Posted by Looking for a faster and more convenient way to bake your traditional Christmas cake? An air fryer offers a fantastic solution. Not only does it cut down on baking time, but it also delivers a moist, flavorful cake comparable to one baked in a conventional oven. With the right ingredients and steps, you can prepare a fruit-filled Christmas cake in no time.
Preparing for Your Air Fryer Christmas Cake
Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have the necessary tools and ingredients. The most important equipment is an air fryer large enough to accommodate an 18cm (7-inch) round cake tin. Choose a tin that’s air fryer-compatible, allowing for proper air circulation to ensure even baking. Line it with baking parchment or generously grease it to prevent sticking.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Christmas Cake
- 3 large eggs
- 300g (10oz) plain flour
- 250g (8oz) softened butter
- 250g (8oz) light muscovado sugar
- 1 tbsp ground mixed spice
- Pinch of salt
- 410g jar of mincemeat
- 500g (1lb) dried mixed fruit
- 4 tbsp brandy
- 18cm (7-inch) round cake tin (lined with parchment)
How to Make an Air Fryer Christmas Cake
Step 1: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, flour, butter, sugar, mixed spice, salt, mincemeat, and dried fruit. Exclude the brandy for now. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and evenly combined.
Step 2: Prepare and Bake
Transfer the batter into your prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the tin into the air fryer basket.
Set the air fryer to 160°C (320°F) and bake for 30 minutes. By this point, the top should start browning, but the center will still need more time to cook.
Step 3: Cover with Foil
After 30 minutes, cover the cake with foil to prevent over-browning. Ensure the foil is secure, as the air fryer’s fan can dislodge it. Continue baking for an additional 1 hour and 20 minutes, bringing the total bake time to 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Step 4: Check for Doneness
Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, bake for another 10 minutes and test again. Avoid exceeding a total bake time of 2 hours to prevent overbaking.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin before removing it. Early removal may cause it to crumble. Once cooled, wrap it in baking parchment or greaseproof paper, followed by a layer of foil. Store in an airtight container or cake tin.
Feeding Your Cake
To keep your cake moist and flavorful, “feed” it every two weeks leading up to Christmas. Use brandy, sherry, cooled tea, or orange juice. Poke a few holes in the cake with a skewer and drizzle a tablespoon or two of liquid over it. Avoid over-soaking to prevent sogginess.
Tips for Air Fryer Christmas Cake Success
- Choose the Right Tin
Ensure your cake tin fits comfortably in your air fryer, leaving space for air circulation. For square air fryers, a square tin may work better. - Low and Slow
Baking at a lower temperature for longer ensures even cooking. If the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil. - Opt for Dense Batters
Dry ingredient-heavy batters, like those for pound cakes or fruitcakes, work best in an air fryer. - Preset Baking Functions
If your air fryer has a preset baking function, try it. Otherwise, manually set the temperature and time for better control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake other cakes in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fryers work well for pound cakes, Victoria sponges, and other dense cakes. Moist cakes like banana bread may take longer.
How long does it take to bake a cake in an air fryer?
Baking time varies but typically ranges from 30-40 minutes. Adjust times and temperatures by reducing oven settings by 20-30%.
Should I bake my Christmas cake early?
Traditionally, Christmas cakes are baked 2-3 months in advance for flavor development. However, if you’re short on time, a freshly baked cake will still be delightful.
Recap: Air Fryer Christmas Cake Steps
- Mix eggs, flour, butter, sugar, mixed spice, salt, mincemeat, and dried fruit.
- Transfer batter to a lined cake tin and bake at 160°C for 30 minutes.
- Cover with foil and bake for an additional 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Test for doneness and allow to cool completely before storing.
- Feed with liquid every two weeks for a moist and flavorful Christmas treat.