This air fryer carrot cake combines all the rich flavors we love in a carrot cake, made conveniently in an air fryer. It’s packed with moist and tender carrot cake and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making a perfect air fryer carrot cake, from preparation to cooking steps, and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure you achieve the best results.
Ⅰ. Time Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ⅱ. Ingredients and Equipment Needed
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Grater
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 7-inch round cake pan that fits into your air fryer
- Cooling rack
Ⅲ. Air Fryer Cooking Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Carrot Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the grated carrots and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the cake cooks evenly and helps achieve a perfect texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Pan
Grease a 7-inch round cake pan that fits into your air fryer. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 4: Bake the Carrot Cake
Place the cake pan into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 5: Cool the Cake
Remove the cake from the air fryer and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 7: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake. For a decorative touch, you can sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
Ⅳ. Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Carrot Cake
1.Grate the Carrots Finely
Finely grated carrots blend more seamlessly into the batter, ensuring a moist and tender cake. Using a fine grater helps the carrots distribute evenly throughout the cake, adding moisture and flavor without large chunks.
2.Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet mixture, stop mixing to avoid developing too much gluten.
3.Soften Cream Cheese and Butter
Ensure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened before making the frosting. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Softened ingredients mix more easily and create a lump-free frosting.
4.Cool the Cake Completely
Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off. Cooling the cake on a wire rack allows air to circulate and cool the cake evenly.
Ⅴ. Frequently Asked Questions
1.What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
You can use melted coconut oil or applesauce as a healthier alternative to vegetable oil. Both substitutes will provide moisture, but applesauce will add a subtle sweetness and reduce the overall fat content.
2.How do I store leftover cake?
Store any leftover carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. The cream cheese frosting will firm up in the fridge but will soften once brought back to room temperature.
3.Can I freeze carrot cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost before serving. Freezing helps preserve the cake’s moisture and flavor for future enjoyment.