You can make a beautiful strawberry cake in the air fryer—and it might surprise you of how good it will turn out.
You can make a beautiful strawberry cake in the air fryer—and it might surprise you of how good it will turn out.
This Air Fryer Strawberry Cake starts with a strawberry cake mix, but we’re giving it a little help with real strawberries, strawberry gelatin, vanilla, and whipped egg whites to create a soft, moist cake with plenty of strawberry flavor.
Then comes my favorite part….We slice that cake into layers and cover it with a simple strawberry cream cheese frosting.
It’s easy enough for a weekend dessert but pretty enough for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays, holidays, or whenever strawberries are calling your name.And no oven required.
Why Make Cake in the Air Fryer?
Sometimes you don’t want to heat the entire kitchen for one cake.
That’s where the air fryer comes in. The air fryer essentially acts like a small convection oven, making it especially convenient when you’re baking a smaller cake.
For this recipe, you’ll need a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket.
Air fryers cook differently depending on the model, so use the cooking time as a guide and let the toothpick tell you when your cake is actually ready.
My Special Tips To Make The Process Easy
Cool the cake completely. A warm cake and cream cheese frosting are not friends. Not at all. The frosting can soften or melt and the layers can become difficult to handle.
Make sure your pan fits first. Don’t wait until you’ve mixed the batter to discover your cake pan doesn’t fit comfortably inside the air fryer basket.
Whip the egg whites separately. This is what make this cake stand out from the others. Fold them gently into the batter instead of stirring aggressively.
Check before adding more time. Air fryers vary considerably. At the end of the cooking time, insert a toothpick into the center. If wet batter remains, continue cooking in short increments.
Use softened cream cheese. You’ll get a much smoother frosting.
Can I Make This Strawberry Cake in the Oven?
Yes. If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the cake in a preheated 325°F oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
More Amazing Sweet Recipe
Air Fryer Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Cake Mixture
- 1.41 Oz. Pkg. Strawberry gelatin
- ½ Cup Hot water
- 15.25 Oz. Pkg. Strawberry cake mix with pudding inside
- 2 Tbsp. All purpose flour
- 1 Cup Frozen strawberries thawed
- 4 Eggs yolk and whites separated
- 1 Tsp. Vanilla extract
Strawberry Frosting
- 8 Oz. Cream Cheese soften
- 2 Cups Powder sugar more if needed
- ⅓ Cup Frozen Strawberries thawed
- 1 Tsp. Vanilla extract
- 2 Tsp. Almond extract
- Coconut flakes optional
Instructions
Strawberry Cake
- Dissolve dry gelatin mix in hot water in a mixing cup or bowl. Set aside to cool. Next, in a large bowl blend the (thawed) strawberries until all of the strawberries are mashed. You may leave small pieces if you'd like. Pour in the gelatin mixture. Stir to combine.
- Add the cake mix and flour. Mix well. Next add the eggs, one at a time, beating slightly after each addition. In a separate bowl with a hand mixture or electric whisk, beat the egg whites to stiff peak. Add the eggs whites to the cake mixture, fold in the egg whites.
- Pour batter into greased pan suitable to fit a 5.3 Quart air fryer basket.Bake at 310° for 42 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for a minum of 30 minutes, but the longer the better. Slice the cake in half. Spread the strawberry frosting between layers and all over the cake. Decorate with additional strawberries and coconut flakes (optional).
Strawberry Frosting
- In a large bowl, blend the strawberries. Set aside. Blend together the powder sugar and cream cheese in a large bowl. Then add the strawberries, vanilla extract and almond extract. Blend to a smooth consistency.
Notes
Some Questions You May Come Across
Can I bake cake in an air fryer? Yes. An air fryer can bake smaller cakes as long as you use an oven-safe cake pan that fits comfortably inside the basket. How do I know when my air fryer cake is done? Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter. Can I make the frosting ahead? Yes. Prepare the cream cheese frosting ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Allow it to soften slightly before frosting the cooled cake.Storage
Other Notes
- If you want to use food coloring to make the color pop even more, consider adding 1-2 small drops of pink or red food coloring for a beautiful pink shade to the strawberry layer cake.
- **** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera icon so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).
- **** Calories are estimated per serving.
Naz Sicherman says
Made this today. I couldn’t find strawberry cake mix so I used a white mix and it was good! It remined me of strawberry ice cream!
Mirlene says
Hi Naz!
I am glad the white cake mix worked out for you. Ice cream is always great. Thank you for making it and sharing. your experience.
Claudia Lamascolo says
Air fryer cake? thats genius seriously I love the ingredients and this looks super easy thanks for that video that helps too!
Mirlene says
Thank you very much Claudia. I am also glad the video helps.
Dannii says
What a beautiful looking cake! This would be perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Mirlene says
For sure! Thank you, Dannii!
Gail Montero says
I see layers of deliciousness! Looks so moist, I want a slice right now!
Mirlene says
It is very moist and thank you!
Katherine says
So genius to make a boxed strawberry cake extra special with a few add-ins and cook it in the air fryer!
Mirlene says
Thank you, Katherine!
Jen says
I would’ve never thought to use the air fryer to make a cake but this is such a great way to not have to heat up the whole house by turning on the oven. Can’t wait to try this!
Mirlene says
Yes, no need to heat up the entire house. Hope you enjoy it.
Monica says
This cake is so moist and delicious! Perfect to serve all year around.