1. Prepare the Air Fryer:
1.1 Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that your sponge starts baking immediately, leading to a more even rise.
1.2 Prepare the Cake Pans:
- Grease two 6-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. These smaller pans fit well in most air fryer baskets.
2. Make the Sponge Batter:
2.1 Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which helps make the sponge light.
2.2 Add the Eggs:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding a little flour with each egg to prevent curdling. If using, add the vanilla extract at this stage.
2.3 Fold in the Flour:
- Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the bowl. Gently fold the flour into the mixture using a spatula, being careful not to knock out too much air.
2.4 Divide the Batter:
- Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
3. Bake in the Air Fryer:
3.1 Bake the Cakes:
- Place one cake pan in the air fryer basket. Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Repeat with the second cake pan. Depending on your air fryer size, you might be able to bake both at the same time, but be sure they have enough space to rise properly.
3.2 Cool the Cakes:
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the pans and let them cool on a wire rack. The cakes should be completely cool before adding the filling.
4. Prepare the Filling:
4.1 Make the Buttercream:
- In a bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar, beating until the mixture is light and creamy.
4.2 Assemble the Cake:
- Place one sponge layer on a serving plate. Spread the jam evenly over the top. Then, spread the buttercream over the jam. Place the second sponge layer on top.
4.3 Finish and Serve:
- Lightly dust the top of the cake with caster sugar. For an extra touch, you can also add a few fresh berries or edible flowers on top.
5. Enjoy!
- Slice the cake and serve with a cup of tea for a truly British experience. The air-fried Victoria Sponge is just as delightful as the oven-baked version, with a perfectly light and fluffy texture.
Tips for a Perfect Air Fryer Victoria Sponge:
- Don’t Skip the Preheat: Ensuring the air fryer is at the right temperature before baking helps the cake rise evenly.
- Use Smaller Pans: Most air fryers have smaller baskets, so using 6-inch pans is ideal for this recipe. You may need to adjust the baking time if your pans are smaller or larger.
- Check Early: Air fryers can vary in temperature, so start checking your cake 5 minutes before the end of the suggested baking time to avoid overcooking.
This Air Fryer Victoria Sponge is a modern take on a beloved classic. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, and with the convenience of the air fryer, it’s easier than ever to enjoy this timeless dessert.