Homemade air fryer Christmas cake 

How to Make Homemade Air Fryer Christmas Cake

Step 1: Soak the Dried Fruit

To ensure your Christmas cake is packed with flavor and moisture, it’s essential to soak the dried fruits in juice or alcohol before baking. This step helps plump the fruits and infuses them with a rich, festive flavor.

• Combine the mixed dried fruit, candied peel, and cranberries (if using) in a bowl.
• Add the apple juice (or orange juice) and stir to combine. For an extra holiday touch, add brandy or rum to the mixture, ensuring the fruit is mostly submerged. Let the mixture soak for at least 2-3 hours, or ideally overnight in the refrigerator, to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps create a smooth and airy batter.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. These spices are the heart and soul of a Christmas cake, giving it that warm, festive aroma.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
• Stir in the soaked fruit mixture, including any juice or alcohol, and the vanilla extract. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in at this stage.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Pan

• Lightly grease a round cake pan (about 6 to 7 inches in diameter) or line it with parchment paper.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Step 4: Bake the Cake in the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). This lower temperature will ensure the cake bakes through without burning the top.
• Place the prepared cake pan in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to bake the cake in batches, but this recipe should work well in most air fryers with a 6-inch or 7-inch pan.
• Air fry the cake for 25 to 30 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
• If the cake is browning too quickly on top, you can tent it with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while the inside continues to cook.

Step 5: Cool and Decorate

• Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once cooled, you can choose to cover the cake with marzipan (for a traditional touch) and then ice with royal icing for an extra festive finish. Decorate the top with candied fruits, glazed cherries, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Step 6: Let It Rest

For the best flavor, allow the cake to sit for a day or two before serving. This allows the spices and fruit flavors to deepen and meld together. If you like, you can even brush the cake with a little more brandy or rum after it cools and let it rest in an airtight container for a few days to allow the flavors to develop.

Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Christmas Cake

1. Soak the Fruit: Soaking the dried fruit not only adds moisture but also infuses the cake with festive flavors. Don’t skip this step! If you prefer alcohol-free, stick to fruit juice, but if you enjoy the depth of flavor that alcohol provides, rum or brandy is ideal.
2. Temperature Control: Make sure to air fry at a lower temperature (320°F) for even cooking. Air fryers tend to cook faster than traditional ovens, so lower temps help prevent the cake from browning too quickly.
3. Check for Doneness: Air fryer baking can vary depending on the model and size of the cake pan. Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready to come out of the fryer.
4. Decorate Creatively: While marzipan and royal icing are traditional, feel free to get creative with your decorations. Top the cake with candied fruit, edible glitter, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a festive look.
5. Storage: This cake stores wonderfully and can be made in advance. Keep it in an airtight container for up to a week, and it will stay moist and flavorful. If you want it to last even longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to a month.

Creative Variations

• Vegan Christmas Cake: Use dairy-free butter and substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to make a vegan version of this cake.
• Spiced Rum Fruit Cake: Soak the dried fruit in spiced rum for an extra layer of holiday flavor.
• Nut-Free Cake: Omit the nuts if you prefer a nut-free cake or have dietary restrictions. You can add extra dried fruit or even chopped chocolate for a fun twist.

Conclusion: The Perfect Christmas Cake, Air-Fried to Perfection

This Homemade Air Fryer Christmas Cake is a delightful way to celebrate the holidays with a delicious, easy-to-make dessert. Thanks to the air fryer, you can bake a moist, flavorful fruitcake without turning on your oven or spending hours in the kitchen. The rich, spiced flavors and festive decorations make this cake a showstopper at any holiday gathering.

So this Christmas, skip the oven and embrace

the ease of air fryer baking. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea, gifting it to friends, or serving it as part of your holiday spread, this cake is sure to become a holiday favorite for years to come!