Best Air Fryer Blueberry Cake Ever โ€“ So Simple!

Iโ€™m always looking for ways to use up fresh berries in the summer, and cake is a perfect choice. But, who wants to heat up their house with the oven? Thatโ€™s where this air fryer blueberry cake comes in. Itโ€™s so simple to make, and takes less time and heat than the conventional way!

air fryer blueberry cake recipe dinners done quick

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

Blueberry cake is easy to make, yet completely delicious! Your air fryer does all the work for you, and in less time than it would take to bake a traditional cake in the oven.

You can use ramekins like I am here to make perfect single serve portion mini cakes, with no cake cutting required! However, if you prefer a larger cake made in a single pan, thatโ€™s totally fine as well.

I love the look of this blueberry upside down cake, which offers a stunning presentation on a plate. However, like most recipes itโ€™s very adaptable, and you can mix the blueberries into the cake instead for an option thatโ€™s easier to frost if you want to go that route.

piece of air fryer blueberry cake on a fork

No matter which way you go about it, the air fryer delivers a speedy baking process while ensuring moisture retention in your baked goods for that perfect bite!

Make sure to check out my other best Air Fryer Blueberry Recipes for other great blueberry baked goods and more!

Ingredients List

ingredients to make blueberry cake in the air fryer

For the Blueberry Topping

  • 1 โ…“ cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 lemon, zestedย 
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp salted butter, melted

For the Cake

  • 6 Tbsp salted butter, softened
  • ยผ cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ยฝ tsp ground cinnamon
  • โ…“ cup milk
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Special Equipment Note: Youโ€™ll need four 7-ounce ramekins, or a single cake pan that fits in your air fryerโ€™s basket for this recipe

Ingredient Tips and Substitutions

  • You do not need to defrost the blueberries if you use frozen
  • Feel free to swap other citrus, such as orange or lime for the lemon to change things up
  • Experiment with other warm spices instead of cinnamon, like ginger, nutmeg, or allspice
  • The milk can be substituted by cream, buttermilk, yogurt, or sour cream
  • You can swap in cake mix from a box for the cake portion of the recipe if preferred. Prepare according to the package directions, and feel free to reference my Box Cake Hacks for some creative ideas!

Topping Variations

If you choose to mix your blueberries into the cake instead of doing a blueberry upside down cake, you can add other toppings instead! Here are some great options:

How to Make Air Fryer Blueberry Upside Down Cake

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 325ยฐF (or the closest setting your air fryer has), and thoroughly grease your ramekins or cake pan, or use parchment cut to fit to line them
grease ramekins for cakes while air fryer preheats
  1. Mix blueberries, lemon zest, brown sugar, and melted butter together in a small bowl. Divide the blueberry mixture evenly into each ramekin, or spread in an even layer in the bottom of the cake pan
mix blueberries, lemon zest, brown sugar, and melted butter together in a small bowl
  1. Cream together the butter and sugar, then add the wet ingredients and mix well. Lastly, add the dry ingredients, and stir until combined
cream together butter and sugar then add wet ingredients to make cake batter
  1. Spoon the batter evenly into the ramekins over the blueberries, or in an even layer in your cake pan
spoon cake batter evenly over the blueberries
  1. Place the ramekins or cake pan into your preheated air fryer basket
place batter filled ramekins in air fryer basket
  1. Cook on the air fry setting for 15-20 minutes at 325ยฐF, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Note that a single pan will generally require 25-30 minutes, but make sure to check it regularly after the 20 minute mark
  2. Cool for 5-10 minutes, then run a knife or spatula around the outside to release the cake, and invert it onto a plate
  3. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream if desired
overhead view of air fryer blueberry cake on a plate surrounded by fresh fruit

Other Flavors of Air Fryer Cakes to Try

Recipe FAQs

Can I Use a Regular Cake Recipe in the Air Fryer?

Yes, you can adapt a regular cake recipe for the air fryer, including blueberry cake recipes. However, you may need to make a few adjustments to ensure optimal results.

Consider reducing the recipeโ€™s liquid content slightly to account for the air fryerโ€™s efficient cooking process. Additionally, monitor the baking time closely, as the air fryer typically requires shorter cooking times compared to a conventional oven.

How Do I Prevent the Blueberries From Sinking to the Bottom?

If you choose not to make an upside down cake, to prevent blueberries from sinking to the bottom of your air fryer blueberry cake, you can follow these tips:

โ€ข Toss the blueberries in a small amount of flour before adding them to the batter to create a barrier which prevents sinking
โ€ข Add the blueberries to the batter gently, folding them in with a spatula instead of stirring vigorously
โ€ข If using frozen blueberries, make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter, as extra moisture promotes sinking

Should I Adjust the Baking Time When Using Frozen Blueberries?

You should not need to adjust the baking time when using frozen blueberries in an air fryer cake recipe. However, they will give off a slight amount of additional moisture during cooking.

Typically, if extra time is needed, it is between 1-3 minutes additional. Just monitor your cake for doneness and add time in small intervals near the end as needed.

Can I Substitute Other Fruits for Blueberries in This Recipe?

Absolutely! While blueberries are a popular choice, you can substitute other fruits in air fryer cake recipes. Consider using raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, or a combination of fruits.

Be mindful of the fruitโ€™s moisture content and adjust the recipe as needed to ensure proper texture and baking time.

Whatโ€™s the Recommended Type of Pan for Baking Blueberry Cakes in the Air Fryer?

For baking blueberry cakes in the air fryer, itโ€™s best to use a pan that fits comfortably within the air fryer basket. Silicone cake pans, round or square cake pans, and ramekins can all work well.

You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy release. Just ensure the panโ€™s dimensions fit within the air fryerโ€™s cooking space.

How Do I Know When My Air Fryer Blueberry Cake is Done?

To determine if your air fryer blueberry cake is done, insert a toothpick or a cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, the cake is ready.

The top should be golden brown and firm to the touch. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the air fryer model, so use visual cues and toothpick testing to ensure the cake is fully cooked.

Recipe Pro Tips

  • This blueberry cake recipe was tested in a Ninja air fryer and was perfect after 15 minutes. Other brands of air fryer may vary slightly in terms of cooking times
cutting in half air fryer blueberry cake with a fork

Storage Tips

  • Store leftover blueberry cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. It may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but it will lose moisture this way. For longer term storage, freeze the cake for up to 2 months
  • While blueberry upside down cake is delicious served at room temperature, you may microwave a piece for 30-45 seconds to warm it (especially if youโ€™re serving a la mode!)

More Air Fryer Recipes For Blueberry Lovers

Final Thoughts

I love the convenience and versatility of baking cakes in the air fryer, and this amazing blueberry upside down cake is no exception. I love the perfect mini cakes you get with ramekins, but itโ€™s equally wonderful as a larger single cake as well.

Feel free to experiment with both this upside down technique and just mixing the berries in. You can even change up the berries, spices, and citrus to create your own twist.

The air fryer is perfect for making delightful, moist cakes. In the summer when itโ€™s hot, I always turn to my favorite countertop appliance in lieu of the oven! Not only does it preheat faster, but it cooks faster as well, and doesnโ€™t heat up the house.

For even smaller delicious cakes, check out my amazing Air Fryer Funfetti Cupcakes as well!

air fryer blueberry cake recipe dinners done quick featured image

Air Fryer Lemon Blueberry Upside Down Cake

This air fryer blueberry cake features a kiss of lemon and an upside down topping that really makes it have that wow factor!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Vegetarian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
ย ย 

For the Blueberry Upside Down Topping

  • 1 โ…“ Cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 Lemon, zested (or about 1 Tbsp zest)
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp salted butter, melted

For the Lemon Cake

  • 6 Tbsp salted butter (softened)
  • ยผ Cup brown sugar
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1 Tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 Cup all purpose flour
  • 1 Tsp baking powder
  • ยฝ Tsp ground cinnamon
  • โ…“ Cup milk
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Instructions
ย 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 325ยฐF (or the closest setting your air fryer has), and thoroughly grease your ramekins or cake pan, or use parchment cut to fit to line them
  • Mix blueberries, lemon zest, brown sugar, and melted butter together in a small bowl. Divide the blueberry mixture evenly into each ramekin, or spread in an even layer in the bottom of the cake pan
    1 โ…“ Cups blueberries, 1 Lemon, zested, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp salted butter, melted
  • Cream together the butter and sugar, then add the wet ingredients and mix well. Lastly, add the dry ingredients, and stir until combined
    6 Tbsp salted butter, ยผ Cup brown sugar, 1 Large egg, 1 Tsp vanilla extract, 1 Tsp baking powder, ยฝ Tsp ground cinnamon, โ…“ Cup milk, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 Cup all purpose flour
  • Spoon the batter evenly into the ramekins over the blueberries, or in an even layer in your cake pan
  • Place the ramekins or cake pan into your preheated air fryer basket
  • Cook on the air fry setting for 15-20 minutes at 325ยฐF, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Note that a single pan will generally require 25-30 minutes, but make sure to check it regularly after the 20 minute mark
  • Cool for 5-10 minutes, then run a knife or spatula around the outside to release the cake, and invert it onto a plate
  • Serve with whipped cream or ice cream if desired

Notes

  • You do not need to defrost the blueberries if you use frozen
  • Feel free to swap other citrus, such as orange or lime for the lemon to change things up
  • Experiment with other warm spices instead of cinnamon, like ginger, nutmeg, or allspice
  • The milk can be substituted by cream, buttermilk, yogurt, or sour cream
  • You can swap in cake mix from a box for the cake portion of the recipe if preferred
  • This blueberry cake recipe was tested in a Ninja air fryer and was perfect after 15 minutes. Other brands of air fryer may vary slightly in terms of cooking times
  • Store leftover blueberry cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. It may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but it will lose moisture this way. For longer term storage, freeze the cake for up to 2 months
  • While blueberry upside down cake is delicious served at room temperature, you may microwave a piece for 30-45 seconds to warm it (especially if youโ€™re serving a la mode!)
  • Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only

Nutrition

Serving: 170gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 6.9gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 103mgSodium: 348mgPotassium: 128mgFiber: 2.6gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 685.5IUVitamin C: 6.3mgCalcium: 119mgIron: 2mg
Keyword air fryer blueberry cake, air fryer blueberry recipes, air fryer cake recipes, air fryer desserts, blueberry cake, blueberry upside down cake, lemon blueberry cake air fryer, ninja air fryer blueberry cake
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air fryer blueberry cake recipe dinners done quick pinterest
Katie Vine

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