When one thinks of air fryers, savoury dishes might not be what you think of first. However, this versatile appliance is not limited to just fries and chicken wings. Enter the delicate lemon cake—a zesty, light, and fluffy dessert that showcases the air fryer’s prowess in the realm of baking.
Let’s embark on a sweet journey and discover how to craft a delightful lemony treat in an unconventional yet effective manner.
Air Fryer Lemon Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls (one medium-sized for dry ingredients and one large for wet ingredients)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or grater (for lemon zest)
- Sifter (for flour and powdered sugar)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1.5 tsp Baking powder
- pinch Salt
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1 Egg, large
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Powdered sugar for dusting, optional
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 6-inch round cake pan that fits in your air fryer.
- Place the cake pan in the air fryer and cook for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for a few minutes, then remove from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve.
- Fresh Lemons are Key: For the best flavor, use fresh lemons. The zest and juice impart a natural lemony aroma and taste that’s hard to replicate with bottled juice or artificial flavors.
- Monitor the Cake: Air fryers can vary in temperature and intensity. It’s essential to keep an eye on the cake, especially during the last few minutes, to prevent overbaking.
- Let it Cool: After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. This ensures the cake retains its shape and doesn’t fall apart.
- Dress it Up: While the lemon cake is delightful on its own, consider adding a light glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice or simply dusting it with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness.
Summing Up
The Air Fryer Delicate Lemon Cake is a testament to the adaptability and range of the air fryer. This dessert is a treat for the taste buds and a conversation starter, showcasing that air fryers can venture beyond the savoury and into the sweet. The cake’s light texture, combined with the zesty punch of lemon, makes it a perfect companion for afternoon tea or a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal.
So, if you want to expand your air fryer repertoire and surprise your guests or family, this lemon cake is the way to go. Dive into the world of air fryer baking and let the sweet, citrusy aromas fill your kitchen!
