The Perfect Air Fryer Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe

Air fryers have revolutionized the kitchen, offering a healthier way to prepare your favorite dishes with less oil and less fuss. One of the best things to make in an air fryer is cake! In this guide, I’ll show you how to create a light, fluffy, and moist Air Fryer Lemon Drizzle Cake that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re an air fryer newbie or an experienced baker, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.

Why Choose Air Fryer for Baking?

Baking with an air fryer has many advantages. It cooks faster than a conventional oven, uses less energy, and gives cakes a perfect texture without drying them out. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient for small-batch baking, making it an ideal choice for desserts like this Lemon Drizzle Cake. If you haven’t tried baking in an air fryer yet, this recipe is a great place to start.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make your Air Fryer Lemon Drizzle Cake, gather the following ingredients. The measurements listed below are perfect for a 1lb loaf tin, but if you’re using a different size, be sure to adjust accordingly.

For the Cake:

• 200g self-raising flour

• 200g unsalted butter (softened)

• 200g caster sugar

• 3 medium eggs

• Zest and juice of 2 lemons

• 30ml milk (adjust to batter consistency)

For the Lemon Drizzle:

• 75g caster sugar

• Juice from the 2 lemons

Before you start, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and eggs. This will help create a smoother batter and a better final result.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Drizzle Cake

1. Preparing the Cake Batter

Start by creaming the butter and sugar together. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is an essential step for a light cake.

• Tip: If your butter isn’t soft enough, microwave it in short 5-second bursts to soften it, but be careful not to melt it!

Next, add in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps to prevent the batter from curdling.

• Pro Tip: Beat the eggs in separately in a small bowl before adding them to the mixture. This ensures that you don’t accidentally add a shell.

Once the eggs are mixed in, stir in the zest of two lemons and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. The zest will provide a fragrant, citrusy aroma that will infuse the cake with a fresh, bright flavor.

2. Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

Sift the self-raising flour into the batter, folding it gently. Be careful not to overmix; you just want to combine the ingredients until the flour is incorporated. Over-mixing will lead to a denser cake, which is the last thing you want!

Now, stir in the milk to help loosen up the batter. The mixture should be smooth, slightly thick but pourable. If it seems too thick, add a splash more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.

3. Preparing the Baking Tin

Grease a 1lb loaf tin with butter or line it with parchment paper. Pour the cake batter into the tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. This will help the cake bake evenly.

4. Air Frying the Cake

Preheat your air fryer to 150°C (300°F). This is the perfect temperature to bake the cake evenly without burning the top too quickly.

Place the tin in the air fryer basket, ensuring that it fits comfortably. Bake the Lemon Drizzle Cake for about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the air fryer model and the size of the tin. I recommend checking the cake around the 30-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

• Tip: If you notice the top is browning too quickly, place a small piece of foil over the top of the cake. This will protect the cake from direct heat while it finishes cooking through.

To check if the cake is ready, insert a skewer or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done. If the skewer comes out wet, continue baking for another 5–10 minutes, checking regularly.

5. Preparing the Lemon Drizzle

While the cake is cooling slightly, mix the remaining lemon juice with the 75g of caster sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This will create the luscious lemon drizzle that adds a tangy sweetness to the cake.

Once the cake is done and has slightly cooled, use a skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake. This allows the drizzle to soak in, making the cake extra moist.

Pour the lemon drizzle over the cake, allowing it to soak in through the holes. If you prefer, you can leave the cake as is or add a simple icing to decorate it further.

6. Let the Cake Cool and Serve

Allow the Air Fryer Lemon Drizzle Cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents the cake from breaking apart when you remove it from the tin. Let it cool completely before slicing, so the drizzle has time to set and the cake holds together nicely.

• Serving Suggestion: Serve slices of this cake with a hot cup of tea for the ultimate afternoon treat. It also makes a great dessert after dinner.

 

Tips and Troubleshooting for the Perfect Air Fryer Lemon Drizzle Cake

Now that you have the basic recipe down, let’s explore some tips and troubleshooting advice to make sure your Air Fryer Lemon Drizzle Cake turns out perfectly every time. These insights will help you avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your air fryer’s unique baking properties.

1. Choosing the Right Tin Size for Your Air Fryer

Air fryers come in various shapes and sizes, so it’s essential to choose a cake tin that fits comfortably in your model. Here’s a guide for selecting the best size tin based on your air fryer:

• Small air fryers (3.5L–4L): Choose a tin no larger than 18 cm in diameter or a small loaf tin (1lb size).

• Medium air fryers (5L–6L): You can use a standard 20 cm round tin or a 1lb loaf tin, which will give your cake enough space to rise.

• Large air fryers (7L and above): A larger tin, such as an 8-inch round or a 2lb loaf tin, works best for larger batches.

Ensure there’s enough room around the tin for air circulation, as this will help the cake bake evenly.

2. Air Fryer Model Variations

Different air fryer models cook at different speeds and intensities. Some models have a bake function, while others rely solely on the air fry function. To ensure your cake comes out perfectly, follow these cooking time suggestions based on air fryer models:

• Cosori Air Fryer (6.4L): Bake the cake at 150°C for 40 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake, as some models may cook faster.

• Ninja Dual Air Fryer: Since this model tends to cook quicker, bake the cake at 150°C for about 30 to 35 minutes.

If you notice the cake is browning too quickly or unevenly, cover it loosely with foil to protect the top from direct heat.

3. How to Avoid a Dry Cake

The main reason cakes can turn out dry is overbaking. Keep these tips in mind to ensure a moist, tender Lemon Drizzle Cake:

• Monitor the cake closely during the last few minutes of baking. Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark.

• If the cake starts to brown too quickly, reduce the temperature slightly and add foil to cover the top.

• Remember, cakes continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer, so don’t overbake them.

4. Getting the Right Consistency for the Batter

A smooth, pourable batter is crucial for even baking. If your batter seems too thick, gradually add milk to loosen it. The ideal consistency should be like thick pancake batter—pourable but not runny. A thick batter may not cook evenly, while a runny one could cause the cake to collapse in the middle.

5. Fixing Sinking or Uneven Rising

If your cake sinks in the middle or doesn’t rise evenly, the issue is likely with the batter or the baking time. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Under-mixed batter: Make sure the butter, sugar, and eggs are well-creamed before adding the dry ingredients.

• Too much flour: When measuring your flour, make sure to sift it first and avoid compacting it into the measuring cup.

• Incorrect baking time: If the cake is undercooked, let it bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, checking regularly with a skewer.

6. Making the Drizzle Soak In Perfectly

The drizzle is what gives this cake its signature zingy flavor. To make sure the drizzle soaks in beautifully:

• Use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the cake while it’s still warm. This allows the syrup to seep into the cake, making it even more moist and flavorful.

• Be sure the drizzle is freshly made and warm when you pour it over the cake. If it’s too cold, it may harden and not absorb into the cake properly.

7. Optional Icing for Extra Sweetness

For those who prefer a sweeter topping, adding a simple lemon icing is a great option. Here’s how to make one:

• Mix 100g powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth.

• Drizzle over the cooled cake for a sweet finish.

This will give your Lemon Drizzle Cake an extra layer of sweetness and a lovely glossy finish.

8. Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is unlikely, given how delicious this cake is!), here’s how to store it:

• Room temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Refrigeration: If you want it to last longer, store the cake in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving to bring back the moist texture.

9. Variations to Try

While the classic Air Fryer Lemon Drizzle Cake is delicious on its own, you can add variations to customize it to your taste. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Blueberry Lemon Drizzle Cake: Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter before baking. They’ll burst with flavor and complement the lemon perfectly.

• Almond Lemon Drizzle Cake: Stir in a tablespoon of ground almonds into the batter for a richer, nuttier flavor.

• Gluten-Free Lemon Drizzle Cake: Swap the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this cake.

 

FAQs On Air Fryer Lemon Drizzle Cake

Can you cook a lemon drizzle cake in an air fryer?

Yes, you can! The air fryer cooks the cake quickly and evenly, making it a great alternative to using an oven.

Can you bake cakes in an air fryer?

Yes, air fryers are perfect for baking cakes, providing a moist texture and even bake in less time.

How much time for cake in air fryer?

Baking a cake in the air fryer typically takes between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the size and type of air fryer.

Is it better to bake a cake in the air fryer or oven?

Air fryers are faster and more energy-efficient, but ovens are better for larger cakes. It depends on your needs and the size of the cake!

Final Thoughts: Air Fryer Lemon Drizzle Cake

The Air Fryer Lemon Drizzle Cake is a quick, simple, and delicious dessert that everyone will love. Its tangy lemon flavor, soft crumb, and delightful drizzle make it an irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a special event, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Plus, the air fryer makes it easy to prepare, giving you a hassle-free baking experience with fantastic results every time.

So, preheat your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this zesty cake that’s bound to brighten your day!