Air Fryer Castella Cake
Soft, Fluffy, and Moist Japanese-Style Sponge Cake Made in the Air Fryer
If you love light, airy, and delicate cakes, this Air Fryer Castella Cake is a recipe you must try. Castella cake is a famous Japanese-style sponge cake known for its incredibly soft texture, fine crumbs, and gentle sweetness.
Traditionally made with careful baking techniques, this cake can also be prepared beautifully in an air fryer. The air fryer provides even heat, helping the cake rise with a smooth golden top while keeping the inside moist and fluffy.
This simple homemade cake is perfect for tea time, breakfast, dessert tables, birthdays, or whenever you want a light sweet treat. With basic ingredients like eggs, flour, sugar, and honey, you can create a bakery-style cake right in your kitchen.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35–40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 8 slices
Ingredients
For Castella Cake
4 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons honey
¾ cup cake flour or all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings
Powdered sugar
Honey drizzle
Fresh berries
Whipped cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Pan
Preheat the air fryer to 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes.
Line a small air fryer-safe cake pan with parchment paper.
Make sure the pan fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
Separate the egg whites and yolks carefully.
Place egg whites in a clean, dry mixing bowl.
Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites until foamy.
Gradually add sugar while beating.
Continue mixing until the egg whites become glossy and form soft peaks.
This step creates the light and fluffy texture of the cake.
Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Flavor
Add egg yolks one at a time into the whipped egg whites.
Mix gently on low speed until combined.
Add:
Honey
Vanilla extract
Milk
Vegetable oil
Fold gently until incorporated.
Avoid overmixing because it can remove the air from the batter.
Step 4: Add Flour
Sift cake flour and salt into the mixture.
Using a spatula, gently fold the flour into the batter.
Fold from the bottom upward until the batter becomes smooth.
The batter should look light and airy.
Step 5: Air Fry the Castella Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to remove large air bubbles.
Place the pan into the air fryer.
Air fry at:
150°C (300°F) for 35–40 minutes
Check the cake by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean.
If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last part of cooking.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the cake from the air fryer.
Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Remove the parchment paper and let it cool completely.
For the best texture, wrap the cake and refrigerate for a few hours before slicing.
Cut into even slices and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy Air Fryer Castella Cake with:
Hot tea
Coffee
Fresh strawberries
Whipped cream
Honey drizzle
Vanilla ice cream
It is perfect for:
Afternoon tea
Birthday celebrations
Dessert tables
Homemade gifts
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Castella Cake
Use room-temperature eggs
They whip better and create a lighter cake texture.
Do not overmix the batter
Gentle folding keeps the cake soft and fluffy.
Sift the flour
This prevents lumps and creates a smoother texture.
Use low heat
Castella needs gentle cooking to maintain its soft texture.
Let it rest
The flavor and moisture improve after resting.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Castella Cake
Replace 2 tablespoons of flour with cocoa powder.
Matcha Castella Cake
Add 1 tablespoon matcha powder for a Japanese green tea flavor.
Lemon Castella Cake
Add lemon zest for a fresh citrus taste.
Honey Almond Castella
Add sliced almonds on top before air frying.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator
Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 1 month.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Slice)
Calories: 190 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Castella Cake is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can create an elegant dessert. Its soft sponge texture, delicate sweetness, and honey flavor make it a wonderful homemade treat.
Whether you enjoy it with tea, serve it to guests, or simply want a light dessert, this fluffy air fryer cake is a recipe worth making again and again.