Air Fryer Pound Cake with Butter and Eggs (4 Ingredients)

Prep: 20 minCook: 20 min8 servingsmediumAmerican
Air Fryer Pound Cake with Butter and Eggs (4 Ingredients)

A simple, classic pound cake made in the air fryer using just four basic ingredients: eggs, sugar, butter, and flour. This straightforward recipe produces a tender, buttery cake with a golden exterior and fluffy interior. The air fryer method creates even heat distribution for consistent baking in about 20 minutes, making it faster than traditional oven methods. Perfect for dessert, afternoon tea, or when you need a quick homemade cake. The rich, vanilla-scented crumb pairs beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 9 large eggs
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
    coconut sugar1:1less-processed

    note: may darken color

    Full guide →
  • 2 cups butter, unsalted, room temperature
    vegan butter1:1vegandairy-free

    note: ensure room temperature

    Full guide →
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    almond flour1:1gluten-freegluten-free

    note: will be denser

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until fluffy

  2. 2

    Mix in the eggs and flour

  3. 3

    Mix well until combined

  4. 4

    Pour the batter into a greased air fryer-safe pan

  5. 5

    Set the pan into the air fryer and cook at 320 degrees F for 20 minutes

  6. 6

    Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in center - it should come out clean

  7. 7

    If not done, cook for another 5 minutes

  8. 8

    Remove and serve

Tips

Tip 1

Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar to achieve maximum fluffiness

Tip 2

Use an air fryer-safe pan that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket with space for air circulation

Tip 3

Check doneness with a toothpick at 20 minutes, but don't hesitate to add 5-minute increments if needed

Good to Know

Storage

Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week

Make Ahead

Can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored covered at room temperature

Serve With

Serve at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or with fresh berries

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't use cold butter or the mixture won't cream properly and will result in a dense cake

Watch

Avoid overmixing once flour is added to prevent tough texture

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butter
vegan butter1:1vegandairy-free

note: ensure room temperature

Full guide →

Gluten-Free Swaps

all-purpose flour
almond flour1:1gluten-freegluten-free

note: will be denser

Full guide →

General Alternatives

granulated sugar
coconut sugar1:1less-processed

note: may darken color

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Yes, bake in a preheated 325°F oven for 50-60 minutes in a greased loaf pan until a toothpick comes out clean.

What size air fryer pan should I use?

Use a 7-8 inch round or loaf pan that fits in your air fryer basket with at least 1 inch clearance on all sides.

How long will this cake keep?

The pound cake stays fresh covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 3 months.