I’m always looking for ways to use up fresh berries in the summer, and cake is a perfect choice. But, who wants to heat up their house with the oven? That’s where this air fryer blueberry cake comes in. It’s so simple to make, and takes less time and heat than the conventional way!
Blueberry cake is easy to make, yet completely delicious! Your air fryer does all the work for you, and in less time than it would take to bake a traditional cake in the oven.
You can use ramekins like I am here to make perfect single serve portion mini cakes, with no cake cutting required! However, if you prefer a larger cake made in a single pan, that’s totally fine as well.
I love the look of this blueberry upside down cake, which offers a stunning presentation on a plate. However, like most recipes it’s very adaptable, and you can mix the blueberries into the cake instead for an option that’s easier to frost if you want to go that route.
No matter which way you go about it, the air fryer delivers a speedy baking process while ensuring moisture retention in your baked goods for that perfect bite!
Make sure to check out my other best Air Fryer Blueberry Recipes for other great blueberry baked goods and more!
Ingredients List
For the Blueberry Topping
1 ⅓ cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1 lemon, zested
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp salted butter, melted
For the Cake
6 Tbsp salted butter, softened
¼ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground cinnamon
⅓ cup milk
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Special Equipment Note: You’ll need four 7-ounce ramekins, or a single cake pan that fits in your air fryer’s basket for this recipe
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You do not need to defrost the blueberries if you use frozen
Feel free to swap other citrus, such as orange or lime for the lemon to change things up
Experiment with other warm spices instead of cinnamon, like ginger, nutmeg, or allspice
The milk can be substituted by cream, buttermilk, yogurt, or sour cream
You can swap in cake mix from a box for the cake portion of the recipe if preferred. Prepare according to the package directions, and feel free to reference my Box Cake Hacks for some creative ideas!
Topping Variations
If you choose to mix your blueberries into the cake instead of doing a blueberry upside down cake, you can add other toppings instead! Here are some great options:
Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (or the closest setting your air fryer has), and thoroughly grease your ramekins or cake pan, or use parchment cut to fit to line them
Mix blueberries, lemon zest, brown sugar, and melted butter together in a small bowl. Divide the blueberry mixture evenly into each ramekin, or spread in an even layer in the bottom of the cake pan
Cream together the butter and sugar, then add the wet ingredients and mix well. Lastly, add the dry ingredients, and stir until combined
Spoon the batter evenly into the ramekins over the blueberries, or in an even layer in your cake pan
Place the ramekins or cake pan into your preheated air fryer basket
Cook on the air fry setting for 15-20 minutes at 325°F, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Note that a single pan will generally require 25-30 minutes, but make sure to check it regularly after the 20 minute mark
Cool for 5-10 minutes, then run a knife or spatula around the outside to release the cake, and invert it onto a plate
Yes, you can adapt a regular cake recipe for the air fryer, including blueberry cake recipes. However, you may need to make a few adjustments to ensure optimal results.
Consider reducing the recipe’s liquid content slightly to account for the air fryer’s efficient cooking process. Additionally, monitor the baking time closely, as the air fryer typically requires shorter cooking times compared to a conventional oven.
How Do I Prevent the Blueberries From Sinking to the Bottom?
If you choose not to make an upside down cake, to prevent blueberries from sinking to the bottom of your air fryer blueberry cake, you can follow these tips:
• Toss the blueberries in a small amount of flour before adding them to the batter to create a barrier which prevents sinking • Add the blueberries to the batter gently, folding them in with a spatula instead of stirring vigorously • If using frozen blueberries, make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter, as extra moisture promotes sinking
Should I Adjust the Baking Time When Using Frozen Blueberries?
You should not need to adjust the baking time when using frozen blueberries in an air fryer cake recipe. However, they will give off a slight amount of additional moisture during cooking.
Typically, if extra time is needed, it is between 1-3 minutes additional. Just monitor your cake for doneness and add time in small intervals near the end as needed.
Can I Substitute Other Fruits for Blueberries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While blueberries are a popular choice, you can substitute other fruits in air fryer cake recipes. Consider using raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, or a combination of fruits.
Be mindful of the fruit’s moisture content and adjust the recipe as needed to ensure proper texture and baking time.
What’s the Recommended Type of Pan for Baking Blueberry Cakes in the Air Fryer?
For baking blueberry cakes in the air fryer, it’s best to use a pan that fits comfortably within the air fryer basket. Silicone cake pans, round or square cake pans, and ramekins can all work well.
You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy release. Just ensure the pan’s dimensions fit within the air fryer’s cooking space.
How Do I Know When My Air Fryer Blueberry Cake is Done?
To determine if your air fryer blueberry cake is done, insert a toothpick or a cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, the cake is ready.
The top should be golden brown and firm to the touch. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the air fryer model, so use visual cues and toothpick testing to ensure the cake is fully cooked.
Recipe Pro Tips
This blueberry cake recipe was tested in a Ninja air fryer and was perfect after 15 minutes. Other brands of air fryer may vary slightly in terms of cooking times
Storage Tips
Store leftover blueberry cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. It may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but it will lose moisture this way. For longer term storage, freeze the cake for up to 2 months
While blueberry upside down cake is delicious served at room temperature, you may microwave a piece for 30-45 seconds to warm it (especially if you’re serving a la mode!)
I love the convenience and versatility of baking cakes in the air fryer, and this amazing blueberry upside down cake is no exception. I love the perfect mini cakes you get with ramekins, but it’s equally wonderful as a larger single cake as well.
Feel free to experiment with both this upside down technique and just mixing the berries in. You can even change up the berries, spices, and citrus to create your own twist.
The air fryer is perfect for making delightful, moist cakes. In the summer when it’s hot, I always turn to my favorite countertop appliance in lieu of the oven! Not only does it preheat faster, but it cooks faster as well, and doesn’t heat up the house.
For even smaller delicious cakes, check out my amazing Air Fryer Funfetti Cupcakes as well!
Air Fryer Lemon Blueberry Upside Down Cake
This air fryer blueberry cake features a kiss of lemon and an upside down topping that really makes it have that wow factor!
4 7-Ounce ramekins (or a single cake pan that fits in your air fryer)
Ingredients
For the Blueberry Upside Down Topping
1 ⅓Cupsblueberries(fresh or frozen)
1Lemon, zested(or about 1 Tbsp zest)
2Tbspbrown sugar
1Tbspsalted butter, melted
For the Lemon Cake
6Tbspsalted butter(softened)
¼Cupbrown sugar
1Largeegg
1Tspvanilla extract
1Cupall purpose flour
1Tspbaking powder
½Tspground cinnamon
⅓Cupmilk
1Tbsplemon juice
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (or the closest setting your air fryer has), and thoroughly grease your ramekins or cake pan, or use parchment cut to fit to line them
Mix blueberries, lemon zest, brown sugar, and melted butter together in a small bowl. Divide the blueberry mixture evenly into each ramekin, or spread in an even layer in the bottom of the cake pan
Cream together the butter and sugar, then add the wet ingredients and mix well. Lastly, add the dry ingredients, and stir until combined
6 Tbsp salted butter, ¼ Cup brown sugar, 1 Large egg, 1 Tsp vanilla extract, 1 Tsp baking powder, ½ Tsp ground cinnamon, ⅓ Cup milk, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 Cup all purpose flour
Spoon the batter evenly into the ramekins over the blueberries, or in an even layer in your cake pan
Place the ramekins or cake pan into your preheated air fryer basket
Cook on the air fry setting for 15-20 minutes at 325°F, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Note that a single pan will generally require 25-30 minutes, but make sure to check it regularly after the 20 minute mark
Cool for 5-10 minutes, then run a knife or spatula around the outside to release the cake, and invert it onto a plate
Serve with whipped cream or ice cream if desired
Notes
You do not need to defrost the blueberries if you use frozen
Feel free to swap other citrus, such as orange or lime for the lemon to change things up
Experiment with other warm spices instead of cinnamon, like ginger, nutmeg, or allspice
The milk can be substituted by cream, buttermilk, yogurt, or sour cream
You can swap in cake mix from a box for the cake portion of the recipe if preferred
This blueberry cake recipe was tested in a Ninja air fryer and was perfect after 15 minutes. Other brands of air fryer may vary slightly in terms of cooking times
Store leftover blueberry cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. It may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but it will lose moisture this way. For longer term storage, freeze the cake for up to 2 months
While blueberry upside down cake is delicious served at room temperature, you may microwave a piece for 30-45 seconds to warm it (especially if you’re serving a la mode!)
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
