cover What You Can and Can’t Bake in an Air Fryer, plus tips, bakeware suggestions, and common mistakes to avoid.
Understanding Air Fryer Baking
Before we get into the “yes” and “no” list, let’s quickly understand how air fryer baking works.
An air fryer is essentially a small convection oven. It uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food, giving it a crisp texture on the outside while keeping it soft inside. This makes it perfect for certain baked goods — but not all.
Baking vs. Frying vs. Roasting in an Air Fryer
- Frying in an air fryer is just cooking with circulating hot air instead of oil immersion.
- Roasting works well for vegetables, meats, and nuts.
- Baking involves batter or dough that needs even heat for rising and setting — which is possible in an air fryer with the right adjustments.
Benefits of Air Fryer Baking:
- Cooks faster than a traditional oven.
- Uses less energy.
- No need to heat the whole kitchen.
- Easy to make small batches of baked goods.
Limitations:
- Capacity: You can’t bake large cakes or multiple trays at once.
- Airflow: Overcrowding or using oversized pans can block heat circulation.
What You Can and Can’t Bake in an Air Fryer
This is where things get interesting. Let’s break it down into two clear lists so you know exactly what works and what doesn’t.
What You Can Bake in an Air Fryer
1. Cakes & Cupcakes
Yes, you can bake cakes in your air fryer — but keep them small.
- Works best with: sponge cakes, carrot cake, cupcakes, banana cake.
- Use silicone molds or mini cake pans for even heat distribution.
- Lower the temperature by 25°F (15°C) compared to oven instructions to avoid burnt tops.
2. Cookies
Air fryers are fantastic for baking small batches of cookies.
- Best types: chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, oatmeal cookies.
- Space them apart so air can circulate.
- Check a couple of minutes before the recommended time — they cook fast!
3. Pastries & Pies
- Perfect for: mini pies, puff pastry snacks, turnovers.
- If using frozen pastries, no need to thaw completely — just adjust the baking time slightly.
4. Bread & Rolls
- You can bake banana bread, zucchini bread, dinner rolls, and focaccia.
- Proof dough outside the air fryer; use it only for baking.
5. Brownies & Bars
- Small pans or ramekins work best for fudgy brownies and dessert bars.
- Avoid thick batters in deep pans — they may not bake evenly.
6. Savory Bakes
- Try quiches, frittatas, savory muffins, or even mini lasagna cups.
- Use oven-safe glass, ceramic, or silicone bakeware for best results.
What You Can’t Bake in an Air Fryer
1. Very Large Cakes or Loaves
The basket size and airflow make it difficult to bake evenly.
Large loaves often end up burnt outside and raw inside.
2. High-Moisture Batters
Examples: cheesecake, flan, large custards.
They require stable, gentle heat and long baking times — not ideal for air fryer circulation.
3. Multi-Layer Cakes
If you’re thinking of baking a tall, three-tier wedding cake in an air fryer — sadly, no. Stick to single-layer cakes.
4. Fragile Pastries
Soufflés, meringues, and paper-thin puff pastries are too delicate for the intense air circulation.
Bakeware & Tools for Air Fryer Baking
Choosing the right bakeware is key to baking success.
Best bakeware for air fryer baking:
- Silicone molds – great for cakes, muffins, and brownies.
- Ceramic dishes – perfect for pies, quiches, and gratins.
- Oven-safe glass (like Pyrex) – good for casseroles and baked puddings.
- Small metal pans – conduct heat well for cookies and bars.
Avoid:
- Oversized pans that block airflow.
- Paper liners without weight (they can fly into the heating element).
Safe use of parchment paper & foil:
- Always secure parchment paper under food to prevent it from blowing.
- Foil can be used but avoid covering the entire basket to maintain airflow.
Temperature & Time Adjustments for Air Fryer Baking
Air fryers cook faster than traditional ovens. As a general rule:
- Reduce oven recipe temperature by 25°F (15°C).
- Reduce cooking time by about 20%.
Example:
If your oven recipe says 350°F for 20 minutes, set your air fryer to 325°F and check around the 15-minute mark.
Preheating:
Some air fryer models benefit from a short preheat (3–5 minutes) for more even baking, especially with cakes and cookies.
Tips for Successful Air Fryer Baking
- Avoid overcrowding – Let air circulate around your bakeware.
- Rotate halfway – Especially for cakes and breads to ensure even color.
- Check doneness early – Air fryers can bake faster than expected.
- Use the right rack position – For oven-style air fryers, middle rack works best.
- Keep batches small – Perfect for quick snacks and desserts.
Also Read: How to Avoid Dryness in Air Fryer Bakes Easily
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using bakeware too big for the basket.
- Not adjusting recipes for smaller cooking space.
- Ignoring preheating instructions (for models that require it).
- Leaving batter uncovered — air circulation can dry out delicate bakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use glass bakeware in an air fryer?
Yes, as long as it’s oven-safe glass like Pyrex and fits inside without blocking airflow. - Do I need to preheat my air fryer before baking?
Some recipes benefit from preheating — especially cakes and cookies for more even rise. - Can I bake frozen cake or cookies?
Yes, but add a few extra minutes to the baking time and check halfway. - Is it possible to bake bread from scratch in an air fryer?
Yes, but it’s best for small loaves or rolls, not full-sized artisan breads. - Can I put a whole cheesecake in an air fryer?
Not ideal — the high moisture and long bake time make it better suited for an oven.
Final Thoughts on What You Can and Can’t Bake in an Air Fryer
Air fryers are more versatile than most people realize. From cupcakes to cookies, you can bake plenty of treats in them. Just remember — size and airflow matter.
If you want to explore more, check out our full guide on How to Bake in an Air Fryer – Complete Guide and our troubleshooting tips in Troubleshooting Air Fryer Baking to master every recipe.
You can also follow me on Instagram, and Pinterest for more easy & air fryer baking recipes.
