When December arrives, one of the most beloved traditions is baking a rich and flavorful Christmas cake. However, the holiday season is also a busy time, and sometimes we don’t have hours to spare in the kitchen. That’s where this Air Fryer Christmas Cake recipe comes to the rescue. It delivers all the charm, nostalgia, and delicious taste of a traditional Christmas fruit cake, but with a modern twist using the air fryer. Not only is this method quicker, but it also ensures a moist, evenly baked cake that’s perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings.

This air fryer cake is packed with dried fruits, warm sweetness, and a touch of brandy for those who enjoy a boozy note. The texture is dense yet soft, exactly how a festive fruit cake should be. One of the best parts about this recipe is that it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, and you can even swap in your favorite dried fruits to personalize the flavor.

Why make Christmas cake in the air fryer?

Air fryers have become an essential kitchen tool, known for cooking food faster and more evenly. Unlike traditional ovens that can take hours to bake a dense fruit cake, the air fryer delivers the same results in just around an hour. Plus, because of its compact size, the heat circulates efficiently, making it ideal for rich batter cakes. You’ll get that golden, slightly caramelized top without drying out the center.

The flavor profile

This cake has layers of flavor that bring instant festive cheer. Creamy butter and caster sugar form the base, while golden syrup adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness. Eggs keep the cake light and help bind the batter together. Ground rice and plain flour balance the texture, and a hint of baking powder ensures just enough lift. The star, of course, is the medley of fruits currants, raisins, sultanas, and glacé cherries giving every bite bursts of sweetness and chewiness. Brandy is optional, but if you choose to brush it over the cake once baked, it not only enhances the flavor but also helps preserve the cake for days.

Step-by-step process

The recipe begins by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy, then blending in eggs and golden syrup. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, the real work starts folding in the generous mix of dried fruits. This step may take patience as the batter becomes thick, but the end result is worth it. The mixture is then poured into a silicone cake tin, which is perfect for air fryers since it prevents sticking and allows easy removal.

The baking process is done in two stages: first at a lower temperature to gently cook the cake through, and then slightly higher to give the outside a beautiful finish. Once cooled, brushing the cake with brandy makes it even more festive and indulgent.

Serving ideas

This Christmas cake can be served as it is or topped with marzipan and fondant icing for a more traditional presentation. It’s delicious alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but it can also be the centerpiece dessert at your Christmas dinner. Since the cake is rich and dense, you’ll only need small slices, making it perfect for serving a crowd.

Tips & Notes

• Fruit swaps: You don’t need to stick to the exact mix of currants, raisins, sultanas, and cherries. Try adding dried cranberries, apricots, or figs to make it your own.
• Alcohol-free option: Skip the brandy and brush with orange juice for a kid-friendly version that still adds moisture.
• Cook time reminder: This cake takes longer than most air fryer cakes because fruit cakes need a slow bake. Don’t be tempted to increase the heat too much, or the outside may burn while the center stays undercooked.
• Storage: Wrap the cooled cake in parchment paper and store it in an airtight tin. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

This air fryer Christmas cake is proof that tradition can meet modern convenience without compromising on flavor. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is the perfect festive indulgence.

Air Fryer Christmas Cake

4.3 from 3 votes

Course: Dessert

Servings

16

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

50

minutes

Calories

387

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

A festive fruit cake baked in the air fryer. Rich with dried fruits, buttery sweetness, and optional brandy, this cake is perfect for last-minute holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

• 225 g butter

• 225 g caster sugar

• 1 tbsp golden syrup

• 4 large eggs

• 56 g ground rice

• 255 g plain flour

• ¼ tsp baking powder

• 454 g currants

• 114 g raisins

• 114 g sultanas

• 56 g glacé cherries

• 50 ml brandy (optional)

Directions

• Beat butter and sugar with a hand mixer until light and creamy.
• Add eggs and golden syrup, mixing until smooth.
• Incorporate baking powder, ground rice, and half the flour. Mix gently. Add the remaining flour gradually.
• Use a fork to fold in currants, raisins, sultanas, and cherries.
• Transfer the mixture into a silicone cake tin (6–7 inches). Place in the air fryer basket.
• Bake at 150°C (300°F) for 40 minutes, then 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes.
• Remove from the tin, brush with brandy if desired, and let it rest before serving.

Notes

• Try different dried fruits for variety.
• For an alcohol-free version, use fruit juice instead of brandy.
• Best enjoyed the next day as flavors deepen.