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Introduction: Can Air Fryers Actually Bake?
Air fryers have exploded in popularity in recent years, initially marketed as a healthier way to ‘fry’ foods with little to no oil. However, the capabilities of these versatile kitchen appliances have dramatically expanded. Many now wonder: can an air fryer actually *bake*? The answer, increasingly, is yes! Early models struggled with consistent temperatures and lacked the capacity for many baking recipes. But advancements in 2025 and 2026, including more precise temperature control, powerful convection fans, and larger capacities, have made baking in air fryers a genuine and popular option. Forget just chips and chicken – you can now create delicious cakes, cookies, and more, right in your air fryer.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Baking?
Baking in an air fryer offers several compelling advantages:
- Speed: Air fryers preheat much faster than traditional ovens, often in under 5 minutes. Baking times are also typically shorter.
- Energy Efficiency: Due to their smaller size, air fryers use significantly less energy than full-sized ovens. This is particularly relevant with rising energy costs.
- Smaller Portions: Perfect for baking smaller batches, ideal for individuals or smaller households. Avoids wastage.
- Less Preheating: As mentioned, rapid preheating saves time and energy.
- Potential for Healthier Baking: While not directly related to all baking, air fryers allow for reduced oil usage in recipes where it’s typically added (like certain muffins or fruit crumbles).
What to Look for in an Air Fryer for Baking (2026)
When choosing an air fryer specifically for baking, consider these key features:
- Size/Capacity: Larger capacities (6L and above) are essential for baking cakes and larger batches of cookies.
- Temperature Range: A wide temperature range is crucial. Look for models that go down to at least 160°C (320°F) and ideally up to 220°C (428°F) or higher for optimal baking results.
- Preset Programs: A dedicated ‘Bake’ preset is incredibly useful, automatically setting the temperature and time.
- Digital Controls: Precise temperature and time control are vital for consistent baking. Digital interfaces are preferable to manual dials.
- Convection Fan Power: A powerful convection fan ensures even heat distribution, leading to consistent baking.
- Accessories: Check if the air fryer includes baking pans, racks, or cake tins. These can save you money on additional purchases. 2026 models are increasingly including multi-tier baking setups.
In 2026, we’re seeing a trend towards air fryers with integrated humidity control – a feature particularly beneficial for baking, preventing cakes from drying out.
Top 5 Air Fryers for Baking in the UK (2026) – Our Reviews
Ninja Foodi MAX Health Grill & Air Fryer [Model Number] – £249.99
The Ninja Foodi MAX is a powerhouse, offering both air frying and grilling capabilities. Its large capacity (8L) makes it suitable for baking small cakes and batches of cookies. The digital controls are intuitive, and the ‘Bake’ preset works effectively.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Versatile (grill and air fry)
- Easy-to-use digital controls
- Effective ‘Bake’ preset
Cons:
- Can be bulky
- Higher price point
Baking Performance: Produced a moist and evenly baked chocolate cake. Cookies were golden brown but required a slightly shorter cooking time.
Philips Airfryer XXL [Model Number] – £279.99
Philips continues to be a market leader, and the XXL model boasts a massive 10L capacity. This is ideal for larger families or those who like to bake in bigger quantities. The Fat Removal Technology is also a bonus, though less relevant for baking.
Pros:
- Extremely large capacity
- Excellent build quality
- Digital controls with presets
- Consistent baking results
Cons:
- Most expensive option
- Very large footprint
Baking Performance: Baked a perfectly risen sponge cake with a golden crust. Cookies baked evenly with a slightly crispier texture.
Cosori Air Fryer Max XL [Model Number] – £179.99
The Cosori Air Fryer Max XL offers a good balance of capacity (6L), features, and price. Its sleek design and easy-to-clean interior are plus points.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Good capacity for most baking needs
- Easy to clean
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Preset programs are less precise than premium models
- Fan can be a little noisy on higher settings
Baking Performance: Baked a decent chocolate chip cookie batch, though some were slightly more browned than others. A small cake baked well, but required a bit of monitoring.
Instant Pot Vortex Plus Dual Basket Air Fryer [Model Number] – £199.99
The dual basket design allows you to bake and crisp simultaneously, or bake two different items at once! This is a fantastic feature for busy bakers.
Pros:
- Dual basket functionality
- Large combined capacity
- Digital controls
- Versatile
Cons:
- Can take some getting used to the dual basket system
- Individual baskets are slightly smaller than some single-basket models
Baking Performance: Baked muffins in one basket and a small brownie in the other, both with excellent results. Temperature consistency across both baskets was good.
ProChef Air Fryer [Model Number] – £99.99
A budget-friendly option, the ProChef Air Fryer still offers a respectable 5L capacity. While it lacks some of the advanced features of more expensive models, it’s a good entry point for those new to air fryer baking.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Compact size
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Small capacity
- Limited features
- Manual controls (less precise)
Baking Performance: Baked small cookies, but required frequent checking to prevent burning. A small cake was possible, but the results were less consistent than with other models.
Air Fryer Baking Recipes to Get You Started
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Reduce baking time by 5-7 minutes compared to a traditional oven recipe.
- Small Cake: Use a cake tin designed for air fryers. Lower the temperature by 10-15°C (20-30°F).
- Brownies: Reduce baking time by 3-5 minutes.
- Muffins: Use silicone muffin liners for easy removal.
Troubleshooting: Common Air Fryer Baking Issues
Uneven Baking: Ensure food isn’t overcrowded. Rotate the baking pan halfway through. Check fan is functioning correctly.
Dry Cakes: Reduce baking time and temperature. Consider adding a small dish of water to the air fryer during baking to increase humidity.
Burning: Lower the temperature and check frequently. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and burning.
Recipes: Air fryer recipes often require some adjustment; start with a lower temperature and check frequently.
Air Fryer Baking Accessories – What Do You Need?
While not all essential, these accessories can enhance your air fryer baking experience:
- Silicone Air Fryer Baking Pan Set: £24.99
- Air Fryer Parchment Paper Liners (100 count): £12.99
- Small Cake Tin for Air Fryers: £18.99
Conclusion: Is an Air Fryer a Good Choice for Baking?
Air fryers have come a long way, and their baking capabilities are now impressive. While they won’t entirely replace a traditional oven, they offer significant advantages in terms of speed, energy efficiency, and convenience, particularly for smaller batches. Those living alone, couples, or families who don’t bake frequently will benefit the most. For serious bakers who regularly bake large quantities, a traditional oven remains the better choice. However, for everyday baking needs, an air fryer is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Our Top Pick for overall baking performance is the Philips Airfryer XXL [Model Number], but the Ninja Foodi MAX Health Grill & Air Fryer [Model Number] offers excellent versatility.
FAQ
- Can I use metal baking pans in my air fryer? Yes, as long as they fit comfortably and don’t touch the heating element.
- Do I need to grease the air fryer basket before baking? It depends on the recipe. Silicone liners or parchment paper are usually sufficient.
- What temperature should I set my air fryer to for baking a cake? Start with 160°C (320°F) and adjust as needed.
- Will my cake rise properly in an air fryer? Yes, with the right temperature and recipe adjustments, cakes will rise well in an air fryer.
- Are air fryers safe to use for baking? Yes, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use appropriate accessories.