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Fluffy Air Fryer Sponge Cake: A Light and Airy Delight

Sponge cake has long been celebrated for its light, airy texture and delightful flavour, making it a fantastic choice for various occasions, from afternoon tea to birthday celebrations. Traditionally baked in an oven, sponge cake can also be prepared effortlessly in an air fryer, offering a quicker alternative without sacrificing taste or texture. This article will guide you through making a fluffy air fryer sponge cake that will impress your family and friends.

Why Choose an Air Fryer?

Air fryers have surged in popularity due to their ability to cook food quickly while using significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. They circulate hot air around the food, leading to crisp exteriors and moist interiors. This method is particularly effective for baking sponge cakes, as it promotes even cooking and allows for a beautifully risen cake without the need for a conventional oven.

Ingredients

To make a fluffy air fryer sponge cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 100g caster sugar
• 100g self-raising flour
• 50g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Icing sugar (for dusting, optional)

Method

1. Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F). This ensures an even baking temperature right from the start.

2. Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and caster sugar. Using an electric mixer, whisk the mixture on high speed for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has doubled in volume and turned pale in colour. This step is crucial, as it incorporates air into the eggs, which helps to create a light and fluffy sponge.

3. Fold in the Dry Ingredients: Carefully sift the self-raising flour and a pinch of salt over the egg mixture. Gently fold the flour into the eggs using a spatula, taking care not to deflate the batter. Once combined, pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract and fold gently until fully integrated.

4. Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a small round cake tin (about 6 inches in diameter) with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter. This will help the cake release easily after baking.

5. Pour the Batter: Transfer the cake batter into the prepared tin. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even cooking.

6. Air Fry the Cake: Carefully place the tin into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for approximately 20-25 minutes. It’s a good idea to check the cake after 15 minutes; it should have risen beautifully and be golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the centre should come out clean, indicating that it’s cooked through.

7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the cake from the air fryer and allow it to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. For a finishing touch, dust the cooled cake with icing sugar before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This sponge cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it with a variety of accompaniments. Fresh whipped cream and seasonal fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries pair beautifully with the light sponge. Alternatively, you can slice the cake horizontally and fill it with jam and cream, creating a classic Victoria sponge.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this fluffy air fryer sponge cake is a simple yet impressive dessert that you can whip up in no time. Its airy texture and delightful flavour make it a versatile treat suitable for any occasion. Plus, using an air fryer allows for a quicker baking time and fewer dishes to clean, making it an appealing option for busy bakers. Enjoy this delightful dessert with your loved ones, and savour the light, fluffy goodness that is sure to brighten any day!