10 Ways To Use Your Air Fryer For Easy Baking

Air fryer cookies are easy to make

When it comes to baking cookies, the air fryer is an amazing tool. Popular varieties such as chocolate chip, oatmeal, and sugar cookies turn out wonderfully in an air fryer, providing soft centers and crispy edges in just a matter of minutes. The compact design of an air fryer ensures even heat distribution, resulting in consistently baked cookies every time.

To modify a standard cookie dough recipe for air frying, lower the temperature by about 25°F compared to your conventional oven recipe, as air fryers cook more quickly due to their efficient convection heat. Use smaller scoops of dough to promote faster and more uniform cooking, and make sure to leave space between each cookie to allow for proper airflow. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and help maintain the cookies' shape. Remember to check for doneness a few minutes earlier than you would in a regular oven, as air fryers tend to bake faster.

The best part? You can easily prepare small batches in no time — ideal for satisfying cookie cravings without heating up the whole kitchen. With just a few tweaks, you'll have perfectly baked cookies ready in minutes.

Make brownies faster in an air fryer

Making brownies in an air fryer could revolutionize your dessert-making process. The air fryer's quick convection heat creates that desirable crackly, glossy top while keeping the center rich and fudgy—qualities that can be challenging to achieve in a conventional oven. Additionally, the compact size of air fryers is ideal for small batches, helping you resist the temptation of a full pan.

To begin, select a smaller, heatproof pan, such as a silicone mold or a metal cake pan, that fits snugly in your air fryer basket. The reduced surface area allows for even air circulation, ensuring your brownies bake perfectly. Lower the baking temperature by about 25°F compared to your oven recipe, as the air fryer's intense heat cooks them more quickly. Start checking for doneness around 12 to 15 minutes; be cautious, as air fryers can easily overbake brownies.

Whether you're treating yourself on a weeknight or trying out mix-ins like nuts or caramel, air fryer brownies offer a simple and delicious way to enjoy dessert without the long wait.

Bake small muffin batches easily

If you've ever wanted just a few muffins but didn't want to bake a whole dozen, the air fryer is the ideal answer. Its compact design is perfect for small batches, making it a game-changer for smaller households, quick breakfasts, or when you simply want a treat without the fuss of using a full oven. Plus, cleanup is a snap — no large muffin pan to scrub!

Air fryers utilize convection heat, which promotes quick and even rising, resulting in muffins that are fluffy and delightful. However, this speedy cooking method can dry out the batter if left in too long, so it's essential to keep an eye on them. To begin, use silicone muffin molds or a mini muffin tin that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Silicone molds are particularly effective for ensuring even baking, easy release, and straightforward cleanup.

Portion control is also crucial: smaller muffins bake more uniformly in the air fryer's limited space. Fill each mold about two-thirds full to allow for proper rising without spilling over. Depending on the recipe, your muffins will be ready in just 10 to 15 minutes — perfect for hectic mornings or sudden cravings. From classic blueberry to savory cheddar and bacon, air fryer muffins are quick, delicious, and endlessly customizable.

Air fryers make moist cakes possible

Absolutely, you can bake cakes in an air fryer, and the outcomes may pleasantly surprise you. The hot air circulation results in a moist, evenly baked cake that can compete with those made in a conventional oven. With a few essential adjustments, the process can be even more efficient.

To avoid over-drying or excessive browning, cover your cake with aluminum foil during the initial half of the baking time. This helps retain moisture and ensures the center is fully baked before the top develops a golden crust. Air fryers are also ideal for baking individual layers separately, which not only saves time but also prevents the uneven cooking that can happen with thicker cakes.

Another important modification is to slightly decrease the amount of leavening agents, as the rapid heat in an air fryer can cause cakes to rise too quickly and then collapse. By making minor adjustments to the baking powder or baking soda in your recipe, you can achieve a perfectly textured result.

From traditional sponge cakes to decadent chocolate layers, air fryer cakes offer a quick and convenient way to indulge in your favorite desserts with minimal hassle. With the right techniques, you'll discover that baking a moist, delicious cake has never been simpler.

Cupcakes turn out perfectly in air fryers

Air fryers are an unexpectedly excellent choice for baking cupcakes, thanks to their efficient heat distribution. The steady airflow guarantees that each cupcake rises evenly, preventing the uneven tops or sunken centers that can sometimes happen in a conventional oven. This makes them a fantastic option for achieving professional-quality results at home.

To begin, opt for silicone molds or reusable cupcake liners, which help preserve the shape of the cupcakes and make removal easy. The compact design of the air fryer also allows for small batches, making it ideal for experimenting with various flavors or trying out unique additions like chocolate chips or fruit.

One added advantage? Air fryer cupcakes cool more quickly than those baked in an oven, so they’re ready for decorating in no time. Whether you’re piping intricate frosting designs or simply adding sprinkles and fruit, the faster cooling time allows for creativity without the wait. Air fryer cupcakes are enjoyable, quick, and perfect for everything from celebrations to a quick treat.

Cheesecake is surprisingly simple to bake

Cheesecake may appear to be a dessert suited for expert bakers, but the air fryer makes it surprisingly easy to prepare. Its uniform heat distribution addresses one of the main difficulties in baking cheesecake—surface cracks—resulting in a smooth, creamy texture with minimal effort.

To mimic the moisture retention of a traditional water bath, place a ramekin filled with water in the air fryer basket alongside the cheesecake. This added humidity keeps the filling rich and prevents it from drying out during the cooking process. Opting for a smaller springform pan that fits snugly in the basket also allows for even heat circulation, ensuring perfect results.

After baking, it's important to be patient. Let the cheesecake cool slowly in the air fryer with the door slightly open. This helps avoid sudden temperature shifts that can lead to sinking or cracking. Whether you stick with a classic graham cracker crust or try out caramel or chocolate swirls, air fryer cheesecake is a reliable way to savor this decadent dessert.

Air fryers are great for mini pies and tarts

If you adore pies and tarts but prefer not to bake a full-sized dessert, air fryers are the ideal solution. Their compact design is perfect for creating mini versions of these classic delights, providing a faster and easier way to satisfy your sweet tooth without needing a large oven. Mini pies (often referred to as "hand pies") and tarts cook evenly in the air fryer, resulting in golden, flaky crusts that can compete with those made in a conventional oven.

To achieve that perfectly crisp crust, begin by chilling your pastry dough before baking — cold dough maintains its shape better and minimizes shrinkage. Be cautious not to overfill your tarts or pies, as excessive filling can bubble over and lead to uneven cooking. For fruit fillings, consider thickening them with a bit of cornstarch or cooking them down beforehand to reduce excess moisture that could make the crust soggy.

Most mini pies and tarts bake in just 8 to 12 minutes, making them ideal for impromptu gatherings or snack-time treats. With a multitude of flavor options and consistently great results, air fryer pies and tarts are a delightful creation you'll want to whip up time and time again.

Bake savory breadsticks and rolls

If you haven't yet experimented with baking breadsticks or rolls in an air fryer, you're in for a delightful surprise. The air fryer's compact design creates an ideal setting for achieving soft, fluffy bread with a beautifully golden crust. Whether you're preparing dinner rolls for a cozy gathering or garlic breadsticks to accompany pasta, this method is quick, simple, and yields bakery-quality results.

To prevent the crust from setting too quickly and bursting before the center is fully cooked, consider lowering the temperature slightly or covering the dough with foil during the initial minutes of baking. Air fryers tend to cook more intensely, so these adjustments allow the dough ample time to rise and bake evenly.

Proper proofing is crucial for attaining that soft, airy texture. While some home bakers stick to traditional methods, the air fryer can create a warm, consistent environment for proofing when set to a low temperature. Ensuring the dough has fully risen before baking helps avoid dense or uneven bread.

The flavor possibilities are limitless. Incorporate garlic and parmesan for a savory kick, sprinkle herbs like rosemary for a fragrant note, or brush on honey butter for a touch of sweetness. Regardless of the variation, air fryer breadsticks and rolls are guaranteed to impress at any meal.

Use an air fryer for proofing dough

Proofing dough in an air fryer is a practical method to provide your bread with the consistent warmth necessary for proper rising. By utilizing the air fryer's lowest temperature setting or proofing function, you can establish a stable, controlled environment—ideal for doughs that need steady heat for optimal development.

To proof dough safely, place it in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a heat-resistant lid, such as a silicone cover or a lightweight metal plate. It's best to avoid damp cloths or plastic lids, as high temperatures can damage these materials, potentially harming the air fryer or contaminating the dough. If your air fryer lacks precise temperature control, you can preheat it for one minute, then turn it off and use the residual heat for proofing.

This technique is particularly effective for enriched doughs like brioche or cinnamon rolls, which require even warmth to rise correctly. Proofing in your air fryer is a straightforward, mess-free way to simplify the baking process and achieve consistent results every time.