Baking a cake in a Ninja dual air fryer is absolutely possible! While air fryers are best known for making crispy foods like french fries and chicken wings, they can also be used to bake cakes and other desserts. The Ninja dual air fryer, with its extra large capacity and dual heating elements, is especially well-suited for baking cakes.
Benefits of Baking a Cake in a Ninja Dual Air Fryer
There are several advantages to using a Ninja dual air fryer for baking cakes:
- Even baking – The 360 degree Air Crisper technology circulates hot air all around the cake for even browning and baking.
- Moist interior – The enclosed chamber traps moisture so cakes stay tender on the inside.
- Quick baking – Air fryers heat up and cook food much faster than a traditional oven.
- Easy monitoring – The viewing window allows you to keep an eye on the cake’s progress.
- Versatile – You can bake a wide variety of cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods.
Cakes That Work Well in a Ninja Dual Air Fryer
The best cakes to make in a Ninja dual air fryer include:
- Sheet cakes
- Round layer cakes
- Bundt cakes
- Angel food cakes
- Pound cakes
- Cupcakes and muffins
- Small individual dessert cakes
Larger cakes may need to be baked in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Very delicate cakes like chiffon or sponge cakes may not turn out as well since they require gentler, more even heating.
Tips for Baking a Cake in a Ninja Dual Air Fryer
Follow these tips to ensure cake baking success in your Ninja dual air fryer:
- Use cake pans that fit – Opt for round or square pans that leave a little space around the edges for airflow. The Ninja Foodi XL air fryer can fit up to a 9-inch round pan.
- Grease the pan – Coat the cake pan thoroughly with butter, oil, or nonstick spray so the cake releases easily.
- Adjust cook time and temperature – Cakes bake faster in an air fryer, so reduce oven temps by about 25°F. Check early and extend time if needed.
- Use foil sling – Place a strip of foil across the bottom of the pan to make removing it easier.
- Monitor browning – Rotate the pan or loosely tent with foil if the top is browning too quickly.
- Test for doneness – Insert a toothpick to check for doneness; cooked cakes will be set in the middle with no wet batter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow this simple step-by-step guide for baking a cake in the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer:
- Preheat air fryer to 300°F.
- Grease an 8 or 9-inch round cake pan with butter, oil, or nonstick spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Make your favorite cake batter and pour it into the prepared pan.
- Place cake pan in the air fryer basket. Make sure it’s not touching the sides.
- Set temperature to 275°F and cook time for 28-32 minutes.
- When timer goes off, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Carefully remove cake pan using the foil sling and allow cake to cool completely before frosting.
Keep in mind exact cook times can vary based on the specific recipe, size of pan, and your particular air fryer model. Check frequently and adjust time if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size cake fits in the Ninja Foodi dual air fryer?
The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer can accommodate cakes up to 7-9 inches round depending on the model. Always allow at least 1 inch of clearance around the sides of the pan for proper airflow.
How do you adjust baking temperatures for the Ninja air fryer?
Most recipes should be baked 25°F lower in the Ninja air fryer than what the recipe states for oven temperature. So for a cake recipe that calls for baking at 350°F, reduce the air fryer temperature to 325°F.
Can you bake a cake from scratch in the Ninja air fryer?
Yes, you can prepare cake batters from scratch right in the Ninja air fryer cooking pot or bowl. Simply mix up your ingredients, transfer the batter to a cake pan, and bake as you normally would.
What is the best way to check a cake for doneness in the Ninja air fryer?
The best way to test if a cake baked in the Ninja air fryer is fully cooked is to insert a toothpick into the center. When it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. You can also gently press the top to check for firmness.
How can you prevent a cake from getting too brown in a Ninja air fryer?
If the top of the cake seems to be browning too quickly, loosely tent foil over the top. You can also try reducing the temperature 25°F next time. Frequently rotating the pan can help too.
Troubleshooting Common Cake Baking Problems
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Cake sinks in the middle | Use the recommended pan size, avoid overfilling pans, and do not open the air fryer before the minimum cook time. |
| Cake is not fully cooked | Increase cook time by 5 minute intervals until cake tests done with a toothpick. |
| Cake top is domed | Avoid overfilling pan, reduce baking temp by 25°F, and evenly distribute batter in pan. |
| Cake falls while removing from pan | Allow cake to cool completely before removing from pan and use a foil sling to lift out. |
| Cake edge is unevenly browned | Place pan centrally in basket away from sides and rotate pan halfway through cooking. |
Tips for Perfect Cake Results
Here are some top tips to help you get great results when baking cakes in the Ninja Foodi dual air fryer:
- Use recommended pan sizes like 8 or 9-inch rounds.
- Avoid silicone pans which may prevent even browning.
- Adjust oven temperatures down by 25°F from recipe.
- Spray pan well with nonstick spray for easy release.
- Rotate pan and loosely tent foil to prevent over-browning if needed.
- Always test cakes for doneness before removing.
- Let cool completely before frosting for clean results.
- Double check cook times and adjust as needed for your model.
Recipes to Try
Get started baking delicious cakes in your Ninja Foodi dual air fryer with these tasty recipes:
Ninja Foodi Lemon Pound Cake
This moist, tangy lemon pound cake turns out perfectly flaky in the air fryer. Top with lemon glaze or powdered sugar.
Easy Ninja Foodi Funfetti Cupcakes
Kids and adults alike will love these fast funfetti cupcakes made easily right in the air fryer. Top with buttercream frosting.
Ninja Foodi Apple Spice Bundt Cake
This apple and spice flavored bundt cake stays super moist thanks to the air fryer. Glaze with powdered sugar icing.
Ninja Foodi Chocolate Lava Cakes
These small individual molten chocolate cakes are so easy to make in the air fryer. Oozing chocolate perfection.
Conclusion
The Ninja Foodi dual air fryer can bake moist, tender, evenly browned cakes when you follow a few simple guidelines. Opt for smaller cake pans that fit the air fryer basket, adjust temperatures down, and properly grease pans for best results. Test for doneness and adjust cook times as needed for your particular model. With a little practice, you’ll be whipping up amazing birthday cakes, sheet cakes and other sweet treats in your Ninja air fryer.