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Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake

Air Fryer Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake

5 from 3 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

This Air Fryer Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake is light, fluffy, and moist — like a cross between pound cake and cheesecake, brightened with fresh lemon zest. Whipped egg whites give it an airy crumb, and it bakes at 320°F in about 25 minutes, no oven required.

Ingredients 

  • 3 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cups melted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese, whole milk or part-skim
  • Zest of 2 lemons, about 2 tablespoons

Instructions

  • Whip the egg whites: In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks, then continue until they are firm and hold their shape.
  • Make the batter: In a separate large bowl, mix the egg yolks, salt, and sugar until well blended. Mix in the melted butter, flour, baking powder, ricotta cheese, and lemon zest until smooth.
  • Fold: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter until just combined — do not over-mix.
  • Prep the pan: Spray an air-fryer-safe cake pan (about 7 inches) with non-stick cooking spray and pour in the batter.
  • Air fry: Bake at 320 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 20 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center — if it doesn't come out clean, air fry another 5 minutes and check again.
  • Cool and serve: Cool in the pan 10 minutes, turn out, dust with powdered sugar, slice, and enjoy!

Equipment

Notes

  • Every air fryer cooks slightly differently; thicker pans take longer. Always confirm doneness with a toothpick in the center.
  • If the top browns before the center sets, tent loosely with foil and continue baking.
  • Storage: refrigerate tightly covered up to 4 days, or freeze wrapped slices up to 2 months.
  • Oven option: bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes in a greased 8-inch pan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 279kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 8gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 561mgPotassium: 79mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 466IUCalcium: 166mgIron: 1mg