Who would have thought that making cake in the air fryer could be such an effortless, and delicious experience? If you’ve ever felt that baking isn’t your thing or your cakes always turn out too dry or soggy, then you absolutely need to try this recipe for air fryer Victoria sponge. When I first made it, I was completely blown away by the results. And I guarantee you won’t want to make a Victoria sponge any other way after trying it. This method is truly a game-changer, taking all the guesswork out of baking and ensuring a perfect, fluffy sponge every single time.
The air fryer’s unique cooking method creates a wonderfully moist yet light texture that traditional ovens can sometimes struggle to achieve. I’ve found that it cooks the cake evenly and beautifully, without any risk of burning or drying out the edges. Plus, because the air fryer operates at a lower temperature than a conventional oven, it’s a much faster option, meaning you can enjoy your fresh cake in no time. I first cooked this air fryer Victoria sponge recipe with Alexis Conran on the Channel 5 TV show “Air Fryers: Do You Know What You’re Missing” which first aired on 17 January 2024. We both marvelled at how easy and fool-proof the recipe turned out.
These air fryer Victoria sponges are perfect little cakes to serve at a summer picnic or a casual gathering. They not only taste fantastic but also add a touch of elegance to any occasion. What’s even better is the minimal clean-up, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of your friends and family instead of slaving away in the kitchen.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 20 minutes
MAKES 3 cakes
KIT you will need an air-fryer, mixing bowl, three silicone moulds.
Ingredients for air fryer Victoria sponge
125g of butter, melted
125g of self raising flour
45ml of whole milk
125g of castor sugar
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
3 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Dash olive oil
Smidge of table salt
Icing sugar to decorate
Strawberry jam
Clotted cream
6 Fresh strawberries
Method
Baking in an air fryer is a game-changer, and these mini Victoria sponge cakes are a perfect example of how easy and delicious it can be. Light, fluffy, and filled with classic flavours, these little cakes are ideal for afternoon tea or a sweet treat any day of the week.
First, check your air fryer’s instructions to see if preheating is required. If so, set it to 160°C on bake mode.
Begin by sieving self-raising flour into a large mixing bowl. Then add the rest of your ingredients one at a time. Typically butter, sugar, eggs, and a splash of vanilla extract – mixing thoroughly with a hand whisk until smooth and creamy.
Next, pour the mixture into silicone moulds, filling each one about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Then smooth the tops with the back of a teaspoon for an even finish.
Place the moulds in your air fryer and bake at 160°C for 20 minutes, or until the cakes are golden and spring back when lightly pressed.
While the cakes are baking, slice fresh strawberries for the topping. Once baked, carefully remove the moulds from the air fryer (the basket will be hot, so use oven gloves!) and place the cakes on a cooling rack for 5–10 minutes.
Once cooled, slice each cake in half horizontally. On the bottom half, spread a generous layer of strawberry jam followed by a spoonful of clotted cream. Place the top half of the cake on to make a delicious sandwich.
To finish, spread a little more clotted cream on top, arrange your sliced strawberries, and dust with icing sugar using a sieve for that classic, elegant touch.
These delightful mini sponges are a timeless treat – now with the ease of air fryer baking!
Tips for Air Fryer Victoria Sponge
1. Use the right cake tin
Choose a round tin or two mini tins that fit comfortably inside your air fryer basket with room for air to circulate. Silicone or metal tins both work well.
2. Grease and line
Grease your tins and line the base with baking paper to stop sticking and ensure a smooth release.
3. Room temperature ingredients
Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
4. Cream properly
Beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy before adding the eggs. This step helps create a light and airy sponge.
5. Don’t overmix
Once you add the flour, fold gently to avoid knocking out too much air. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
6. Preheat the air fryer
Give your air fryer a 2–3 minute preheat at 160°C (320°F). This helps the sponge rise evenly right from the start.
7. Low and slow
Air fry at 160°C (320°F) for 20–25 minutes. Check doneness with a skewer. It should come out clean when inserted into the centre.
8. Cool before filling
Let the cakes cool completely in the tin for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Filling too early can make the jam and cream melt.
9. Classic fillings
Stick with tradition so use good-quality strawberry or raspberry jam and a layer of whipped cream or buttercream.
10. Dust and serve
Finish with a generous dusting of icing sugar and serve with tea for the perfect afternoon treat.
Light, golden, and made right in your air fryer, baking a Victoria sponge has never been this easy!
Similar recipes
So if you love this easy air fryer Victoria sponge, you might also like my air fryer blueberry muffins or air fryer Eton mess.
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