Air Fryer Carrot Cake Recipe

If you crave a classic dessert but want an easier, quicker way to bake, this Air Fryer Carrot Cake is your new go-to sweet treat. You get the same beloved flavors—moist carrot crumb, warm spices, bursts of pineapple, and a hint of crunch—all perfectly baked in a fraction of the time. The air fryer produces a tender, just-right cake that’s blissfully unfussy and perfect for small-batch cravings, making it a delightful option whether you’re baking for brunch, a spring celebration, or just because you’re in the mood for something homemade and comforting.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every delicious slice of Air Fryer Carrot Cake relies on simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a truly memorable dessert. Each item brings its own bit of magic—adding moisture, a touch of spice, or a crunchy finish—so don’t skip these essentials!

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing a soft yet sturdy crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Lends sweetness and helps balance the cake’s signature spices.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor and extra moisture.
• Baking powder: Gives your carrot cake lift and a tender texture.
• Baking soda: Works with the acid in the pineapple and applesauce for ideal rise.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and classic carrot cake flavor.
• Ground nutmeg: Offers a lovely aromatic note that makes carrot cake unforgettable.
• Salt: Just enough to enhance every other flavor.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure and richness.
• Vegetable oil: Delivers a moist, never-dry cake every single time.
• Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and a super soft crumb—plus it’s a lighter touch!
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a cozy aroma.
• Finely grated carrots: The star of the show—grate them fresh for the best texture and color.
• Crushed pineapple (drained): Little bits of tropical flavor and extra moisture in every bite.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a delightful crunch and nutty finish. Totally up to you!

How to Make Air Fryer Carrot Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Cake Pan

First, make sure you have a 6-inch round cake pan that fits easily in your air fryer basket—this is the secret to getting that beautiful rise and perfect, even baking. Give it a generous coating of nonstick spray or a little butter to ensure your carrot cake releases without any fuss when it’s time for the big reveal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Don’t rush this part—thorough mixing means each bite of Air Fryer Carrot Cake is evenly flavored, spiced, and sweetened to perfection.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until everything looks smooth and slightly creamy. This lovely mixture is your cake’s ticket to a moist, tender crumb and that recognizable carrot cake richness.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredients right into the dry bowl and gently stir until just combined. Avoid over-mixing—you want the cake to be tender, not tough. Once you don’t see any dry pockets, you’re good to go!

Step 5: Fold in the Good Stuff

Now the fun part: fold in your grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and nuts if you’re using them. Those pops of orange, juicy fruit, and toasted nuts turn your batter into the real deal—a carrot cake that’s bursting with texture and flavor.

Step 6: Fill Your Pan and Smooth the Top

Scoop the batter into your greased cake pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. This ensures your Air Fryer Carrot Cake bakes up with a nice, even surface that’s ready for frosting (or just a dusting of powdered sugar, if you’re keeping it simple).

Step 7: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C), then carefully place the pan in the basket. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, but check it with a toothpick at the 30-minute mark—the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The air fryer works its magic, creating a golden, gently domed cake every time.

Step 8: Cool, Then Frost (or Not!)

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Wait until it’s fully cooled before you frost it—cream cheese frosting is the classic, but even a simple glaze or dusting of powdered sugar works. Now slice and enjoy!

How to Serve Air Fryer Carrot Cake

Garnishes

Classic cream cheese frosting is always a hit, but don’t be shy about adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts, a pinch of orange zest, or a dusting of cinnamon for a finishing touch. If you want to make the cake extra festive, top it with tiny piped carrots for a bakery-style look that delights everyone.

Side Dishes

This cake’s sweet-spiced flavor makes it perfect alongside a cup of coffee, chai, or a tall glass of cold milk. For a bigger dessert spread, pair slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—because cake and creamy sides just belong together.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your Air Fryer Carrot Cake into little squares for a cute buffet of mini desserts, or layer thin slices with frosting in jars for an adorable, portable treat. If you’re serving for brunch, offer a small slice with a fruit salad for an elegant, wholesome touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra slices keep wonderfully at room temperature in an airtight container for a day or two, but if you use cream cheese frosting, tuck them into the fridge. The cake stays moist and flavorful, and you can enjoy a tasty bite with minimal effort whenever the craving hits.

Freezing

Air Fryer Carrot Cake actually freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then pack into freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you baked them.

Reheating

To bring your cake back to its fluffy, just-baked glory, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid reheating frosted cake for too long, as the frosting might melt, but a quick zap will revive even chilled pieces—making it taste like it came straight out of the air fryer.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded carrots instead of grating them fresh?

It’s best to use freshly grated carrots since they’re much more tender and have better moisture content, which keeps your Air Fryer Carrot Cake moist and flavorful. Pre-shredded carrots tend to be a bit dry and tough.

Does Air Fryer Carrot Cake taste different than oven-baked?

Not at all! The air fryer bakes up a carrot cake that’s just as soft, fragrant, and delicious as the traditional oven version—sometimes even better, since it tends to stay extra moist and the bake is more hands-off.

Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?

You sure can! Just keep in mind that the recipe as written is perfect for a 6-inch pan and small batch. To double, bake in a regular oven with a larger pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.

Is there a substitute for applesauce?

If you don’t have applesauce on hand, you can use an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt, mashed banana, or even crushed pineapple for a slightly different texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have cream cheese frosting?

No worries—this Air Fryer Carrot Cake is delicious even with a simple glaze or just a dusting of powdered sugar. The moist, spiced cake truly speaks for itself!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re feeling inspired to try this cozy, crowd-pleasing Air Fryer Carrot Cake soon. It’s the kind of recipe that’s impossibly easy but yields such heartwarming, celebratory results. Grab your carrots, fire up the air fryer, and treat yourself to a slice of homemade happiness!

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