Say hello to your new favorite dessert — Air Fryer Carrot Cake Loaf! This moist, spiced loaf is packed with shredded carrots, warm cinnamon, and a touch of sweetness, all baked to perfection right in your air fryer. No oven, no fuss — just a delicious, cozy treat in a fraction of the time!
This Air Fryer Carrot Cake Loaf is a moist, tender, and perfectly spiced treat that comes together with ease and bakes beautifully right in your air fryer! Packed with freshly shredded carrots, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and optionally topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, this loaf delivers all the cozy flavors of classic carrot cake in a quick, fuss-free format. It’s ideal for spring gatherings, Easter brunch, or anytime you’re craving a sweet homemade dessert without turning on the oven.
If you are looking for some other great air fryer Easter Desserts some of my favorites are AIR FRYER RASPBERRY WONTONS, AIR FRYER CHERRY CHEESECAKE EGG ROLLS, NINJA FOODI RUM RAISIN RICE PUDDING, or even AIR FRYER CANNOLI.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick & Convenient – No need to heat up the oven! This loaf bakes up perfectly in the air fryer, making it faster and more energy-efficient.
- Moist & Tender Texture – The air fryer creates a beautiful crust while locking in moisture, giving you a soft, bakery-style carrot cake loaf every time.
- Perfectly Spiced – Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring cozy, nostalgic flavors that pair perfectly with the sweetness of carrots and raisins (or nuts, if you prefer!).
- Small-Batch Friendly – Ideal for smaller households or when you don’t need a full-sized cake, this loaf is just the right size without too many leftovers.
- Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing – Whether you add walnuts, coconut, or a swirl of cream cheese frosting on top, this loaf adapts to your cravings—and it’s a guaranteed hit with family or guests.
Ingredients Needed
- All-purpose flour: Foundation for our cake, providing structure and a soft texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and aids in creating a tender crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: These warming spices bring a depth of flavor and that signature carrot cake aroma.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Large Eggs: They provide the cake structure, moisture, and richness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and adds a soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: Offers a fragrant, sweet aroma and depth of flavor.
- Grated carrots: Offers natural sweetness, moisture, and a delightful texture.
- Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans): Add a crunchy contrast to the soft cake and a nutty flavor.
- Raisins (optional): These sweet morsels bring chewiness and an extra layer of sweetness.
- Crushed pineapple (optional): Adds moisture and a tropical twist to the classic recipe.
- Shredded coconut (optional): Offers a pleasant chewiness and tropical flavor, complementing the carrot’s natural sweetness.
How To Make Air Fryer Carrot Cake Loaf
Step One: Begin by greasing an air fryer-safe cake pan or a regular pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Step Two: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with a hand mixer at medium speed until they are light and frothy. Gradually add the vegetable or canola oil and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until smooth. Slowly fold the wet mixture into the dry mixture until combined. Overmixing can result in a denser cake.
Step Three: Stir in the grated carrots. If you’re using nuts, raisins, crushed pineapple, or shredded coconut, fold them into the batter at this point. Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
Step Four: Preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees F (160°C) for a few minutes. Once preheated, carefully place the cake pan into the air fryer basket. Set cook time for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few crumbs. Since air fryer models can vary, it’s a good idea to start checking around the 20-minute mark.
Step Five: Place the cake pan on a cooling rack after carefully removing it from the air fryer. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it onto the wire rack to cool completely.
Step Six: Once the carrot cake is completely cooled, top the cake with your favorite cream cheese frosting or enjoy it plain.
Slice the carrot cake into desired pieces and serve. Enjoy the moist and flavorful treat made conveniently in your air fryer!
Air Fryer Carrot Cake Loaf Recipe Tips
- Preheat Your Air Fryer – Just like an oven, preheating is key. It ensures your loaf bakes evenly and gets that golden-brown crust. Preheat to 320°F (160°C) for a few minutes before placing the cake pan inside.
- Check for Doneness Early – Air fryer models vary, so it’s a good idea to start checking your cake around the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done!
- Use a Light Hand with the Batter – Don’t overmix your carrot cake batter. Stir until everything is just combined to avoid a dense loaf. The air fryer works best with a light, airy texture.
- Grate Fresh Carrots – Freshly grated carrots will provide the best moisture and flavor. Avoid pre-grated carrots, as they tend to be drier and less flavorful.
- Add-ins Matter – Customize your carrot cake loaf with add-ins like nuts, raisins, crushed pineapple, or shredded coconut. Just make sure to fold them in gently to avoid deflating the batter.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer – Ensure there’s enough space around your cake pan in the air fryer basket for proper air circulation. If you’re making a larger batch, bake in multiple rounds.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting – Let the cake cool completely before topping with cream cheese frosting to prevent it from melting off. If you prefer it plain, it’s just as delicious on its own!
- Experiment with Sweeteners – You can experiment with different sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a twist on traditional carrot cake. Adjust the quantity based on the sweetness level you prefer.
Storing
- Storing: Store your Air Fryer Carrot Cake Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it, where it will stay good for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooled carrot cake loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months, and can be thawed overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
- Reheating: To reheat, slice the carrot cake loaf and warm individual pieces in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave slices for 20-30 seconds for a quick reheat.
Air Fryer Carrot Cake Loaf Recipe Faqs
Can I make this carrot cake loaf without eggs? Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) or use unsweetened applesauce as a binder.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can swap whole wheat flour for a denser texture, but you might need to add a little extra moisture (like more oil or applesauce) to balance it out.
How do I know when the carrot cake loaf is done? To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the loaf is ready.
Can I add nuts or raisins to this recipe? Absolutely! You can fold in walnuts, pecans, raisins, or even shredded coconut into the batter before baking for extra texture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe without frosting? Yes! The carrot cake loaf is delicious on its own or you can serve it plain for a lighter treat. Cream cheese frosting is optional but adds a nice creamy finish.
What if my air fryer pan is too small for the loaf? If your air fryer pan is too small, you can bake the loaf in batches or use a smaller, more compact pan that fits inside your air fryer.
How long will the carrot cake loaf last? Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Best Pans For Making Carrot Cake In Air Fryer
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Air Fryer Carrot Cake Loaf
Description
Ingredients
Carrot Cake Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups sifted all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cup peeled and shredded carrots
- ½ cup avocado or vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans for garnishing
Cream Cheese Icing or Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup confectioners sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees F, air fryer setting.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt in a bowl until combined.
- In a large bowl, mix the carrots, oil, eggs, brown sugar, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan about ⅔ full and bake for 20-30 minutes in the air fryer depending on pan size, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Meanwhile, prepare your frosting. Beat the cream cheese and butter with an electric or hand mixer until creamy and smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla and mix for another minute until well combined. Remove and set aside.
- Once the carrot loaf has finished cooking, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the loaf is cooled, spread the frosting over the loaf top and garnish it with chopped pecans. Slice and serve, enjoy!
Equipment
- Baking Pan
- Cooking Spray
Notes
Nutrition
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