Air Fryer London Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a soft, buttery cake that’s elegant enough for afternoon tea yet simple enough for everyday baking, this Air Fryer London Cake is the perfect treat. Inspired by the classic British-style butter cake, this recipe features a rich vanilla sponge with a tender crumb, lightly crisp golden edges, and a delicate buttery flavor. Baked in the air fryer, it cooks faster than a conventional oven while remaining moist and fluffy.
Whether served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with fresh berries and whipped cream, this cake is perfect for birthdays, tea parties, family gatherings, or weekend baking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8–10 slices
Calories: Approximately 310 calories per slice
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft and buttery texture
Perfectly moist crumb
Easy air fryer recipe
Simple pantry ingredients
Great for afternoon tea
Beginner-friendly
Freezer-friendly
Delicious plain or decorated
Ingredients
For the Cake
1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) whole milk
2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra moisture)
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Optional Toppings
Powdered sugar
Fresh strawberries
Blueberries
Raspberries
Whipped cream
Lemon glaze
Toasted sliced almonds
Kitchen Equipment
Air fryer
7-inch round cake pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Rubber spatula
Cooling rack
Parchment paper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pan
Grease a 7-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray.
Line the base with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Baking powder
Salt
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar for 3–4 minutes until light, pale, and fluffy.
This step creates a tender, airy cake.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add:
Vanilla extract
Lemon zest (if using)
Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk.
Gently fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until the batter is smooth.
Do not overmix.
Step 6: Fill the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any large air bubbles.
Step 7: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 5 minutes.
Step 8: Air Fry the Cake
Place the cake pan in the air fryer basket.
Bake at 320°F (160°C) for 30–35 minutes.
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the final 10 minutes of baking.
Step 9: Cool the Cake
Remove the cake from the air fryer.
Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before decorating or slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Air Fryer London Cake with:
Fresh whipped cream
Mixed berries
Vanilla ice cream
Lemon curd
Strawberry jam
Raspberry preserves
Chocolate sauce
Caramel sauce
Perfect drinks to pair with:
English breakfast tea
Earl Grey tea
Coffee
Cappuccino
Hot chocolate
Fresh lemonade
Tips for the Perfect London Cake
Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
Cream the butter and sugar well for a light texture.
Avoid overmixing once the flour is added.
Preheat the air fryer for even baking.
Check the cake a few minutes before the suggested cooking time, as air fryer models vary.
Let the cake cool before slicing to help it hold its shape.
Recipe Variations
Lemon London Cake
Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and extra zest to the batter, then drizzle with a simple lemon glaze.
Chocolate Chip London Cake
Fold ¾ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
Almond London Cake
Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract and sprinkle sliced almonds over the top before baking.
Fruit London Cake
Fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries, raspberries, or diced strawberries for a fruity twist.
Cinnamon Swirl London Cake
Layer the batter with a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar before baking for a delicious swirl.
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Air Fryer
Warm slices at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes.
Microwave
Heat individual slices for 10–15 seconds until just warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake without sour cream?
Yes. Greek yogurt, plain yogurt, or buttermilk can be used as substitutes.
What size cake pan should I use?
A 7-inch round cake pan fits most standard air fryers. If using a different size, adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I add dried fruit?
Absolutely. Raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots make excellent additions. Toss them lightly in flour before folding them into the batter.
Why is my cake dry?
Overbaking is the most common cause. Check the cake a few minutes early, as air fryer temperatures can vary.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for similar results.
Nutritional Benefits
While this is a classic dessert, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and sweetness. Using yogurt or sour cream adds moisture and a slight boost of protein and calcium, while baking in the air fryer is energy-efficient and convenient.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer London Cake is a timeless, buttery sponge that’s soft, moist, and wonderfully versatile. With its delicate vanilla flavor and tender crumb, it’s perfect for everything from afternoon tea to birthdays and family celebrations. Baking it in the air fryer makes the process quick and fuss-free while still delivering bakery-quality results.
Enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or dressed up with berries, cream, or a citrus glaze for a simple yet elegant homemade dessert that’s sure to become a favorite.