Posted by Did you know you can bake a delicious cake right in your air fryer? This moist lemon cake recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for those who want a smaller cake without using an oven. Bursting with fresh lemon flavor and a layer of sweet blueberries, this fluffy cake offers a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors. The simple lemon glaze and tender crumb will make this your new favorite go-to dessert.
Ingredients for the Air Fryer Lemon Blueberry Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This forms the foundation of your cake, providing structure.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and rich flavor to the cake.
- 1/3 cup margarine: Offers a slightly different fat profile, making the cake extra soft.
- 2 eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and giving the cake a tender texture.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the lemon flavor.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice: Adds the tangy lemon flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1 tbsp lemon zest: Provides a concentrated citrus flavor.
- 1½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise, making it light and fluffy.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, giving a subtle sweetness.
- Pinch of salt: Brings out the flavors in the cake and balances the sweetness.
- 2 cups blueberries: These add bursts of juicy sweetness and complement the lemon.
Optional Authentic Add-ins:
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt: Adds extra moisture and a tangy note.
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds: Enhances texture and adds a subtle crunch.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking the Perfect Lemon Blueberry Cake in an Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer: Start by preheating the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is hot and ready for even baking.
- Cream the butter, margarine, and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, margarine, and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light, creamy, and smooth. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a fluffy cake.
- Incorporate the eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, into the creamed mixture. Beat well after each addition until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and velvety.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Add wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Prepare the pan: Grease a small cake pan or baking dish with a bit of butter or margarine to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Assemble the cake:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Gently spread a layer of blueberries over the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the remaining batter on top, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Finish by scattering the remaining blueberries on top of the batter.
- Air fry the cake: Place the cake pan inside the air fryer and cook at 320°F for 20-25 minutes. The cooking time can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on the cake. It’s ready when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the cake: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help the cake maintain its fluffy texture.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Lemon Blueberry Cake
- Use fresh lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemon juice and zest. The bottled lemon juice won’t give you the same bright, citrusy flavor.
- Frozen blueberries: You can use frozen blueberries, but be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy cake.
- Parchment paper: If you’re worried about the cake sticking, line the pan with parchment paper. This makes it easier to lift the cake out once it has cooled.
- Check doneness: Every air fryer is different, so be sure to check the cake around the 20-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Enhancements for the Ultimate Lemon Cake Experience
- Lemon Glaze: For extra lemony goodness, whip up a quick glaze by combining 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 tbsp lemon juice. Drizzle this over the cooled cake for an extra tangy finish.
- Add a crumble topping: Combine 1/4 cup flour, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp cold butter to make a crumb topping. Sprinkle it over the blueberries before air frying for added texture and flavor.
- Whipped cream or ice cream: Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the tangy lemon flavor.
Air Fryer Lemon Blueberry Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup margarine
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups blueberries
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F for 3 minutes.
- Beat butter, margarine, and sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
- Grease a cake pan, pour in half the batter, add a layer of blueberries, then add the remaining batter. Top with more blueberries.
- Air fry for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 179
- Fat: 9 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 grams
- Cholesterol: 67 milligrams
- Sodium: 187 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 21 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
