I bet your mother told you at least once you couldn’t have cake for breakfast. Well, I beg to differ! This homemade air fryer coffee cake goes perfectly with a warm cup of coffee, just like the name indicates. Of course, it’s equally good for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
Coffee cake is a delicious and versatile cake which you can create in a huge variety of flavors! I’m making a raspberry almond variation, but you can change it up to make any flavors you like.
This moist cake is usually served alongside coffee (or tea), but there’s no actual coffee in the cake. Of course, you could always add some if you prefer, but you non-coffee lovers don’t need to despair.
The air fryer is a great choice for making cakes, and coffee cake is no exception. It preheats quicker and cooks slightly faster (about 10 minutes on average in this case) than a traditional oven.
Special Equipment Note: You will need some form of cake pan that fits in your air fryer’s basket or rack. I have a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer, so I use a small loaf pan or two to compensate for two smaller baskets. However, a single square or round cake pan works just fine!
Feel free to double the recipe for a large or thicker cake as well, if desired.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
The sour cream may be swapped for milk or a non-dairy alternative if desired
Almond extract may be substituted by vanilla extract, or any other flavor you’d like!
You may use any flavor of preserves for the filling, or add something different entirely such as Nutella, cinnamon sugar, fresh fruit, pie filling, etc. You could also try my Sangria Wine Jelly for a unique twist!
The almonds in the topping are optional. You can also swap in any other type of nut you’d like, or oats make a great alternative for texture as well
You may also use a coffee cake box cake mix (such as Krusteaz) if preferred for this recipe, to make it semi-homemade. Just follow the directions on the box to prepare it, and use the air frying baking instructions below
Step By Step Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (or the closest setting your specific air fryer has) and grease your cake pan with nonstick or line it with parchment paper
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Then, add the wet ingredients and stir until mixed. Add the dry ingredients, and stir until just combined
Spread half of the coffee cake batter into the bottom of your cake pan
Microwave the raspberry preserves for about 15-20 seconds to soften them, then spread them over top of the cake batter
Top the preserves with the remaining half of the cake batter
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cold butter cubes. Mix with a fork or your hands until crumbles form. Then, fold in the almonds
Spread the crumble mixture over top of the coffee cake, pressing down slightly so it sticks to the batter
Place the filled cake pan into the preheated air fryer basket
Cook on the air fry setting for 20-30 minutes at 325°F, until the top is brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean (or with moist crumbs but not liquid batter)
What’s the Difference Between Air Frying and Baking Coffee Cake?
When it comes to coffee cake, air frying typically results in a slightly quicker cooking time and a crispier top layer, thanks to the air circulation. Baking, on the other hand, might take a bit longer but will produce a slightly softer texture.
Both methods can yield delicious coffee cake, so you can choose based on your preference and available time and equipment.
Can I Use a Cake Mix for Air Fryer Coffee Cake?
Yes, you can absolutely use a cake mix to simplify the preparation of air fryer coffee cake. In fact, there are many coffee cake boxed mixes available. Using a cake mix can save time and ensure consistent results.
Just prepare the mix as directed and air fry according to the recipe’s instructions.
How Do I Prevent the Coffee Cake from Sticking to the Pan?
To prevent your coffee cake from sticking to the pan, make sure to properly grease the cake pan with nonstick cooking or baking spray or butter.
You may also use parchment to line the cake pan, which I often prefer to aid in releasing the cake.
Are There Any Lower Sugar or Sugar Free Options for Coffee Cake?
Yes, there are lower sugar and sugar free options for making coffee cake. Consider using sugar substitutes like Stevia or Splenda in place of regular sugars, as these alternatives provide sweetness without the added sugar content.
Alternatively, you can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas to add natural sweetness to your coffee cake while reducing the need for added sugar. Experiment with different sweeteners and fruit purees to find a combination that suits your taste.
Keep in mind that sugar substitutes and natural sweeteners may affect the texture and taste of the coffee cake, so adjust your recipe accordingly.
Can I Make Mini Coffee Cakes in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can make mini coffee cakes in the air fryer. Mini coffee cakes are perfect individual servings or as part of a larger dessert spread. To make mini coffee cakes, use small cake pans, ramekins, or silicone molds that fit inside your air fryer basket.
Follow the same preparation and cooking steps as you would for a regular-sized coffee cake, but adjust the cooking time down to 15 minutes to start, since mini cakes will cook faster. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Coffee Cake?
The best way to reheat leftover coffee cake is in the air fryer. Preheat to 325°F, place the leftover coffee cake in the basket, and air fry for 3-5 minutes, or until it’s heated through. This method helps maintain the cake’s texture and crispiness.
Alternatively, you can reheat slices of coffee cake in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds, but be cautious as it may become slightly softer.
To preserve freshness, store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it.
Recipe Pro Tips
I know that cooking time is a large range. The time for this recipe will vary based on the size of the pan you choose (which translates to the thickness of your cake) as well as your specific air fryer. Start with the lowest end of the range, and then add time in 5 minute increments and keep checking it to prevent overcooking
For reference, I used one small loaf pan to make this, and at 3” thick, the cake took about 35 minutes to be cooked all the way through in my Ninja air fryer
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store coffee cake in an airtight container or wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer term storage, wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months
While you can certainly enjoy your coffee cake at room temperature, if you would like to reheat a slice, air fry for 2-3 minutes at 325°F, or microwave for about 30 seconds, or until warmed to your liking
Who says cake isn’t for breakfast? Not me! This tasty air fryer coffee cake is perfect with a warm coffee, and a sweet treat to start your day with.
Of course, you can always enjoy it for dessert or a snack as well, and it looks great on a brunch buffet too! The choice is really yours, but you’ll love this delicious cake.
If you’re not a fan of the flavor combination, feel free to change it up any way you like! That’s one of my favorite things about coffee cake. Blueberry vanilla and classic cinnamon streusel are two of my other favorites.
For a grab and go option, make sure to check out my Raspberry Sour Cream Muffins with a streusel crumb topping. Yum!
Air Fryer Sour Cream Coffee Cake (Raspberry Almond Flavor)
This homemade air fryer coffee cake uses sour cream for a perfectly moist cake. Enjoy it for breakfast with coffee or tea, or anytime you’d like a sweet treat!
Cake pan(or similar oven safe dish that fits in your air fryer)
Ingredients
Coffee Cake Batter
1Cupall purpose flour
⅓Cupgranulated sugar
⅓Cupbutter(softened)
1Tspbaking powder
¼Tspsalt
⅓Cupsour cream
½Tspalmond extract
1Largeegg(beaten)
Raspberry Filling
4Tbspnatural raspberry preserves
Crumb Topping
¼Cupbrown sugar
¼Cupall purpose flour
3Tbspsalted butter(cold; cut into cubes)
1Tbspsliced almonds
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (or the closest setting your specific air fryer has) and grease your cake pan with nonstick or line it with parchment paper
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Then, add the wet ingredients and stir until mixed. Add the dry ingredients, and stir until just combined
1 Cup all purpose flour, ⅓ Cup granulated sugar, ⅓ Cup butter, 1 Tsp baking powder, ⅓ Cup sour cream, ½ Tsp almond extract, 1 Large egg, ¼ Tsp salt
Spread half of the coffee cake batter into the bottom of your cake pan
Microwave the raspberry preserves for about 15-20 seconds to soften them, then spread them over top of the cake batter
4 Tbsp natural raspberry preserves
Top the preserves with the remaining half of the cake batter
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cold butter cubes. Mix with a fork or your hands until crumbles form. Then, fold in the almonds
¼ Cup brown sugar, ¼ Cup all purpose flour, 3 Tbsp salted butter, 1 Tbsp sliced almonds
Spread the crumble mixture over top of the coffee cake, pressing down slightly so it sticks to the batter
Place the filled cake pan into the preheated air fryer basket
Cook on the air fry setting for 20-30 minutes at 325°F, until the top is brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean (or with moist crumbs but not liquid batter)
Cool for around 5 minutes, then slice and enjoy!
Notes
The sour cream may be swapped for milk or a non-dairy alternative if desired
Almond extract may be substituted by vanilla extract, or any other flavor you’d like!
You may use any flavor of preserves for the filling, or add something different entirely such as Nutella, cinnamon sugar, fresh fruit, pie filling, etc
The almonds in the topping are optional. You can also swap in any other type of nut you’d like, or oats make a great alternative for texture as well
You may also use a coffee cake box cake mix (such as Krusteaz) if preferred for this recipe, to make it semi-homemade. Just follow the directions on the box to prepare it, and use the air frying baking instructions below
The cooking time is a large range because the time needed for this recipe will vary based on the size of the pan you choose (which translates to the thickness of your cake) as well as your specific air fryer. Start with the lowest end of the range, and then add time in 5 minute increments and keep checking it to prevent overcooking
For reference, I used one small loaf pan to make this, and at 3” thick, the cake took about 35 minutes to be cooked all the way through in my Ninja air fryer
Store coffee cake in an airtight container or wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer term storage, wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months
While you can certainly enjoy your coffee cake at room temperature, if you would like to reheat a slice, air fry for 2-3 minutes at 325°F, or microwave for about 30 seconds, or until warmed to your liking
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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!
