An air fryer seems like it should be the simplest place in the kitchen to bake a small cake, right up until you look at the basket floor and realize it is a perforated plate with sloped sides, not a flat surface you can pour batter onto. That single missing piece is behind most first attempts that come out as a thin, lopsided disc.
The pans below solve that problem, and they do not all solve it the same way. I worked through the listings for 6 air fryer cake pans and weighed the details that actually decide a bake: stated outer dimensions against common basket sizes, whether the walls sit straight enough for a layer cake, how the surface releases, and what the care instructions ask of you afterward. Those factors feed the BHK Score this site uses to rank accessories. Nothing was cooked here, so every assessment comes from the listing specs, the materials, and the way each pan is built.
My overall pick for best air fryers for baking cakes is the TeamFar 8×8 Baking Pan, Stainless Steel Square. Its one-piece 18/0 stainless steel body has no coating to scratch and no seam at the base, and the square footprint uses the corners of a basket that round pans leave empty. My top picks are just below.
Our Top Picks
| Product | BHK Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall TeamFar 8x8 Stainless Steel Baking Pan | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Air Fryer Baking Trivolein Air Fryer Cake Pan with 7-Inch Non-Stick | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Small Kitchens Webake 6 Inch Air Fryer Round Cake Pans | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Compact Air Fryers BSDLZCH 6.89-Inch Air Fryer Cake Pan with Nonstick | 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| BWWNBY Air Fryer Accessory Set with Nonstick Steel | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Small Air Fryers TMZDCJK 8inch Air Fryer Baking Pan with Silicone | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
Full Reviews
TeamFar 8x8 baking pan is made of 18/0 stainless steel and fits most air fryers and ovens.
Key Facts
- Size
- 8.25 x 8.25 x 2 inches
- Material
- 18/0 Stainless Steel
- Care
- Dishwasher Safe
Pros
- +One-piece stainless steel body resists leaks and deformation
- +Compact size fits air fryers and small countertop ovens
- +Dishwasher-safe design simplifies post-use cleaning
Cons
- −No nonstick coating may cause sticking with some batters
- −Limited to 8-inch size restricts baking larger items
- −Material (18/0 steel) lacks chromium for higher rust resistance
Detailed Review
This TeamFar baking pan is constructed from 18/0 stainless steel, which means it contains no aluminum or toxic coatings. This makes it a straightforward option for those avoiding nonstick layers that can chip. The pan measures 8.25 by 8.25 inches with 2-inch depth, which fits well in most air fryers and toaster ovens, offering versatility for small kitchens.
The one-piece design adds sturdiness and prevents leaks during baking. However, I see this pan working best for compact baking projects since the size limits larger casseroles or cakes. Worth knowing before you buy is the 18/0 steel does not include chromium, so it may have less corrosion resistance than other stainless grades.
I rate this a reasonable pick for home cooks who want a simple, compact pan compatible with air fryer ovens and dishwasher cleaning.
This 7-inch steel cake pan features a non-stick coating and heat-resistant handle for air fryer baking.
Key Facts
- Size
- 7 Inch
- Material
- Heavy-Gauge Steel with Non-Stick Coating
- Care
- Dishwasher-Safe
Pros
- +Heavy-duty steel with reinforced anti-warp structure
- +Built-in heat-resistant handle for safe handling
- +Non-stick coating for smooth food release
- +Dishwasher-safe for convenient cleaning
Cons
- −Limited size options may not fit all air fryers
- −Requires proper care to maintain non-stick coating
- −Coating lifespan depends on gentle cleaning and drying
Detailed Review
This Trivolein cake pan is made from heavy-gauge steel reinforced with an anti-warp structure which ensures it holds its shape during air fryer baking. The 7-inch diameter suits most round air fryers but it is important to check your model’s internal size before purchase. The pan features a non-stick coating that promotes easy food release and reduces residue, although it requires careful cleaning to preserve this surface. I see this working best for home bakers who want to expand their air fryer use to cakes, pizzas, or lasagnas.
The built-in heat-resistant handle allows safer removal from hot air fryers without extra tools. Worth knowing before you buy is the need to dry it thoroughly after washing, especially when using a dishwasher, to avoid damaging the coating over time. For my money, this suits cooks who prioritize ease of cleaning and compact bakeware size.
Webake offers two 6-inch round cake pans made of BPA-free silicone with collapsible handles for safer food removal from air fryer or oven.
Key Facts
- Material
- BPA-free silicone
- Size
- 6 Inch diameter
- Included
- 2 pieces
- Care
- Dishwasher safe
Pros
- +Collapsible handles enhance safe food removal
- +BPA-free silicone supports direct food contact
- +Dishwasher-safe design simplifies cleaning
Cons
- −Limited to 6-inch size may restrict larger recipes
- −Only two color options available
- −Handles may add slight storage bulk
Detailed Review
The Webake 6 Inch Air Fryer Round Cake Pans come in a set of two made from BPA-free silicone, which I see as a practical choice for flexible baking and easy release. Their collapsible handles stand out as a feature aimed at safer removal from air fryers or ovens, reducing burn risk during handling. This size suits small air fryers and kitchen spaces where compact bakeware is needed.
Worth knowing before you buy is the limited 6-inch diameter, which may not accommodate larger cakes or dishes. I rate this a reasonable pick for cooks who want versatile, easy-to-clean pans without bulky storage demands. Both pans are dishwasher safe, which helps with cleanup after varied uses like quiches or flans.
This 6.89-inch air fryer cake pan is made from food-grade carbon steel with a nonstick coating for easy release.
Key Facts
- Size
- 6.89 x 2.76 inches
- Material
- Food Grade Carbon Steel
Pros
- +Nonstick coating for easy food removal
- +Lifting handle prevents burns during use
- +Compact 6.89-inch size fits smaller air fryers
Cons
- −Hand-wash only to protect nonstick coating
- −Limited to 6.89-inch diameter restricts large recipes
Detailed Review
This air fryer cake pan measures 6.89 inches in diameter and 2.76 inches deep, making it suitable for smaller air fryer baskets. It is constructed from food grade carbon steel which offers heat resistance and rust protection. The pan's nonstick coating supports easy release of baked goods and makes cleaning straightforward when using warm water and a soft cloth. I see this pan working best for cooks needing a compact baking solution within air fryers or small ovens. Worth knowing before you buy is that the pan requires hand washing to maintain its coating and prevent damage. The included lifting handle adds a useful safety feature for handling hot food.
This 2-piece set includes steel pizza pan and baking barrel with nonstick coating for air fryer use.
Key Facts
- Size
- 6 inch
- Material
- Steel with nonstick coating
- Care
- Dishwasher safe
- Included
- 2 pieces (pizza pan and baking barrel)
Pros
- +Durable steel construction with nonstick coating
- +Handle on pans for easy removal and handling
- +Dishwasher-safe design simplifies cleanup
Cons
- −Limited 6-inch size may not suit larger air fryers
- −Only two accessory pieces included
- −No oven-safe temperature rating provided
Detailed Review
The BWWNBY accessory set comes with a 6-inch pizza pan and a deeper baking barrel, both crafted from steel with a nonstick coating that eases food release. The baking barrel's depth suits casseroles and cakes, while the pizza pan handles flat items like pies and quesadillas. Each piece includes a handle, making it easier to place and remove from an air fryer basket. I see this set working best for users with smaller air fryers given the compact footprint. Worth knowing before you buy is the absence of any stated oven-safe temperature or other certifications. Overall, I rate this a reasonable pick for expanding air fryer cooking options in smaller kitchens.
This 8-inch carbon steel air fryer pan includes six silicone muffin cups and a heat-resistant handle for easy lifting and baking.
Key Facts
- Size
- 8.26 x 2.76 inches
- Material
- Carbon steel with non-stick coating
- Included
- 6 silicone muffin cups
Pros
- +Heat-resistant handle for safe and easy lifting
- +Non-stick surface enables quick food release and cleanup
- +Compatible with multiple air fryer and oven models
Cons
- −Limited to smaller air fryers with 3.5-5 QT capacity
- −Hand-wash recommended to preserve non-stick coating
- −Only one color option available may limit kitchen matching
Detailed Review
This TMZDCJK air fryer baking pan measures 8.26 by 2.76 inches and is constructed from carbon steel, which helps resist rust and corrosion. It includes six silicone muffin cups and a heat-resistant handle that improves handling safety when baking or frying. I rate this a reasonable pick for cooks who want to expand their air fryer use beyond simple baskets.
The non-stick coating eases cleanup but requires gentle washing without abrasive tools to maintain its surface. The pan fits most air fryers between 3.5 and 5 quarts and also works in ovens and instant pots, making it versatile for home kitchens.
Worth knowing before you buy, the size limits use in larger air fryers and the hand-wash care may not suit those seeking dishwasher-safe accessories. I see this working best for small to mid-size air fryer owners wanting a multi-function baking solution.
FAQs
Can you bake a cake in an air fryer?
An air fryer bakes cake batter well when the pan fits the basket with space around it for air to move. The moving heat browns a top surface quickly, so a shallower pan usually gives more even results than a deep, narrow one. Check your machine’s manual for any preheating guidance before the first attempt.
What size cake pan fits in an air fryer?
Most baskets take a six to seven inch round pan or an eight inch square, but the stated basket dimensions decide it. Measure the flat floor of the basket and leave a gap at the sides. A pan wedged in tight blocks the airflow that does the actual cooking, and the middle stays pale.
Do you need a special pan to bake a cake in an air fryer?
Any pan rated for oven use that clears the basket walls will bake a cake, so a dedicated air fryer pan is convenience rather than a requirement. Fit is the real variable, and the spread in usable floor area across machines mirrors what separates large air fryers for families from compact ones. Measure before buying.
Is silicone or metal better for air fryer cakes?
Silicone releases delicate cakes cleanly and tolerates being squeezed into an odd basket shape, while metal spreads heat faster for a firmer crust and straighter sides. A silicone pan needs support underneath when lifted full of batter. Whichever you choose, check the listing’s stated temperature range against your machine first.
Final Thoughts
What separates a pan that works from one that sits in a drawer comes down to fit first, then release, then how much fuss the surface demands at cleanup. A pan that clears the basket on all sides bakes evenly; one that wedges in tight leaves you with a scorched rim and a pale center, whatever the listing claims.
For one pan that covers cakes, brownies, and a weeknight lasagna, the TeamFar 8×8 Baking Pan, Stainless Steel Square is the strongest overall choice. The square footprint claims the corners a round pan wastes, the uncoated 18/0 stainless steel has no coating layer to wear through, and it moves from air fryer to toaster oven to regular oven without a second purchase.
For a small machine or a second pan, the Air Fryer Cake Pan, 7 Inch Round Pizza Pan is the value pick. It covers the widest range of basket sizes thanks to three available diameters, the built-in handle makes pulling a hot pan out less of a juggling act, and it earns its shelf space on pizza and quiche nights too.
Measure the inside of your basket before you order. That one step settles most of the confusion these listings create, and it is the difference between a pan you bake with weekly and one you return.