Easy Air Fryer Orange Cake Recipe – Perfect Every Time
Imagine biting into a slice of moist, fluffy cake bursting with bright orange flavor—all made in your air fryer! This air fryer orange cake is a game-changer for busy bakers who crave homemade desserts without the fuss. Did you know that orange cakes have been a Mediterranean favorite for centuries?
This modern twist brings that classic treat to your kitchen in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort and maximum flavor, making it perfect for family gatherings or a simple weeknight treat.
What is Air Fryer Orange Cake?
Ever wondered why some cakes just make your taste buds dance with joy? Air fryer orange cake is exactly that kind of magic! It’s a tender, citrus-infused cake that’s perfectly golden and incredibly aromatic. Why the air fryer, you ask? Because it creates a beautifully even texture while cutting your baking time in half.
As the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this zesty dessert definitely proves it true! So why not give your air fryer a sweet new purpose today?
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Orange Cake
Bright, Natural Orange Flavor
This air fryer orange cake showcases real orange zest and juice that infuse every crumb with authentic citrus flavor. Unlike store-bought cakes loaded with artificial flavoring, this homemade version celebrates the natural sweetness and tanginess of fresh oranges. The aroma alone will have your family gathering in the kitchen before it’s even done!
Budget-Friendly Baking
Making this cake at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a bakery. With simple pantry staples and fresh oranges, you’re looking at about $5-7 for an entire cake that serves 8-10 people. Compare that to $25-35 for a similar dessert at your local bakery, and you’re saving serious money while impressing everyone with your baking skills.
Quick and Convenient
No need to heat up your entire kitchen with a conventional oven. The air fryer creates the perfect baking environment in just minutes. If you loved our air fryer brownies, you’ll absolutely adore how this orange cake turns out even more moist and flavorful. The compact cooking space actually helps lock in moisture, giving you a cake that stays fresh for days.
Why settle for ordinary when you can whip up this extraordinary air fryer orange cake right in your own kitchen? Let’s get baking!
How to Make Air Fryer Orange Cake
Quick Overview
This air fryer orange cake is surprisingly simple to make, even if you’re new to baking. The recipe combines basic ingredients with fresh orange flavor to create a moist, tender cake with a delicate crumb.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 slices
The air fryer method ensures even cooking and creates a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside incredibly soft and fluffy.
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Orange Cake
For the Cake:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 medium oranges)
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from 2 oranges)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
For the Orange Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Equipment Needed:
- 7-inch or 8-inch round cake pan (that fits in your air fryer)
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Zester or fine grater
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Air Fryer and Pan
Start by lining your cake pan with parchment paper, making sure to grease both the paper and the sides of the pan with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3 minutes. The lower temperature is crucial for baking cakes in an air fryer to prevent burning on top while ensuring the center cooks through properly.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps and everything is evenly distributed. This step is important because it ensures your leavening agents are spread throughout the batter, giving you an even rise.
Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil (or melted butter), orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt until smooth and well combined. The yogurt adds moisture and creates a tender crumb, while the orange zest provides intense citrus flavor. Room temperature ingredients mix more easily and create a smoother batter.
Create the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together using a spatula or whisk. Mix until just combined—you should still see a few small lumps, which is perfectly fine. Overmixing develops gluten and can result in a tough, dense cake. The batter should be smooth but slightly thick, similar to pancake batter.
Pour and Prepare for Air Frying
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. This helps prevent large holes in your finished cake. Cover the top of the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly while the inside cooks.
Air Fry the Cake
Carefully place the cake pan in the preheated air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 320°F (160°C) and cook for 25-30 minutes. Every air fryer is slightly different, so start checking at the 20-minute mark. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly but the center isn’t done, keep the foil on and continue cooking in 3-minute intervals.
Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the pan from the air fryer using oven mitts (it will be very hot!). Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edges and invert it onto a cooling rack. Remove the parchment paper and let the cake cool completely before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting and running off.
Make the Orange Glaze
While the cake cools, prepare your glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest in a small bowl. Start with 2 tablespoons of juice and add more if needed to reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to drizzle. Pour the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides naturally.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice your air fryer orange cake and serve it on pretty plates. The cake is delicious on its own, but you can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
What to Serve Air Fryer Orange Cake With
This versatile cake pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Serve it with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or freshly brewed coffee for an afternoon treat. The citrus notes complement the bergamot in Earl Grey perfectly.
For a dessert spread, pair it with vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream. The cool, creamy texture contrasts wonderfully with the moist cake. Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a pop of color and extra freshness.
If you’re hosting a brunch, this cake works wonderfully alongside fresh fruit salad and mimosas. The orange flavor ties everything together beautifully.
For a more decadent presentation, serve with a drizzle of chocolate ganache or a side of orange-flavored mascarpone cream. You can also pair it with our lemon bars for a citrus-themed dessert table that guests will love.
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Orange Cake
Use Fresh Oranges
Always use fresh orange juice and zest rather than bottled juice. Fresh oranges provide a brighter, more authentic flavor that can’t be replicated. The zest contains essential oils that pack the most aromatic punch, so don’t skip it!
Room Temperature Ingredients
Bring your eggs, yogurt, and any dairy to room temperature before mixing. This ensures everything combines smoothly and creates a more uniform batter. Cold ingredients can cause the butter to solidify in lumps and create an uneven texture.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Mix until just combined—a few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops gluten, which makes the cake tough and dense instead of light and fluffy. Use a gentle folding motion rather than vigorous stirring.
Check Your Air Fryer Temperature
Air fryer temperatures can vary between brands and models. Use an oven thermometer placed inside to verify the actual temperature. If your air fryer runs hot, reduce the temperature by 10-15 degrees to prevent burning.
Cover with Foil
Always cover your cake pan with foil during baking to prevent the top from browning too quickly. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes if you want a slightly darker top, but watch it carefully.
Test for Doneness Properly
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, not near the edges. The edges cook faster, so testing there will give you a false reading. The toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—not wet batter.
Adjust for Pan Size
If using a smaller pan, the cake will be thicker and require longer cooking time. If using a larger pan, reduce the cooking time by 5-7 minutes. Always check for doneness rather than relying solely on time.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature Storage: Store your air fryer orange cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking slices to prevent them from sticking together. The cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for grab-and-go convenience. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture, or warm slightly in the microwave.
Freezing Instructions: This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap the completely cooled cake (unglazed works best for freezing) tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature and add the glaze just before serving.
Reheating Tips: To refresh the cake, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For a whole cake, place it in the air fryer at 280°F for 3-5 minutes. This brings back the just-baked warmth without drying it out. Avoid reheating glazed cake as the icing may melt.
Tips for Avoiding Common Baking Mistakes
Mistake: Cake Burning on Top
If your cake burns on top before the inside is cooked, your temperature is too high. Always keep the foil cover on and reduce the temperature to 300°F. Some air fryers have hotspots at the top, so positioning matters. Place the pan in the center of the basket, not too close to the heating element.
Mistake: Undercooked Center
A raw center usually means the temperature is too high, cooking the outside too fast. Lower the temperature and increase the cooking time. Cover tightly with foil to slow down surface browning while the center catches up. Also ensure your pan isn’t too large or too small for the recipe.
Mistake: Dry or Dense Cake
Overbaking is the main culprit for dryness. Start checking at the minimum time and remember the cake continues cooking from residual heat even after removing it. Dense texture often comes from overmixing or using old baking powder. Always check your leavening agents are fresh and stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
Mistake: Cake Sticking to Pan
Always line with parchment paper AND grease the pan generously. Don’t skip either step. Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before attempting to remove it. If it still sticks, let it cool longer—sometimes patience is all you need.
Mistake: Uneven Rising
Uneven rising happens when batter isn’t spread evenly in the pan or when there are temperature variations in your air fryer. Always spread batter level and rotate the pan halfway through cooking if your air fryer doesn’t have a rotating function.
Mistake: Bitter Taste
Too much orange zest, especially if you’ve included the white pith, can create bitterness. Only zest the orange part, not the white layer underneath. Use a light hand and taste your zest—it should smell bright and citrusy, not sharp or bitter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this air fryer orange cake without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute each egg with one “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or use ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce per egg. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious. Commercial egg replacers also work well following package directions.
Why is my air fryer orange cake not rising properly?
Check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh—they lose potency after 6 months. Also ensure you’re not opening the air fryer during the first 20 minutes of cooking, as this releases heat and can cause collapse. Room temperature ingredients also help with proper rising.
Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of orange?
Absolutely! Lemon, lime, or grapefruit work wonderfully with this recipe. Use the same amount of juice and zest. Meyer lemons are especially delicious and create a sweeter, more complex flavor. You can even mix citrus fruits for a unique twist.
How do I know when my air fryer orange cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. The cake should also start pulling away slightly from the sides of the pan.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to bake it in two separate batches since air fryer baskets have limited space. Don’t try to use a taller pan or double the batter in one pan—it won’t cook properly in the center. Bake two cakes consecutively for best results.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
Sour cream, plain regular yogurt, buttermilk, or even mashed banana work as substitutes. Each will slightly alter the flavor and texture, but all create a moist cake. For a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt or additional oil.
Can I add chocolate chips to this cake?
Definitely! Fold in ½ to ¾ cup of chocolate chips into the batter just before pouring it into the pan. Dark chocolate pairs especially well with orange. White chocolate chips also create a lovely combination with the citrus flavor.
Why does my cake have a domed top?
This is normal in air fryer baking due to the concentrated heat from above. To minimize doming, ensure your batter is spread evenly and your temperature isn’t too high. Some doming is fine—just trim the top if you want a flat surface for decorating.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice (1/10 of cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 185mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 22g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Vitamin C | 15% DV |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
| Iron | 6% DV |
Note: Nutrition information is approximate and calculated without the glaze. Add approximately 40 calories per slice if including the orange glaze.
Creative Variations to Try
Orange Almond Cake: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract to the batter and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for a sophisticated twist.
Chocolate Orange Cake: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips and add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate-orange combination that’s absolutely heavenly.
Orange Cranberry Cake: Fold in ⅔ cup dried cranberries to the batter for a tart contrast to the sweet orange flavor—perfect for holiday gatherings.
Orange Poppy Seed Cake: Add 2 tablespoons poppy seeds to the batter for a beautiful speckled appearance and subtle nutty flavor.
Spiced Orange Cake: Mix in ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon cardamom for warm, aromatic spices that complement the citrus beautifully.
Expert Tips for Bakery-Quality Results
Want your air fryer orange cake to taste like it came from a professional bakery? Here’s what the pros know:
Bloom Your Zest: Mix your orange zest with the sugar and let it sit for 5 minutes before adding other ingredients. This releases the essential oils and intensifies the orange flavor throughout the cake.
Sift Your Flour: While not always necessary, sifting removes lumps and aerates the flour, creating an extra-light texture. This small step makes a noticeable difference.
Use Cake Strips: If you’re serious about a level cake top, make DIY cake strips by wrapping wet paper towels around the outside of your pan, then securing with foil. This insulates the edges and promotes even baking.
Brush Syrup While Warm: For an extra-moist cake, poke holes in the warm cake with a skewer and brush with a simple syrup made from equal parts orange juice and sugar. This professional technique adds incredible moisture and flavor.
Glaze Properly: For a glossy, professional-looking glaze, apply it while the cake is still slightly warm (not hot). The warmth helps the glaze set with a beautiful sheen rather than a matte finish.
This air fryer orange cake proves that you don’t need fancy equipment or hours of time to create something truly special. With its bright citrus flavor, tender crumb, and foolproof method, it’s destined to become your go-to dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just treating yourself on a Tuesday, this cake delivers joy in every slice. So grab those oranges, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to impress everyone with your baking prowess!
