I still remember my grandma spending all day in the kitchen to bake her Christmas cake. The oven stayed on for hours, and the whole house felt like a sauna! I love that cake, but I don’t always have a whole day to wait. That is why I started making my Christmas cake in the air fryer. It is much faster, but it still tastes like a holiday dream.

This cake is deep, dark, and full of sweet fruit. It is very moist and has a rich, spiced flavor that feels like a warm hug. When you take it out, it looks beautiful with its deep brown color. It is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table, and nobody will guess it came from an air fryer!

In this post, I will show you how to make a classic fruit cake without the long wait. We will talk about the best fruit to use and how to keep the cake from drying out. I want to help you make a dessert that your family will talk about for years. Let’s get baking and fill your home with the smell of Christmas!

General Information

Particulars	Details
Preparation Time	20 min.
Cook Time	60 min.
Total Time	80 min.
Yields	4 servings
Difficulty	Easy
Total Calories	285 kcal (Per Serving)
Cuisine	British

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making a cake in an air fryer might sound strange, but it is actually a genius move! Here is why this recipe will be your new favorite holiday tradition:

Saves So Much Time: Instead of baking for three hours, this cake is usually ready in about one hour.
Super Moist Texture: The small space in the air fryer keeps the moisture inside the cake so it never gets dry or tough.
No Big Oven Needed: You can keep your big oven free for the turkey or roasted veggies while the cake cooks on the counter.
Perfect Size: This recipe makes a lovely 6-inch cake, which is great for small families or giving as a yummy gift.
Easy Cleanup: Since the cake is small and the air fryer basket is easy to wash, you won’t have a giant mess to clean up later.

Here’s what you will need

The magic of this recipe is in the sweet dried fruits and warm spices. You can find most of these items in your pantry during the holidays!

Mixed Dried Fruit – This is the soul of the cake. Use a mix of raisins, sultanas, and dried cherries. If you don’t like one type, just swap it for more of another (like dried cranberries).
Orange Juice or Brandy – We soak the fruit in this to make them plump and juicy. Use juice if you want it kid-friendly, or brandy for a traditional adult taste.
Butter and Brown Sugar – These make the cake rich and sweet. Make sure your butter is soft so it mixes easily with the sugar.
Eggs – These help the cake rise and stay together. It’s best if they are at room temperature so the batter stays smooth.
All-Purpose Flour and Baking Powder – This gives the cake its structure. The baking powder is the secret that makes the cake light instead of being a heavy brick.
Warm Spices – Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg give the cake that “Christmas smell” we all love.

How to Make This Dish: Step-by-Step Guide

Baking a fruit cake in an air fryer is a bit different than a regular cake, but it is very easy if you follow these steps.

Soak Your Fruit: Start by putting your mixed dried fruit in a bowl with the orange juice or brandy. Let it sit for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you can. This makes the fruit juicy so it doesn’t burn in the air fryer.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together. You can use a big spoon or a hand mixer. Keep going until it looks fluffy and light.
Add the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Don’t worry if it looks a little lumpy; it will smooth out when we add the flour!
Mix in Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Mix it gently until you don’t see any more white flour streaks.
Fold in the Fruit: Now, pour in your soaked fruit (and any liquid left in the bowl) and the chopped nuts. Stir them in by hand so every bite of cake has plenty of treats.
Prepare the Pan: Grease a 6-inch cake pan with butter or cooking spray. I like to put a circle of parchment paper at the bottom so the cake never sticks.
Air Fry to Perfection: Place the pan in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 300°F (150°C). Bake for 50-60 minutes.
The Skewer Test: At the 50-minute mark, poke a toothpick or skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done! If it’s sticky, give it 5 more minutes.
Cool Down: Let the cake sit in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake stay together.

How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze

Christmas cake is famous for lasting a long time. Here is how to keep yours tasting fresh!

Storage

On the Counter: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
In the Fridge: If your kitchen is warm, put the wrapped cake in the fridge. It will stay good for about 2 weeks.
Container Tip: Use a tin or a plastic container that seals tight to keep the air out.

Reheating

The Microwave: If you want a warm slice, put it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. It will be soft and fragrant.
The Air Fryer: You can put a slice back in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes. This makes the edges a little crispy, which tastes amazing with butter!
Avoid: Don’t reheat it for too long, or the sugar in the fruit might burn and get hard.

Freezing

Method: Wrap the cake (or individual slices) in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil. Put it in a freezer bag.
Duration: It will stay perfect for up to 3 months.
Thawing: When you want to eat it, just let it sit on the counter for a few hours until it reaches room temperature.

Variations to Try

The best part about baking is that you can change things to fit what you like! Here are three easy ways to switch up your Christmas cake:

The “No-Alcohol” Version: If you don’t want to use brandy, use apple juice or orange juice to soak your fruit. It still tastes sweet and bright, and it’s perfect for kids!
Chocolate Christmas Cake: If you love chocolate, swap 2 tablespoons of flour for 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. You can also stir in some mini chocolate chips at the end. It tastes like a holiday brownie!
Nut-Free Version: If you have an allergy or just don’t like nuts, leave them out. Instead, add an extra 1/4 cup of dried fruit or even some pumpkin seeds for a little crunch.
The Tropical Twist: Use dried pineapple, mango, and coconut flakes instead of the traditional raisins. It makes a “Summer Christmas” cake that is very refreshing!

What To Serve With This Dish

You can eat this cake all by itself, but these ideas make it feel even more like a party:

Warm Custard or Cream: Pouring some warm vanilla custard over a slice is the classic way to eat it. The creamy sauce and the spiced cake go together perfectly.
A Slice of Cheese: This might sound funny, but many people love a slice of sharp cheddar cheese with their fruit cake. The salty cheese makes the sweet fruit taste even better!
Holiday Tea or Coffee: Serve your cake with a big mug of hot chocolate, spicy chai tea, or a strong coffee. It’s the best afternoon snack on a cold day.
Brandy Butter: You can mix a little butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of brandy to make a sweet spread. Put a dollop on your warm cake and watch it melt!

Helpful Pro Tips and Tricks

I have made this cake many times, and these secrets will help yours turn out perfectly every single time:

Cover with Foil: If you see the top of the cake getting too dark but the middle isn’t done yet, loosely cover the top of the pan with a piece of aluminum foil. This stops the top from burning while the inside finishes cooking.
Don’t Open the Drawer Early: Try to wait until at least 40 minutes have passed before you open the air fryer to check on it. Opening it too soon lets the heat out and might make the cake sink in the middle.
The “Overnight” Secret: If you can, soak your fruit the night before. The longer the fruit sits in the liquid, the softer and tastier it becomes!
Use the Right Pan: Make sure your 6-inch pan actually fits inside your air fryer basket before you start mixing. Leave a little space around the edges so the hot air can move around.
Room Temperature Eggs: Take your eggs out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start. Warm eggs mix much better into the butter and sugar, making your cake fluffier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a larger cake pan if my air fryer is big?

You can use a 7-inch pan if it fits, but the cake will be thinner. If the cake is thinner, it will cook faster. Start checking it after 35-40 minutes to make sure it doesn’t get too dry!

Why did my fruit sink to the bottom of the cake?

This usually happens if the fruit is too wet or the batter is too thin. Make sure to drain any extra liquid from your soaked fruit. You can also toss the fruit in a spoonful of flour before stirring it into the batter to help it “float.”

Is it okay if I don’t soak the fruit?

You can skip the soaking, but the fruit might be a bit chewy or even get a little crunchy in the air fryer. Soaking for even 30 minutes makes a huge difference in how moist the cake feels.

Last Bites

Making a “Christmas cake in an air fryer” is truly a holiday game-changer. You get all that deep, traditional flavor without the stress of a three-hour bake. It’s a wonderful way to bring a little bit of magic into your kitchen, even if you are short on time.

I hope this recipe helps you spend less time watching the oven and more time enjoying the holiday spirit with your favorite people. Whether you serve it with a slice of cheese or a big scoop of custard, it’s bound to be a hit. Don’t forget to save a slice for yourself! Happy holidays and happy baking!