Air Fryer Baking: The Complete Guide to Cakes, Muffins and Bread

# Air Fryer Baking: The Complete Guide to Cakes, Muffins and Bread

Most Australians think of their air fryer as a tool for chips, chicken wings, and reheating leftovers. But here's a secret that seasoned home cooks already know: the air fryer is a surprisingly capable little baker. From moist chocolate cakes to golden muffins and crusty bread rolls, your air fryer can handle far more than you might expect — and often faster than a conventional oven.

In this complete guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about air fryer baking: how it works, what you can bake, the best temperatures and timing, and the tips that separate a soggy disappointment from a bakery-worthy result. Whether you're baking for one or feeding the whole family, this guide has you covered.

Why Bake in an Air Fryer?

Before we dive into recipes and techniques, it's worth understanding why air fryer baking works so well — and when it makes sense to use it over your conventional oven.

Faster Preheating and Cooking

A conventional oven can take 15–20 minutes to preheat. An air fryer reaches temperature in 2–3 minutes. For small batches of muffins or a single-serve cake, this time saving adds up quickly. You'll also find that most baked goods cook 20–25% faster in an air fryer due to the concentrated, circulating hot air.

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers use significantly less electricity than full-sized ovens. If you're baking a small batch of banana muffins or a single loaf of bread, firing up a large oven is wasteful. The air fryer is the smarter, more economical choice for smaller quantities. For more on running costs, check out our air fryer electricity cost guide.

Consistent Results

The fan-forced circulation in an air fryer creates even heat distribution, which is actually ideal for baking. You get consistent browning on the outside and thorough cooking on the inside — provided you use the right tin size and don't overcrowd the basket.

No Need to Heat the Whole Kitchen

In the Australian summer, turning on a full oven can make your kitchen unbearably hot. The air fryer generates far less ambient heat, making it a practical baking solution year-round.

What You'll Need for Air Fryer Baking

Before you start, make sure you have the right equipment. Not all bakeware fits in an air fryer basket, and using the wrong size can lead to uneven cooking or overflow.

Suitable Bakeware

• Small round cake tins: 15–18 cm diameter works well for most air fryer baskets
• Silicone muffin moulds: Flexible, easy to remove, and heat-safe
• Small loaf tins: 20 cm loaf tins fit in most 5L+ air fryers
• Ramekins: Perfect for individual lava cakes, soufflés, and custards
• Parchment paper: Line your tins to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier

Always measure your air fryer basket before purchasing bakeware. Most 4–5L air fryers accommodate a 15 cm round tin, while larger 6L+ models can fit an 18 cm tin or a small loaf tin. Check our air fryer accessories guide for recommended baking tins and silicone moulds.

Temperature Conversion

Most baking recipes are written for conventional ovens. When adapting them for an air fryer, reduce the temperature by about 10–15°C and check for doneness 5–10 minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.

For example: - Conventional oven at 350°F (177°C) → Air fryer at 320°F (160°C) - Conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) → Air fryer at 340°F (170°C) - Conventional oven at 400°F (204°C) → Air fryer at 360°F (182°C)

Air Fryer Cakes: Tips and Recipes

Cakes are one of the most rewarding things to bake in an air fryer. The circulating heat creates a beautifully golden crust while keeping the interior moist and tender.

Chocolate Mud Cake

A rich chocolate mud cake is surprisingly well-suited to the air fryer. The intense, even heat creates a dense, fudgy texture that rivals anything from a conventional oven.

Basic method: 1. Prepare your favourite chocolate cake batter 2. Pour into a greased 15 cm round tin lined with parchment paper 3. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes 4. Cook for 30–35 minutes, checking with a skewer at the 25-minute mark 5. If the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil 6. Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning out

Pro tip: Place a small piece of foil over the top of the cake for the first 15 minutes to prevent the surface from over-browning before the centre is cooked through.

Vanilla Butter Cake

A classic vanilla butter cake bakes beautifully in the air fryer. Use a 15 cm tin and cook at 320°F (160°C) for 25–30 minutes. The result is a golden, even crumb that's perfect for layering with buttercream or serving with fresh cream and berries.

Banana Cake

Banana cake is one of the easiest air fryer bakes. The natural moisture from the bananas keeps the cake tender, and the air fryer's heat caramelises the sugars for a gorgeous golden crust.

• Temperature: 320°F (160°C)
• Time: 25–30 minutes
• Tin: 15 cm round or small loaf tin

Lemon Drizzle Cake

The air fryer's fan-forced heat is ideal for lemon drizzle cake, creating a crisp, sugary crust on top while keeping the interior moist and tangy.

• Temperature: 320°F (160°C)
• Time: 20–25 minutes
• Tin: 15 cm round tin

Air Fryer Muffins: Quick and Easy

Muffins are perhaps the most natural fit for air fryer baking. They're small, they cook quickly, and the individual portions mean you don't need to worry about uneven heat distribution across a large surface.

Blueberry Muffins

Classic blueberry muffins cook in just 12–15 minutes in the air fryer — compared to 20–25 minutes in a conventional oven.

Method: 1. Prepare your muffin batter and fold in fresh or frozen blueberries 2. Spoon into silicone muffin moulds (fill to about two-thirds) 3. Place in the air fryer basket — you may need to cook in batches 4. Cook at 340°F (170°C) for 12–15 minutes 5. Check with a skewer — it should come out clean 6. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from moulds

Chocolate Chip Muffins

Chocolate chip muffins are a crowd-pleaser and cook beautifully in the air fryer. The chocolate chips melt into pockets of gooey goodness while the muffin top gets a lovely golden colour.

• Temperature: 340°F (170°C)
• Time: 12–14 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 muffins per batch (depending on basket size)

Banana and Walnut Muffins

Use overripe bananas for maximum flavour. The natural sugars caramelise in the air fryer's heat, creating a beautifully golden top.

• Temperature: 340°F (170°C)
• Time: 13–15 minutes

Savoury Muffins

Don't overlook savoury muffins — cheese and bacon, corn and jalapeño, or sun-dried tomato and feta all work wonderfully. Cook at 340°F (170°C) for 12–14 minutes.

Batch cooking tip: Most air fryer baskets fit 4–6 standard muffin moulds. If you need more, cook in batches and keep the first batch warm in a low oven (around 212°F / 100°C) while the second batch cooks.

Air Fryer Bread: From Rolls to Loaves

Bread baking in an air fryer is a revelation. The intense, circulating heat creates a beautifully crisp crust while keeping the interior soft and chewy — exactly what you want from a good loaf.

Bread Rolls

Individual bread rolls are the easiest bread to bake in an air fryer. They cook quickly, fit easily in the basket, and come out with a gorgeous golden crust.

Basic method: 1. Prepare your bread dough and allow it to prove until doubled in size 2. Shape into rolls (about 80–100g each) 3. Place in the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper 4. Allow to prove for a second time (20–30 minutes) 5. Brush with egg wash or milk for a golden finish 6. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes 7. Tap the bottom — it should sound hollow when done

Focaccia

Focaccia is an excellent air fryer bread because its flat shape fits well in the basket and the olive oil creates a beautifully crisp base.

• Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
• Time: 15–18 minutes
• Tin: Use a small baking tin that fits your basket

Banana Bread

Banana bread is one of the most popular air fryer bakes, and for good reason. The moist, dense batter benefits from the air fryer's even heat, and you get a beautifully cracked top that's the hallmark of a great banana bread.

• Temperature: 320°F (160°C)
• Time: 30–35 minutes
• Tin: Small loaf tin (20 cm)
• Check at 25 minutes with a skewer

Sourdough Rolls

If you maintain a sourdough starter, air fryer sourdough rolls are a game-changer. The high heat creates an excellent oven spring and a crisp, chewy crust.

• Temperature: 390°F (198°C) for the first 5 minutes, then reduce to 355°F (180°C)
• Time: 18–22 minutes total
• Steam tip: Place a small ramekin of water in the basket for the first 5 minutes to create steam and improve crust development

Common Air Fryer Baking Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Even experienced bakers make mistakes when transitioning to air fryer baking. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Overcrowding the Basket

The air fryer's magic comes from hot air circulating freely around the food. If you pack too many muffin moulds or use a tin that's too large, the air can't circulate properly and you'll end up with uneven cooking. Always leave at least 2–3 cm of space around your bakeware.

Not Adjusting the Temperature

Air fryers run hotter than conventional ovens due to the concentrated heat and fan circulation. Always reduce the temperature by 10–15°C when adapting a conventional recipe. Failing to do this is the most common reason for burnt outsides and raw insides.

Skipping the Preheat

While air fryers heat up quickly, skipping the preheat entirely can lead to uneven results. A 2–3 minute preheat ensures the basket and bakeware are at the right temperature when your batter goes in.

Opening the Basket Too Often

Every time you open the air fryer basket, you release heat and disrupt the cooking environment. Resist the urge to check on your bake too frequently — trust the process and only check in the last few minutes.

Using the Wrong Tin Size

A tin that's too large will spread the batter too thin, leading to overcooked edges and an undercooked centre. A tin that's too small may overflow. Always match your tin size to the recipe and your air fryer basket dimensions.

Air Fryer Baking Temperature and Time Reference

Here's a quick reference guide for common air fryer baking temperatures and times:

Note: Times are approximate and will vary depending on your specific air fryer model and the size of your bakeware. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.

Choosing the Right Air Fryer for Baking

Not all air fryers are equally suited to baking. If you plan to bake regularly, there are a few features to look for.

Basket Size

For baking, bigger is generally better. A 5L+ basket gives you enough room to fit a 15 cm cake tin or a small loaf tin. If you're serious about air fryer baking, consider a 6–7L model. Check our buying guide for recommendations based on your household size.

Temperature Range

Most baking happens between 300°F (149°C) and 390°F (198°C). Make sure your air fryer can reach and maintain these temperatures accurately. Some budget models have imprecise temperature controls, which can lead to inconsistent results.

Oven-Style vs Basket-Style

Oven-style air fryers (which look like a small countertop oven with a door) are often better for baking because they have more vertical space and can accommodate standard baking tins. Basket-style air fryers are more compact but may limit the size of bakeware you can use. Browse our air fryer reviews to compare models.

Fan Speed

Some premium air fryers allow you to adjust the fan speed. A lower fan speed can be beneficial for delicate bakes like soufflés or custards that might be disturbed by strong airflow.

Getting the Most from Your Air Fryer Baker

Here are a few final tips to elevate your air fryer baking:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect how your batter comes together and how evenly it bakes.
• Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten and can make cakes and muffins tough. Mix until just combined.
• Rotate halfway through: For larger bakes, rotate the tin 180° halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
• Use a thermometer: An oven thermometer placed in your air fryer basket will tell you the actual temperature, which may differ from the display.
• Let it rest: Allow cakes and bread to cool in the tin for at least 10 minutes before turning out. This helps the structure set and prevents crumbling.

For more tips on getting the best results from your appliance, visit our blog where we regularly publish guides, recipes, and comparisons.

Final Thoughts

Air fryer baking is one of the most underrated uses of this versatile appliance. With the right bakeware, a few temperature adjustments, and a bit of practice, you can produce cakes, muffins, and bread that rival anything from a conventional oven — in less time and with less energy.

Whether you're a seasoned baker looking for a more efficient method or a beginner wanting to try something new, the air fryer is a fantastic baking tool. Start with muffins or banana bread to build your confidence, then work your way up to cakes and artisan bread rolls.

Ready to upgrade your air fryer? Check out our compare models page to find the best air fryer for baking in Australia, or browse our accessories section for the best baking tins and silicone moulds to get started.