The air fryer has become one of the most popular appliances in Australian kitchens – and it’s not just for chips and roast veggies. Compact, energy-efficient and quick to heat up, it’s ideal for baking small batches without turning on the oven.
Whether you’re cooking for one, two or simply don’t want to heat the whole house, air fryer baking is convenient, economical and surprisingly impressive. Here are three easy sweet treats to try.
Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Cake
Why it works: The air fryer cooks this small cake evenly, giving you a golden top and soft centre in under half an hour.
Ingredients
1 cup self-raising flour
½ cup caster sugar
1 egg
¼ cup melted butter
½ cup milk
1 apple, thinly sliced
1 tsp cinnamon
Method
Mix flour and sugar in a bowl.
Add egg, butter and milk, stirring until smooth.
Pour into a small greased cake tin that fits your air fryer.
Arrange apple slices on top and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Air fry at 160°C for 18–22 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
Lovely served warm with a dollop of cream.
Air Fryer Banana Muffins
Why it works: Perfect for using up overripe bananas without heating the kitchen.
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 egg
¼ cup oil or melted butter
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup self-raising flour
Method
Mix banana, egg, oil and sugar.
Fold in flour gently.
Spoon into silicone or paper muffin cups (don’t overfill).
Air fry at 170°C for 12–15 minutes.
Check with a skewer – it should come out clean.
Air Fryer Self-Saucing Chocolate Pudding
Why it works: The air fryer creates a beautifully cooked top while keeping the centre rich and saucy.
Ingredients
½ cup self-raising flour
2 tbsp cocoa powder
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup milk
1 tbsp melted butter
Sauce:
2 tbsp cocoa
¼ cup brown sugar
½ cup boiling water
Method
Mix flour, cocoa and sugar.
Stir in milk and butter to form batter.
Spoon into a greased ramekin.
Sprinkle sauce ingredients over top and gently pour boiling water over.
Air fry at 160°C for 12–15 minutes.
Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with ice cream or cream for an easy dessert.
Why Air Fryer Baking Is So Popular
Heats up in minutes – no long preheating
Uses less electricity than a full oven
Perfect for smaller households
Keeps the kitchen cooler in summer
Faster cooking times
For empty nesters or anyone wanting a quick homemade treat without the fuss, the air fryer really is a little kitchen powerhouse.