Air Fryer Baking: Cakes, Cookies & Pies Without Oven
Who says you need an oven to bake? With your **air fryer**, you can make **moist cakes, chewy cookies, and flaky mini pies** — no oven required.
Perfect for:
- Small batches (no waste!)
- Dorm rooms or tiny kitchens
- Hot summer days (no heating the house)
- Fun, fast desserts in under 15 minutes
In this post, you’ll get:
- ✅ 3 easy air fryer baking recipes
- ✅ Pro tips for perfect texture
- ✅ Air fryer vs. oven baking guide
- ✅ Free printable "Air Fryer Baking Conversion Guide"
✨ Love Baking Hacks?
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Air Fryer Baking: What You Need to Know
Your air fryer isn’t just for crispy fries — it’s a **mini convection oven** perfect for baking.
Best For:
- Mug cakes
- Cookie batches (6–8)
- Mini pies and tarts
- Cornbread, muffins, and small cakes
Pro Tips:
- Preheat: 3 minutes at baking temp for even rise.
- Use the right pan: Ramekins, mugs, or silicone molds.
- Don’t overcrowd: Leave space for air circulation.
- Check early: Air fryers cook faster than ovens.
- Lower the temp: Bake at 320–360°F (20°F below oven temp).
Recipe 1: Single-Serve Chocolate Mug Cake
Servings: 1 | Protein: 5g | Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 8 mins | Cost: $1.20/serving
Appliance: Air Fryer
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp flour
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 3 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients in a microwave-safe mug.
- Add milk and oil, stir into a smooth batter.
- Top with chocolate chips.
- Air fry at 350°F for 6–8 minutes.
- Let cool 2 minutes, then enjoy!
Recipe 2: Chewy Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
Servings: 8 cookies | Protein: 3g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Cost: $0.90/serving
Appliance: Air Fryer
Ingredients:
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1¼ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugars. Mix in egg and vanilla.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Form 8 balls, place in air fryer basket (leave space).
- Air fry at 320°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Cool 5 minutes before eating.
Recipe 3: Mini Apple Pie in a Jar
Servings: 4 | Protein: 4g | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Cost: $1.50/serving
Appliance: Air Fryer
Ingredients:
- 4 store-bought pie crusts
- 2 cups diced apples
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cut crusts into circles. Press into 4 ramekins or heat-safe jars.
- Mix apples, sugar, cinnamon. Fill crusts.
- Top with second crust circle, crimp edges, vent with knife.
- Place in air fryer, add 1–2 tbsp water to bottom to prevent drying.
- Air fry at 350°F for 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Serve warm with ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really bake in an air fryer?
Yes! While not identical to an oven, the air fryer's convection heat is perfect for small-batch baking like mug cakes, cookies, and mini pies. It's faster and uses less energy than heating a full oven.
What temperature should I bake at in the air fryer?
For baking, use 320°F–360°F. Start 20°F lower than your oven recipe and check early. Most baked goods take 8–15 minutes.
What pans can I use in the air fryer for baking?
Use oven-safe ramekins, mugs, silicone molds, or small metal pans that fit in your basket. Always check your air fryer manual for clearance and safety.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for baking?
Yes, preheating for 3 minutes helps create even heat for better rise and browning, just like an oven.
🍳 More Air Fryer Tips You’ll Love
Enjoyed these baking hacks? Try these popular posts next:
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipes That Don’t Dry Out
- Air Fryer Frozen Food Hacks (Better Than Oven)
- 10-Minute Ninja Speedi Dinners
📥 Get Your Free Printable: "Air Fryer Baking Conversion Guide"
I’ve created a **free downloadable guide** with:
- ✅ Oven-to-air-fryer temp & time conversions
- ✅ Best bakeware for your model
- ✅ Troubleshooting tips (soggy? burnt?)
- ✅ 5 more mini dessert ideas
Want More Baking Recipes?
Check out the Pie & Bread Perfection — just $0.99! Flaky crusts, soft breads, and perfect pastries.
— Rossi Voss | Author of the $0.99 Cookbook Series
rossivoss.blogspot.com