Small Cake in the Air Fryer

With there being just two of us, and with us trying to eat healthy, I had given up on making cakes or pies because we would either eat the whole thing or we'd throw half of it out, neither of which is a good idea.

A while back, I started making small cakes which are just single layers and baked in a 4-1/2" pan. My favorite pan is a 4-1/2" spring form pan because it's very easy to remove the cake from the pan.

The basic recipe I use for a small cake is this:

Small Cake Recipe:

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 large egg
3/4 cup flour
1 scant tsp. baking powder
pinch of salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 - 3/4 cup buttermilk (You can substitute whole milk but use 1/2 cup)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Cream butter and sugar together.
3. Beat in egg.
4. Mix flour, salt and baking powder together in a small bowl. Add to butter/sugar/egg mixture.
5. Start by adding 1/2 cup buttermilk and add more if needed to get a smooth batter.
6. Add vanilla extract.
7. Pour into greased and floured pan. (I use Baker's Joy.)
8. Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

With this cake, you can add any variety of items but adjust the buttermilk if you're adding something with liquid/juice.

I have added (not at all at the same time):

• Maraschino cherries (chopped)
• Fresh peaches
• Bananas (mashed) and chopped walnuts
• Chocolate Chips
• Strawberries (cut into small pieces)

I figured I could make this in the air fryer without heating up the big oven.

Make sure that the pan you plan to use will fit down in the air fryer.

Preheat the cooker at about 310°.

Place the cake in the cooker and cook until a toothpick comes out clean. Start testing after about 20 minutes.

Removing the pan from the tray may be a bit tricky. I used two pairs of tongs and grabbed the pan on opposite sides and lifted it right out.

Once the cake is completely cooled, ice with your favorite icing. I usually mix up just a bit of melted butter, powdered sugar and milk. Depending on what I've added to the cake, I might add almond extract or lemon extract or sprinkle a few chocolate chips or shavings over the icing.

It really is about a perfect size for two. Above, two slices had been cut. This will last us several days, which is as long as any cake needs to be around here.