What Can I Bake In An Air Fryer: Easy Recipe Ideas
For home cooks in the United States, an air fryer can bake much more than frozen fries and chicken wings. It can handle cookies, muffins, brownies, biscuits, small cakes, hand pies, bread, and many other baked foods. The key is to use a small pan or baking dish that fits the basket, lower the heat when needed, and check the food early.
An air fryer is a small convection oven. A fan moves hot air around the food, so baked goods often cook faster than they do in a full-size oven. Use Fahrenheit, follow the recipe’s texture cues, and check your air fryer manual for pan size and temperature limits.
What Can You Bake in an Air Fryer?
You can bake most small foods that fit in an oven-safe pan or directly in the air fryer basket. Air fryers work best for small batches with space around them for hot air to move.
Here are some of the best foods to bake in an air fryer:
- Cookies
- Brownies
- Muffins
- Cupcakes
- Small cakes
- Banana bread
- Cornbread
- Biscuits
- Dinner rolls
- Cinnamon rolls
- Scones
- Hand pies
- Fruit crisps
- Apple turnovers
- Mini cheesecakes
- Baked oatmeal
- Stuffed peppers
- Small pizzas
- Quiche
- Frittata
- Baked pasta
- Garlic bread
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Granola
- Roasted nuts
The air fryer is especially useful for small portions. It heats a small space instead of a full oven, which can reduce preheating time. It also gives foods a browned top and crisp edges.
The main limit is size. A large layer cake, full casserole, or wide loaf may not fit or cook evenly. For these foods, use a full-size oven unless your air fryer is a large oven-style model.
How Does Baking in an Air Fryer Work?
An air fryer bakes by using fast-moving hot air. This is similar to a convection oven. The moving air helps the outside of food brown while the inside cooks.
Most air fryers have a compact cooking chamber. That chamber heats quickly, but it can also cook the outside of food faster than the center. A cake may look brown on top while the middle still needs more time.
Use these basic adjustments:
- Reduce the recipe temperature by about 25°F when converting from a regular oven.
- Start checking the food 20% to 25% earlier than the recipe says.
- Use a shallow pan when possible.
- Avoid filling pans more than two-thirds full.
- Leave space around the pan or food.
- Rotate the pan if one side browns faster.
- Cover the top loosely with foil if it darkens too soon.
These are starting points, not strict rules. Air fryers vary by brand, size, heating element, fan strength, and basket design. A recipe written for an air fryer is usually more reliable than a direct oven conversion.
Air fryer baking temperature guide
| Food | Starting temperature | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Cookies | 320°F to 350°F | 6 to 12 minutes |
| Muffins | 320°F to 350°F | 12 to 20 minutes |
| Brownies | 320°F to 340°F | 15 to 25 minutes |
| Small cake | 320°F to 340°F | 20 to 35 minutes |
| Biscuits | 330°F to 360°F | 8 to 14 minutes |
| Hand pies | 350°F to 375°F | 10 to 18 minutes |
| Banana bread | 315°F to 335°F | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Baked oatmeal | 325°F to 350°F | 15 to 25 minutes |
Times depend on the food’s thickness, the pan material, and the air fryer model. Use these numbers as a guide, then test for doneness.
Best Air Fryer Baked Goods
Air fryer cookies
Cookies are one of the easiest baked foods to make in an air fryer. Scoop dough into small portions and place the pieces on parchment made for air fryer use or in a small baking pan.
Leave space between each cookie. Hot air must reach the sides. If the dough is very soft, chill it first. Chilled dough spreads less and often gives you thicker cookies.
Start at 320°F to 350°F. Check the cookies after 6 minutes. They are usually ready when the edges look set and lightly brown while the centers still look soft.
Air fryer brownies
Brownies bake well in a small metal or silicone pan. A 6-inch or 7-inch round pan may fit many basket-style air fryers, but measure your basket first.
Use a lower temperature, such as 320°F to 340°F. This helps the center cook before the top becomes too dark. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs for fudgy brownies. A clean toothpick usually means a firmer, more cake-like result.
Do not use a deep pan filled to the top. A thick layer of batter may cook unevenly.
Air fryer muffins and cupcakes
Muffins and cupcakes need a stable container. Use silicone cups, small metal tins, or a muffin pan that fits inside the basket.
Fill each cup about two-thirds full. This gives the batter room to rise without spilling. Bake at about 320°F to 350°F and check the center with a toothpick.
If the tops brown before the centers cook, reduce the heat by 15°F to 25°F. You can also place a loose sheet of foil over the pan. Keep the foil secured by the pan so it cannot reach the heating element.
Air fryer cakes
Small cakes work best in round, square, or loaf pans that leave room for air to move around them. A small cake pan is easier to manage than a large, deep pan.
Use 320°F to 340°F as a starting range. Check the cake in the center. It is done when the center springs back lightly and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the cake cool in the pan for several minutes. Air fryer cakes can be delicate when hot.
Air fryer banana bread
Banana bread can bake in an air fryer, but it needs a lower temperature and more time than cookies or muffins. Use a small loaf pan and fill it no more than two-thirds full.
Bake at about 315°F to 335°F. If the top becomes dark, cover it loosely with foil. Test the center with a wooden pick or food thermometer.
Because banana bread contains eggs, do not rely only on color. The center should be fully set. A food thermometer can provide an extra check; many quick breads are done around 200°F to 210°F, though the ideal result varies by recipe.
Air fryer biscuits and rolls
Refrigerated biscuits, homemade biscuits, and small dinner rolls can work well in an air fryer. Place them in one layer and leave a little space between them.
Brush the tops with butter after cooking rather than before if the butter causes excess smoke. Check the bottoms as well as the tops. The top may brown quickly while the bottom remains pale.
For frozen biscuits, follow the package directions as a starting point, but check early. Do not crowd the basket.
Air fryer cinnamon rolls
Small cinnamon rolls can bake in a greased pan that fits the air fryer. The pan helps contain the dough and melted sugar.
Cook at about 320°F to 350°F. Check the center roll, not just the outside pieces. The center should look fully baked and no longer wet.
Add icing after the rolls cool for a few minutes. Very hot rolls can melt the icing into a thin glaze.
Air fryer hand pies and turnovers
Hand pies are a good choice because they are small and have a firm crust. Seal the edges with a fork and cut a small vent in the top.
Brush with egg wash if you want a darker finish. Cook at about 350°F to 375°F until the crust is golden and the filling is hot.
Use less filling than you may expect. Overfilled hand pies can burst and leak sugary filling into the basket.
Air fryer fruit crisp
A small apple, peach, or berry crisp can bake in a ramekin or small baking dish. Use a dish with enough room for the fruit juices to bubble without spilling.
Cover the dish for part of the cooking time if the topping browns too fast. The fruit should be tender, and the topping should look dry and crisp.
Let the crisp stand for several minutes before serving. The filling thickens as it cools.
What Baking Pans Can You Use in an Air Fryer?
Use any oven-safe pan that fits safely inside the air fryer and does not touch the heating element. Common choices include:
- Aluminum or steel cake pans
- Small loaf pans
- Silicone baking cups
- Glass baking dishes labeled oven-safe
- Ceramic ramekins labeled oven-safe
- Cast-iron mini pans
- Disposable aluminum pans
Measure the air fryer basket before choosing a pan. Check both the inside width and the height. The pan must leave enough room for the basket to slide in without touching the top heating coil.
Metal pans often brown food faster than glass or silicone pans. Glass and ceramic may need more time because they heat more slowly. Silicone is flexible and helps release soft baked goods, but it may produce less browning.
Never use a pan with a plastic handle, plastic trim, or a material that is not rated for oven heat. If the pan’s label does not identify it as oven-safe, choose another container.
Can You Use Parchment Paper or Foil for Baking?
You can use parchment paper or aluminum foil in many air fryers, but placement matters. The paper or foil must be held down by food or fitted securely in the pan.
Loose parchment can rise into the heating element. This can cause burning. Use perforated air fryer parchment or cut regular parchment to fit the food area. Do not add parchment during preheating unless the manufacturer specifically allows it.
Aluminum foil can help shield the top of a cake or quick bread. It can also line a pan. Do not block all air vents or cover the entire basket if the air fryer manual warns against it.
Avoid foil when cooking acidic foods for long periods. Ingredients such as tomatoes, citrus, and vinegar can react with aluminum. A small oven-safe pan is often the better choice.
Do not use wax paper. Wax paper is not designed for the high heat of an air fryer.
Important parchment and foil rules
- Keep paper and foil away from the heating coil.
- Do not cover the basket’s air vents.
- Do not use paper by itself during preheating.
- Secure the material with food or a pan.
- Stop using it if it smokes, burns, or shifts.
- Follow the instructions for your specific air fryer.
How to Bake in an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step
Use this process for most air fryer baking projects.
1. Check the air fryer and pan
Measure the basket or cooking chamber. Confirm that the pan fits without touching the heating element. Check the manual for approved cookware and accessories.
2. Prepare the batter or dough
Use the recipe as written unless you are making a known oven conversion. Do not overmix cakes, muffins, or quick breads. Overmixing can make them dense.
3. Preheat when the recipe calls for it
Preheating can help baked goods rise and brown evenly. Many air fryers heat quickly, so a short preheat may be enough. Follow the manual rather than assuming every model needs the same time.
4. Grease or line the pan
Use a thin layer of oil, butter, or baking spray. Add parchment only if it fits the pan and cannot move.
5. Fill the pan correctly
Fill the pan no more than two-thirds full for most cakes, muffins, and quick breads. Leave room for the batter to rise.
6. Lower the temperature if needed
When converting a standard oven recipe, start about 25°F lower. For example, use 325°F instead of 350°F.
7. Check early
Begin checking at least 20% earlier than the standard recipe time. Use a toothpick, skewer, visual cues, or an instant-read thermometer.
8. Rotate if necessary
If one side browns faster, carefully rotate the pan. Do this quickly so the air fryer does not lose too much heat.
9. Cool the baked food
Let cookies, cakes, quick breads, and brownies rest before removing them. The crumb continues to set as the food cools.
Signs that baking is successful
- The top is evenly browned.
- The center is set, not wet.
- The food springs back lightly when appropriate.
- A toothpick has no raw batter.
- The bottom is cooked, not pale or doughy.
- The food releases from the pan after cooling briefly.
Why Is My Air Fryer Baking Unevenly?
Uneven baking usually comes from too much batter, a crowded basket, high heat, or a pan that is too deep.
| Problem | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Brown top, raw center | Heat is too high or pan is too deep | Lower the temperature and use a shallower pan |
| Pale bottom | Air cannot reach the bottom or pan is thick | Use a metal pan or allow more time |
| Burned edges | Pan is too small or heat is too high | Lower the heat and check the pan size |
| Dense muffins | Batter was overmixed or basket was crowded | Mix gently and bake in batches |
| Dry cake | Too much time or too little batter | Check earlier and use the correct pan |
| Cake sinks | Center was underbaked or the door opened too soon | Bake longer and avoid early opening |
| Cookies spread too much | Dough was warm or pan was greased heavily | Chill the dough and use parchment |
| Food stays raw in the middle | The layer is too thick | Divide the batter into smaller pans |
Avoid opening the basket many times. Each opening releases heat and can extend the cooking time. One careful check near the expected finish is usually enough.
If the top browns too quickly, reduce the temperature first. Covering the top can help, but it should not replace proper temperature control.
What Should You Not Bake in an Air Fryer?
You should not bake foods that need a large pan, long gentle cooking, or a sealed environment unless your model and cookware support them.
Foods that may not work well include:
- Large layer cakes
- Full-size loaves of bread
- Large casseroles
- Very deep pies
- Soufflés in an unstable dish
- Large batches of cookies
- Foods with loose batter poured into a ventilated basket
- Items in containers that are not oven-safe
Do not pour cake batter directly into a basket with large holes. The batter can leak into the heating chamber and burn. Use a suitable pan.
Do not overfill the air fryer. Crowding blocks airflow and creates uneven results. Bake in batches when needed.
Do not leave the air fryer unattended if you see smoke, a burning smell, or material shifting toward the heating element. Turn it off, unplug it when safe, and let it cool before checking the cause.
For meat, eggs, and filled savory dishes, use a food thermometer when possible. The USDA recommends checking internal temperature with a thermometer rather than judging safety by color alone. Use the USDA’s current safe minimum temperature chart for the specific food.
Air Fryer Baking Compared With a Regular Oven
An air fryer is useful for small batches, but a regular oven is better for large or delicate bakes.
| Feature | Air fryer | Regular oven |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small portions | Large batches |
| Heating time | Usually shorter | Usually longer |
| Air movement | Strong and close to food | Varies by oven |
| Pan size | Small | Small to full size |
| Browning | Often fast | More gradual |
| Batch capacity | Limited | Larger |
| Temperature control | Varies by model | Usually more consistent |
Choose the air fryer when you want a few cookies, muffins, brownies, or rolls. Choose the oven for a full cake, multiple loaves, or a large family-size dish.
The air fryer also works well for reheating baked foods. It can restore crispness to biscuits, pastries, pizza, and bread better than a microwave. Use a lower temperature and check often so the food does not dry out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a cake pan in an air fryer?
Yes, if the cake pan is oven-safe and fits without touching the heating element. A small metal pan often works well. Reduce the temperature from the regular oven setting and check the center early.
Can I bake cookies directly in an air fryer basket?
You can bake some cookies directly on the basket surface, but results vary. Parchment or a small pan can prevent sticking and help soft dough hold its shape. Never use loose parchment during preheating.
Do I need to preheat an air fryer for baking?
Preheating often improves rise and browning, but the need depends on the recipe and model. Follow the air fryer manual and the recipe instructions. If you skip preheating, the food may need extra time.
Can I use glass or ceramic in an air fryer?
Use glass or ceramic only when it is clearly labeled oven-safe and fits the air fryer. Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as placing a cold glass dish into a very hot air fryer. Cracked or damaged cookware should not be used.
Why does my cake burn on top but stay raw inside?
The temperature is likely too high, the pan is too deep, or the batter is overfilled. Lower the heat by 15°F to 25°F, use a shallower pan, and cover the top loosely with foil if needed.
Final Answer: The Best Things to Bake in an Air Fryer
The best air fryer baked foods are small, shallow, and easy to check. Start with cookies, brownies, muffins, biscuits, hand pies, cinnamon rolls, or a small cake. Use an oven-safe pan, lower the heat by about 25°F when converting a recipe, and begin checking early.
Your next step is simple: measure your air fryer basket, choose a pan that fits, and bake a small batch first. Record the temperature and time that work for your model. That short note will make future air fryer baking more predictable.
