Get ready to brighten your kitchen and your taste buds with this irresistibly moist Air Fryer Carrot Cake! This classic dessert gets a modern twist thanks to the speed and convenience of the air fryer, without sacrificing any of that cozy, spiced flavor, or the luscious swirl of cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a weekday treat or showing off at a gathering, this recipe is a delicious little secret you’ll want to share — or keep all to yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Air Fryer Carrot Cake is how a handful of simple pantry staples come together to create a cake that is tender, aromatic, and bursting with classic flavor. Each ingredient here plays an important role — from the sweet earthiness of fresh carrots to the tang of the cream cheese frosting — making every bite something to look forward to.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, it gives structure and fluffiness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cake brown beautifully.
- Brown sugar: Brings a deep caramel note and extra moisture.
- Baking powder: Ensures your cake will rise and be perfectly tender.
- Baking soda: Works with the baking powder for lift and soft crumb.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses that beloved, cozy spice through every bite.
- Ground nutmeg: Enhances the warm flavor profile and gives complexity.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts the other flavors.
- Eggs: Bind the batter and create a soft, rich texture.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb ultra-moist and tender, never dry.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a beautiful aroma and enhances all the other flavors.
- Finely grated carrots: The star ingredient! These bring color, sweetness, and moisture.
- Crushed pineapple (drained): Adds subtle tang and keeps the cake melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a pleasant crunch and nutty vibe.
- Cream cheese (softened): The main ingredient in the dreamy, tangy frosting.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps whip the frosting fluffy.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it its silky texture.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Brightens the cream cheese frosting with a gentle sweetness.
How to Make Air Fryer Carrot Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Air Fryer
Start your adventure by greasing and lining a 6-inch round or square baking pan that fits snugly in your air fryer basket. This will ensure your Air Fryer Carrot Cake slips out easily once baked. Preheat your air fryer if your model allows; otherwise, just assemble everything so it’s ready to go once your batter is mixed!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisking helps to aerate the mixture and evenly distribute the spices, giving each slice a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and everything nice.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and beat the eggs with the vegetable oil and vanilla extract until everything looks glossy and smooth. Now, stir in the finely grated carrots and that juicy, drained crushed pineapple. These key additions keep your Air Fryer Carrot Cake incredibly moist and bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gently fold the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. A light hand is key for a soft, tender crumb. If you’re using nuts for a little crunch, fold them in now. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Transfer the pan to your air fryer, set the temperature to 320°F (160°C), and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know your cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean — your kitchen should already smell amazing by this point! Let the cake cool in the pan before moving to a rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your Air Fryer Carrot Cake cools, whip up the creamy frosting of your dreams: beat together softened cream cheese and butter until silky. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat some more until light and fluffy. This is the crown your cake deserves!
Step 7: Frost, Slice, and Savor
Once the cake is completely cool, slather the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Now, slice your Air Fryer Carrot Cake and get ready for the best part — sharing (or savoring every bite yourself)!
How to Serve Air Fryer Carrot Cake
Garnishes
A classic swipe of cream cheese frosting is only the beginning! Add another delightful layer by sprinkling with extra chopped walnuts or pecans, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a few delicate carrot ribbons for a hint of color. For a touch of whimsy, try orange zest or little candied ginger pieces on top.
Side Dishes
A slice of Air Fryer Carrot Cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For a dessert platter, serve alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to brighten up the sweet, spiced notes of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to really wow your guests, try cutting the cake into small squares and layering with extra frosting for carrot cake “bites.” Or serve wedges stacked with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. Mini single-serve cakes baked in ramekins are another fun, party-ready twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer Carrot Cake will keep perfectly in the fridge for up to four days. Just place any remaining slices in an airtight container to preserve their moistness and keep the frosting silky smooth.
Freezing
Need to save cake for later? Freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Store in a freezer-safe container, and your carrot cake can last up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake at room temperature, just leave a slice out for about 30 minutes before serving. For a fresh-from-the-oven feel, pop an unfrosted slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. Always frost after warming for the creamiest finish.
FAQs
Can I make this Air Fryer Carrot Cake without nuts?
Absolutely! The nuts are entirely optional and the Air Fryer Carrot Cake will be just as moist and flavorful without them. If you want a little crunch, you can consider adding sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead.
How do I know when the cake is perfectly cooked in the air fryer?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center — if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is done. All air fryers cook a little differently, so check at the earlier end of the recommended time.
What if my air fryer is smaller and doesn’t fit a 6-inch pan?
You can use any oven-proof dish that fits in your air fryer! Just make sure not to fill it more than two-thirds full with batter, and adjust your baking time as needed. If necessary, split the batter into two smaller pans and bake in batches.
Can I double the Air Fryer Carrot Cake recipe?
Yes, you can! If you want a taller cake or need more servings, simply double the ingredients and bake the cakes in two batches to ensure even cooking. Make sure to let each cake cool completely before frosting.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan or gluten-free diet?
As written, this Air Fryer Carrot Cake recipe contains eggs, dairy, and wheat, but you can experiment with egg replacers, dairy-free cream cheese and butter, and your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that substitutions may slightly change the taste or texture.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to give this Air Fryer Carrot Cake a whirl in your own kitchen. It’s the kind of bake that never fails to impress — and it might just become your new favorite tradition for sweet celebrations or cozy afternoons. Give it a try and watch it disappear, slice by irresistible slice!
Print
Air Fryer Carrot Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a deliciously moist and flavorful Air Fryer Carrot Cake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This small-batch recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dessert option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Grease and line a 6-inch round or square baking pan that fits your air fryer.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple.
- Mix Batter: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. Fold in nuts if using. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the air fryer and bake at 320°F (160°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix until fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and slice to serve.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Notes
- You can double the recipe and bake in two batches if needed.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
