Lemon drizzle cake, a classic British treat known for its tangy sweetness, is readily available in supermarkets. But there’s something truly rewarding about baking it at home. And now, you can skip the oven altogether! BBC Good Food, a trusted culinary resource, has shared a recipe for an air-fried lemon drizzle cake, proving that this versatile appliance can handle more than just crispy fries.
This recipe is incredibly user-friendly, even for those who don’t consider themselves experienced bakers. BBC Good Food rates it as “easy,” and with just 10 minutes of preparation time, it won’t take up your entire day.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful air fryer lemon cake:
Ingredients:
* 250g butter (room temperature)
* 250g caster sugar
* Four eggs
* 250g self-raising flour
* Three lemons (zest and juice)
* 100g icing sugar
Instructions:
1.
Prepare your Air Fryer:
Start by ensuring you have a loaf tin that comfortably fits inside your air fryer basket or on the racks if you have a digital oven-style fryer. Line the tin with baking parchment, scrunching it slightly to help it stay in place.2.
Mix the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, caster sugar, eggs, flour, a pinch of salt, and two-thirds of the lemon zest. Stir until the mixture is light and fluffy. If you prefer, use an electric whisk to save time and effort. Aim for a pale, lump-free batter.3.
Optional Texture:
For a bit of added texture, consider stirring in a small handful of poppy seeds at this point.4.
Preheat and Bake:
Preheat your air fryer to 160°C. Spoon the cake batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. To ensure the cake is cooked through, insert a skewer into the center. It should come out clean. If the cake starts to brown excessively, cover it with foil to prevent further browning.5.
Cool and Drizzle:
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for five minutes but don’t let it cool completely before making the icing. For the drizzle, combine the icing sugar, the remaining lemon zest, and just enough lemon juice to create a smooth, pourable icing. Carefully remove the warm cake from the tin and place it on a wire rack over a tray. Using a skewer, make small holes all over the top of the cake. Slowly drizzle the icing over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the icing set before serving.Enjoy your homemade air fryer lemon drizzle cake! It’s the perfect treat for a special occasion or a simple afternoon snack. The combination of tangy lemon and sweet icing makes it irresistible, while the convenience of air frying takes the guesswork out of baking.
