Air Fryer Birthday Cake
Ready in about 45 minutes.
Updated 7 September 2026
A cheerful vanilla sponge speckled with rainbow sprinkles and topped with buttercream, perfect for a small celebration. The air fryer bakes a light, fluffy funfetti cake without heating up the whole kitchen.
Ingredients
- 175 g (1 1/3 cups) self-raising flour
- 150 g (3/4 cup) caster sugar
- 150 g (2/3 cup) softened butter
- 3 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- 50 g (1/4 cup) rainbow sprinkles
- 150 g butter and 250 g icing sugar, for buttercream
Method
- 1Cream the butter and sugar until pale, then beat in the eggs and vanilla.
- 2Fold in the flour and milk, then gently stir through the sprinkles.
- 3Spoon into a greased, lined tin that fits your air fryer.
- 4Preheat the air fryer to 160°C/320°F, then bake for 22-27 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
- 5Cool completely on a wire rack.
- 6Beat the butter and icing sugar into a smooth buttercream and swirl over the cooled cake.
Tips for the best results
- Fold the sprinkles in at the last moment so the colours do not bleed.
- Chill the frosted cake briefly for cleaner slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer birthday cake?+
Cook at 160°C / 320°F for 22-27 min.