Air fryer chocolate cake
If you are craving something chocolatey, this air fryer chocolate cake delivers. It bakes up with a crisp crust on top, a soft and sticky centre, and a rich and deep flavour. Since the recipe only calls for basic pantry staples, it comes together fast and is ready before you know it. Tempted to grab a slice?
Ingredients
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100 g
Butter
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170 g
Caster sugar
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2
Eggs
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90 g
Flour
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3 tbsp
Cocoa powder
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1 tsp
Vanilla extract
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¼ tsp
Salt
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To serve
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300 ml
Double cream
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65 g
Fresh raspberries or other berries
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Sift flour, cocoa powder, vanilla sugar, and salt before mixing with wet ingredients. It gives the batter a smooth and lump-free texture. It also spreads the salt and vanilla sugar evenly, making sure the flavour is consistent throughout the cake.
Mix the batter just until you cannot see any dry flour for a gooey texture. Gently fold in the flour, cocoa powder, vanilla sugar, and salt with a spatula into the mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs. If you are using a mixer, set it to low speed and mix only for a short time. This prevents too much gluten from forming, which keeps the cake deliciously gooey.
Line the tin with baking paper before adding the batter. It prevents the cake from sticking and makes it easier to lift it out once baked. Plus, it keeps the edges neater, which is especially useful when baking in an air fryer, where tins can be a bit fiddly to handle.
FAQ: Questions about air fryer chocolate cake
Here you will find answers to the most common questions about baking a chocolate cake in an air fryer. From choosing the right tin to fixing baking issues, this information will help your cake turn out just how you want it.
Can you bake a chocolate cake in an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake a chocolate cake in an air fryer. An air fryer functions like a small convection oven, circulating hot air to bake the cake quickly and evenly. To make this cake, mix melted butter, caster sugar, eggs, flour, cocoa powder, vanilla sugar, and salt to make the batter. Pour it into a greased 20 cm round tin that fits in your air fryer. Set the air fryer to 160 °C and bake for 14–16 minutes. Check the cake for your preferred level of gooeyness before taking it out.
Can I use a regular cake tin in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use a regular cake tin in an air fryer if it is ovenproof and fits in the air fryer basket to allow good air circulation. A round tin about 20 cm in diameter works well for the recipe. Ensure the tin is made from oven-safe materials like metal, glass, ceramic, or silicone. It should be about 5–8 cm deep so the cake can bake evenly and avoid contact with the heating element. If there is enough space, you might consider a small Bundt pan for better air circulation.
What should I do if my chocolate cake is not fully baked but is browning too much on top?
If your air fryer chocolate cake is not fully baked but is browning too much on top, cover it with aluminium foil or a heat-safe lid. Make sure the foil or lid is secure, so it does not get moved by the fan of the air fryer. Check if it is done by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the centre. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it is ready. If not, bake it for another 3–5 minutes and check again.
How should I store an air fryer chocolate cake?
To store an air fryer cake, first let it cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in cling film. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for 2–3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
2290 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 10.6 gram fibers |
| Protein | 5.8 | 32.6 gram |
| Fat | 79.6 | 206.2 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 14.6 | 82.2 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
Make a delicious air fryer chocolate cake
This air fryer chocolate cake is everything you want in a quick dessert – from its crisp, chewy top to its soft, gooey middle that makes it hard to stop at one slice. Made with everyday ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, flour and cocoa powder, the batter comes together in minutes. The air fryer bakes the outside just enough to create a delicate crust while leaving the centre rich and moist. It is very similar to a classic brownie, only quicker and more indulgent.
Explore more treats and desserts from the air fryer with our recipes for air fryer s‘mores, air fryer scones, air fryer white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, air fryer muffins, and air fryer candied almonds.
A sticky and gooey centre with deep chocolate flavour
The most important thing when baking this cake is to make sure it is not overbaked. You actually want it slightly underdone. That is how you get the crispy top while the middle and bottom stay wonderfully sticky and gooey.
Unlike many other cakes, this one contains no baking powder or soda. This keeps it dense and fudgy instead of light and fluffy, which is exactly what gives it its signature stickiness. With only a little flour and a good scoop of cocoa powder, the texture stays rich and claggy, while the flavour is all deep, dark chocolate.
A modern rendition of the classic Swedish kladdkaka
This modern recipe pays homage to the famous Swedish “kladdkaka,” a sticky chocolate cake beloved for its deep flavour. In Swedish, kladdkaka translates directly to “sticky cake”, which is a rather fitting name for a dessert that is purposely gooey at the centre. The cake first became popular in Sweden in the mid-20th century and has since become a staple in homes and cafés.
Our version gives this classic a modern twist by baking it in the air fryer, making it faster and more convenient but just as delicious. If you have never had kladdkaka before, you need to try this recipe. It might just be the easiest and quickest chocolate cake you will ever make.
Have it with whipped cream and fresh berries
There are many wonderful ways to serve this air fryer chocolate cake. Add a dollop of lightly whipped cream and fresh raspberries, or whatever berries are available, for a tart contrast that enriches the chocolate taste.
Enjoy a slice with a cup of freshly brewed espresso or dark roast coffee. The bitter notes are a perfect match for the sweetness of the cake. If you are in the mood for something truly decadent, serve the cake warm with vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream melting into the gooey cake is simply divine.
Add your own touch
Here are a few ideas as to how you can add your own touch to the cake. The recipe is very basic, which means you can experiment with all kinds of extras. Stir in chopped nuts such as walnuts, hazelnuts or almonds for a bit of crunch, or add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to give the chocolate flavour a warm, spicy note.
If you like a little heat, try a dash of chilli powder or cayenne, which works well with the gooey richness of the cake. You can also fold in chocolate chunks or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a more indulgent finish.
