This small-batch air fryer chocolate cake bakes in a 6-inch pan at 325°F (163°C) in about 30 minutes, with a 2–3 minute preheat. Do not flip or shake it. The result is a tender, single-layer cake that makes four modest slices—no full-size oven or leftover batter needed.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons neutral vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
You’ll also need a lightly greased, 6-inch round metal cake pan at least 2 inches deep. Check that it fits inside the air fryer basket with space around its sides for air to circulate and clearance above for the cake to rise.
How To Make It
- Preheat the empty air fryer to 325°F (163°C) for 2–3 minutes. Grease the cake pan while it heats. Leave the basket grid uncovered; this recipe does not need a parchment liner.
- Whisk the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a bowl until evenly mixed. In a second bowl or measuring cup, combine the water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until no dry patches remain. Transfer the batter to the pan and smooth the top. The batter should fill the pan no more than halfway.
- Set the pan in the basket, not directly in the outer drawer beneath it. Bake for about 30 minutes. Check at 25 minutes, then continue as needed, usually 28–35 minutes total. The center should look set, spring back lightly, and yield a toothpick with no wet batter; a few moist crumbs are fine.
- Carefully lift out the hot pan with oven mitts. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes before loosening its edges and slicing or turning it out.
Tips
Air fryers vary, so use the doneness checks rather than the timer alone. Use a model that can maintain at least 325°F (163°C); a lower setting needs a different baking schedule. If the top darkens before the middle sets, shield it only with an air-fryer-safe accessory permitted by your appliance manual. Keep any covering secured and clear of the heating element. Never put loose parchment in an empty preheating air fryer, and don’t taste uncooked batter—raw flour can carry germs.
Serve it plain or add a little frosting once completely cool.
