Easter weekend just got a whole lot sweeter, and it is all thanks to this irresistibly charming air fryer carrot cake! Whether you are hosting a festive brunch, heading to a big family gathering, or simply looking to enjoy a cosy dessert at home, this delightful little cake is the perfect treat to share with your loved ones. It is everything you would expect from a classic carrot cake. It is moist, warmly spiced, and packed with comforting flavours that practically scream springtime.
What makes this version truly special is the fact that it’s made entirely in the air fryer. Yes, really! That means it’s not only quicker and more energy-efficient than traditional baking, but it still delivers a soft, fluffy crumb and beautiful golden top. No need to preheat the oven or heat up your entire kitchen. Just a few simple steps and you’re good to go.
I finished mine off with the cutest Easter-themed decorations I could get my hands on – tiny chocolate eggs, colourful pastel sprinkles, and even a few candy bunnies. It turned out not only delicious but totally photo-worthy too, perfect as a centrepiece on your Easter dessert table. The crowning touch? A generous swirl of rich cream cheese frosting that brings just the right amount of tang to complement the sweetness of the cake.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just trying something fun and new this holiday, this air fryer carrot cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s festive, full of flavour, and most importantly – made with love. So grab your apron, turn on the air fryer, and treat yourself to a little Easter magic this weekend!
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 18-20 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer, mixing bowl and silicone moulds
Ingredients for Air Fryer Carrot Cake
75g grated carrots
1 egg
75g flour
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
50g brown sugar
1 tbs runny honey
A pinch of salt
1 tbs vegetable oil
For the frosting:
75g cream cheese
1 tbs softened butter
150 icing sugar
Method
First things first, let’s make the icing. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine softened butter and icing sugar. Using a hand mixer or a wooden spoon, beat them together until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and well blended.
Next, add in half of the soft cheese and continue beating until fully incorporated. Once the texture is smooth again, add the remaining half of the soft cheese and mix until the icing is thick and creamy with no lumps. Set the icing aside in the fridge to chill while you prepare the cake batter.
To make the cake mix, grab two separate mixing bowls. In the first bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: plain flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, a small pinch of salt, and soft brown sugar. Then give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly mixed and there are no clumps.
In the second bowl, add your wet ingredients: grated carrots, an egg, and a generous drizzle of runny honey. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and gently fold together using a spatula. Stir just enough to combine. Don’t overmix, or your cake might turn dense instead of light and fluffy.
Preheat your air fryer to 160°C for 2 to 3 minutes. Then fill silicone moulds about one-third full with the batter. So depending on your air fryer size, you may need to bake in batches. Cook at 160°C for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the moulds for 5 or 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once cool, top with your chilled cream cheese frosting. For extra flair, garnish with chopped walnuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey!
Tips for Air Fryer Carrot Cake
1. Use the right cake tin
Choose a small, oven-safe cake tin or a silicone mould that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Check your air fryer’s dimensions before you start but most standard models work well with a 6-inch round tin.
2. Line or grease your tin
Line the base of your tin with baking paper or grease the sides well to prevent sticking, especially if your tin has ridges or corners.
3. Grate your carrots finely
Use the fine side of a grater for a soft, even texture in the cake. Finely grated carrots blend into the batter better and help keep the cake moist.
4. Don’t overmix the batter
Mix just until combined as overmixing can make the cake dense or chewy. Stir in any nuts, raisins, or extras gently at the end.
5. Preheat your air fryer
Give your air fryer 2 to 3 minutes to preheat to 160°C (320°F). A consistent temperature helps the cake rise evenly and bake through properly.
6. Check doneness with a skewer
Since air fryer cook times can vary slightly, test by inserting a skewer or toothpick in the centre – it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
7. Let it cool before frosting
Cool the cake completely before adding cream cheese frosting or glaze, or it may melt and slide off.
8. Store leftovers properly
Keep your carrot cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it come to room temp before serving for the best texture and flavour.
Similar recipes
If you loved the soft, spiced layers of our Air Fryer Carrot Cake, you’ll want to explore these other sweet air fryer bakes. Each one is simple to make, packed with flavour, and perfect for when you want a homemade treat without turning on the oven.
Air Fryer Banana Bread
A classic comfort bake made even easier in the air fryer. This banana bread is soft, moist, and full of rich banana flavour. It is perfect with a cup of tea or as a lunchbox treat. Great for using up ripe bananas!
Air Fryer Crumble
Golden, buttery crumble topping meets juicy, spiced fruit filling in this cosy dessert. Whether you go for apple, berry, or pear, this one is a must-try. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate comfort.
Air Fryer Pancakes
Fluffy and golden with no flipping required! These air fryer pancakes are a fuss-free breakfast or sweet snack. They are ideal for lazy mornings or brunch at home. Stack high and drizzle with syrup or fresh fruit.
Air Fryer Victoria Sponge
A British classic made quicker in the air fryer! This light, fluffy sponge is layered with sweet jam and cream, making it the perfect teatime bake. Elegant, simple, and oh-so-satisfying.
Each of these recipes brings sweet satisfaction with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, your air fryer’s got you covered.
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