Sweet, spiced, and impossibly moist, this Air Fryer Carrot Cake proves that baking a luscious homemade dessert doesn’t require a fancy oven or all day in the kitchen. With nubby flecks of carrot, hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, and that signature subtle tang from crushed pineapple, every bite of this small-batch treat feels like a celebration. Whether you’re new to air fryer baking or a seasoned pro, this unfussy recipe delivers all the classic flavor and nostalgia of carrot cake, but it’s ready in under an hour—without ever turning on your oven. Air Fryer Carrot Cake is about to become your go-to for easy, impressive desserts!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to amazing Air Fryer Carrot Cake isn’t complicated ingredients—just the right ones in the right amounts. Each plays a vital part, bringing flavor, texture, and that iconic color to life.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together for a tender but stable crumb.
- Baking powder & baking soda: Both leaveners work together to give the cake its perfect rise and lightness.
- Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: These spices add warmth and depth, transforming this from a basic cake to a nostalgic classic.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances all the sweetness and lets the spices shine through.
- Eggs: They add structure and richness, making the cake fluffy and cohesive.
- Granulated sugar & light brown sugar: A mix gives sweetness, softness, and that beloved hint of caramel flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Oil keeps the cake extra-moist with a lovely, tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Brings everything together with its subtle, aromatic flavor.
- Finely grated carrots: The star of the show! They melt into the cake for color, moisture, and earthy sweetness.
- Crushed pineapple (drained): This secret addition keeps every slice moist and delivers a bright, fruity pop.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a lovely crunch and a nutty edge if you want to go classic.
How to Make Air Fryer Carrot Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer and Pan
Start by preheating your air fryer to 320°F (160°C), which sets the stage for even baking. While it’s warming up, grease a 6-inch round cake pan—making sure it fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Proper pan prep means your Air Fryer Carrot Cake will slide out perfectly, without sticking!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step helps make sure your leaveners and spices are evenly distributed, ensuring each bite is flavorful and rises beautifully.
Step 3: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and a little fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This gets some air into your batter and fully dissolves the sugars for a smooth cake crumb.
Step 4: Add Oil and Vanilla
Pour in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract to your wet mixture. Stir well—oil is key for the signature moisture in Air Fryer Carrot Cake. The vanilla adds that irresistible bakery aroma.
Step 5: Fold in Carrots and Pineapple
Use a spatula to gently fold in the finely grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple. This duo brings unbeatable flavor and keeps the cake extra moist without making it soggy. You’re already smelling that carrot cake magic, right?
Step 6: Combine and Add Nuts
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined—don’t over-mix! If you love a little crunch, fold in your chopped walnuts or pecans now for that classic carrot cake texture.
Step 7: Pour and Air Fry
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Set the pan in your hot air fryer and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 8: Cool and Frost
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, feel free to slather with your favorite cream cheese frosting or enjoy it plain. Now your Air Fryer Carrot Cake is ready to serve!
How to Serve Air Fryer Carrot Cake
Garnishes
A swoosh of classic cream cheese frosting is always a winning choice. For extra flair, sprinkle on a handful of chopped nuts, a shower of orange zest, or a dusting of powdered sugar—each adds color, crunch, and a bit of wow factor to every serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fryer Carrot Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a refreshing contrast. A cup of strong black coffee or spiced chai also works perfectly to offset the cake’s sweetness and spice.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, cut the cake into small squares for easy-to-eat finger food—great for brunch or potlucks. You can also bake mini cakes in ramekins or muffin tins (reduce the cooking time!), or turn leftovers into a carrot cake trifle layered with frosting and fruit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Air Fryer Carrot Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For ultimate freshness, refrigerate—especially if you’ve topped it with cream cheese frosting.
Freezing
Slice your fully cooled cake and freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic and foil. The Air Fryer Carrot Cake will keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw slices in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature before digging in.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked feel, warm leftover slices in the air fryer at 300°F for 2 to 3 minutes, or microwave them in 10-second bursts. They’ll be soft, moist, and as inviting as when you first made them!
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded carrots from the store?
While it’s tempting, I recommend grating carrots yourself for Air Fryer Carrot Cake. Pre-shredded carrots are often too thick and don’t melt into the batter as well, leading to a less moist cake. Finely grated, fresh carrot gives the very best texture!
Is there a substitute for the crushed pineapple?
Crushed pineapple adds signature tang and moisture, but if you can’t find it, applesauce makes a good substitute in the same quantity. The result will be a slightly different flavor, but still delicious and moist.
What if my air fryer is smaller or larger than 6 inches?
No problem! Just ensure your pan fits in your air fryer basket with room for air to circulate. If you use a smaller pan or mini tins, bake in batches and reduce the cooking time, checking doneness early. A larger pan may need a few more minutes, so check with a toothpick.
Can I make Air Fryer Carrot Cake dairy-free?
Absolutely. This recipe itself is dairy-free, just skip any dairy-based frosting or use a plant-based alternative. It’s a wonderfully adaptable treat for many diets.
How do I know when my carrot cake is done?
Look for the edges pulling slightly away from the pan and a golden top. The best test is poking the center with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not raw batter. Air fryers can vary, so start checking at 35 minutes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a way to turn everyday ingredients into something truly special, this Air Fryer Carrot Cake is it. With minimal fuss and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to all year long—perfect for celebrations or a weekday treat. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes the most requested dessert at your table!
Print
Air Fryer Carrot Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delicious and moist Air Fryer Carrot Cake that’s perfect for a small gathering or a cozy night in. This easy-to-follow recipe yields a delightful dessert that will impress your taste buds.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add oil and vanilla extract, mix until combined.
- Add Carrots and Pineapple: Fold in grated carrots and crushed pineapple. Gradually stir in dry ingredients. Fold in nuts if using.
- Bake: Pour batter into a greased 6-inch round cake pan. Air fry for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting if desired.
Notes
- You can top the cake with cream cheese frosting once cooled.
- To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based oil and skip any dairy-based toppings.
- A 6-inch cake pan works well for most air fryer baskets; adjust if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
