Light and Fluffy Airfryer Castella Cake Recipe

If you’ve been craving a dessert that’s soft, fluffy, and just lightly sweetened, this airfryer castella cake is exactly what you need. Using the airfryer to bake this classic Japanese sponge cake results in a moist texture with a lovely golden crust, all without heating up your whole kitchen.

this Recipe

You’ll love how simple the process is and how reliably this recipe comes together. Whether you’re new to castella or a longtime fan, making airfryer castella cake at home is a fun and rewarding experience that yields a light cake perfect for afternoon tea or a sweet snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make using an airfryer, no oven required.
• Produces a soft, airy sponge cake with a delicate golden crust.
• Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have.
• Perfect portion size, easily sliced for sharing or solo treats.
• Minimal cleanup with just a few bowls and the airfryer basket.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your soft and fluffy airfryer castella cake. Make sure to use room temperature eggs for the best texture.

• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cake flour, sifted
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6 slices
• Calories: Approximately 180 per slice

How to Make Airfryer Castella Cake

1. Preheat your airfryer to 320°F (160°C). Lightly grease an 8×4 inch loaf pan that fits inside your airfryer basket and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar using a hand mixer on high speed until the mixture is thick, pale, and triples in volume, about 7-8 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, mix the honey, milk, and vanilla extract until combined. Gently fold this into the egg mixture.
4. Sift the cake flour and salt over the batter in three additions. Carefully fold in each addition using a spatula to keep as much air as possible in the batter.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and gently tap the pan on the counter to release any large air bubbles.
6. Place the pan in the airfryer basket and cook at 320°F for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
7. Once done, remove the pan and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use fresh, room temperature eggs for maximum volume in the batter.
• Sift the cake flour to avoid lumps and ensure a light texture.
• Fold the flour in gently to keep the batter airy and prevent deflation.
• Check your airfryer’s temperature accuracy as some models run hot or cool.
• Allow the cake to cool fully before slicing to maintain its shape and texture.

Storage and Reheating

Store your airfryer castella cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.

To reheat, let frozen slices thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm briefly in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or at low airfryer temperature (250°F) for 3-4 minutes to refresh the soft texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

While cake flour is preferred for its fine texture and lower protein content, you can substitute all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons per cup and replacing it with cornstarch to mimic cake flour’s softness.

Why is my castella cake dense instead of fluffy?

Common causes include under-whipping the eggs, overmixing the batter after adding flour, or using cold eggs. Make sure to whip eggs until very fluffy and fold ingredients gently to keep air incorporated.

Can I add flavors like matcha or cocoa?

Yes! You can add 1-2 tablespoons of matcha powder or unsweetened cocoa powder by sifting it with the flour. Adjust sugar slightly if needed to balance flavors.

Is it possible to make this recipe in a regular oven?

Absolutely. Bake the cake at 320°F in a preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean, adjusting time based on your oven’s performance.