Air Fryer Gingerbread Cake

This Air Fryer Gingerbread Cake recipe is the perfect holiday dessert, with a moist and spiced cake that cooks up quickly in your air fryer. Top it with a simple glaze or frosting for an extra touch of sweetness!

Air Fryer Gingerbread Cake is a delightful holiday treat that comes together effortlessly in your air fryer.

With its warm, spiced flavor of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, this cake is the perfect cozy dessert for colder months. The air fryer gives it a moist, tender texture while reducing bake time compared to a traditional oven.

Whether served on its own or topped with a simple glaze or whipped cream, this gingerbread cake is a festive and easy way to enjoy the flavors of the season without the fuss!

Ingredients Needed

• All-purpose Flour: Provides the essential structure, ensuring a tender yet sturdy crumb perfect for holding onto the rich spices and molasses.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness, accentuating the flavors of the ginger and molasses, and enhancing the overall taste of the cake.
• Baking Soda: This leavening agent is key to a light and airy texture.
• Ground Ginger: Offers a warm, spicy kick, infusing the cake with that classic gingerbread flavor.
• Molasses: Providing deep, caramelized sweetness and a moist texture, molasses is the heart of gingerbread’s distinct taste and rich, dark color.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together, contributing to the cake’s richness and helping to create a fine, smooth crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: It adds sweetness and lightness to the cake, balancing the robust flavors of molasses and spices.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the cake, interacting with baking soda for a perfect, soft texture.
• Unsalted Butter: It provides moisture, richness, and flavor, ensuring that your gingerbread cake is deliciously tender and not too dry.

How To Make Air Fryer Gingerbread Cake

Step One: Mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and ginger in a large bowl. Then, mix the egg, molasses, sugar, buttermilk, and butter. Mix well, remembering to scrape the bowl’s sides to get the batter folded in.

Step Two: Spray your baking pan with olive oil spray. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Step Three: Set your pan into the air fryer. Set the air fryer temperature to 320 degrees F (air fryer setting) and set cook time for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, check and see if it’s fully cooked. If not, add another 10 minutes. The exact time will be determined by the air fryer you own and the pan you use. I recommend using a thinner pan, so it cooks all the way through.

Air Fryer Gingerbread Cake Recipe Tips

• Use a shallow pan: A thinner, shallow pan will help the cake cook more evenly, ensuring it bakes through without becoming too dense or undercooked in the middle.
• Check doneness with a toothpick: After the recommended cooking time, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, add extra cooking time in 5-minute increments.
• Add extra spices for depth: For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg to the batter. It will enhance the warm, aromatic qualities of the gingerbread cake.
• Allow cooling time: Let the cake cool for a few minutes before removing it from the pan to prevent it from falling apart. It also helps the cake set, making it easier to slice.
• Top with your favorite frosting: Although the gingerbread cake is flavorful on its own, topping it with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar will make it extra special.
• Moisture level: If you find the cake a bit dry, add a tablespoon of applesauce or more buttermilk to the batter to keep it moist and tender.

Storing

• Storing: Store leftover Air Fryer Gingerbread Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm individual slices in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave slices for 20-30 seconds, depending on the size.

Air Fryer Gingerbread Cake Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe? Yes, you can use gluten-free flour or whole wheat flour as substitutes for all-purpose flour. However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly, so adjust as needed.

Can I make this cake without molasses? Molasses gives the cake its distinct flavor and moistness, but you can substitute it with honey, maple syrup, or dark brown sugar if necessary. The flavor will change but still be delicious.

How can I make this cake vegan? To make a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk instead of buttermilk. Use vegan butter as well.

How do I know when my cake is done? Check the cake with a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done. If there’s batter on the toothpick, cook for a few more minutes.

Can I add other spices to the gingerbread cake? Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg for extra warmth and spice, but be careful not to overpower the gingerbread flavor.

6. What can I serve with Air Fryer Gingerbread Cake? Serve this cake with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also drizzle it with caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.

Equipment Used

• Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick 9 x 13-Inch Oblong Cake Pans, Set of 2, Steel Cake Pans
• Good Cook 04017 786173391991 8 Inch x 8 Inch Square Cake Pan, 8 x 8 Inch, Grey

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• EASY AIR FRYER HOT CROSS BUNS
• AIR FRYER STRAWBERRY BLONDIES
• AIR FRYER MINT CHOCOLATE COOKIES ‘N CREME CAKE
• EASY AIR FRYER MAPLE PECAN BARS
• AIR FRYER BAILEY’S CAKE
• AIR FRYER PUMPKIN TWISTS

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