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Air Fryer Marshmallow Birthday Cake - A Fun, Gooey Celebration Cake

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • All-purpose flour – For structure.
  • Granulated sugar – Sweetness and tenderness.
  • Baking powder – Lift for a fluffy crumb.
  • Fine salt – Balances sweetness.
  • Unsalted butter – Melted, for moisture and rich flavor.
  • Whole milk – Adds moisture and softness (use any milk you like).
  • Large eggs – Bind and add richness.
  • Vanilla extract – Classic birthday cake flavor.
  • Mini marshmallows – Some for the batter, some for the top.
  • Sprinkles (optional) – For color in the batter and garnish.
  • Powdered sugar – For frosting or a simple dusting.
  • Cream cheese – For a quick frosting (optional).
  • Heavy cream or milk – To thin the frosting.
  • Neutral oil or baking spray – To grease the pan.

Method
 

  1. Choose your pan: Use a 6-inch round cake pan or a 7-inch if it fits your air fryer. Make sure it’s oven-safe and about 2 inches tall. Line the bottom with parchment and lightly grease the sides.
  2. Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 320°F (160°C). Preheating helps the cake rise evenly and prevents soggy centers.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk 1 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  4. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (slightly cooled), 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup whole milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry. Stir just until no flour streaks remain. Don’t overmix; a few small lumps are fine.
  6. Add marshmallows: Fold in 1 cup mini marshmallows. If you like, fold in 1–2 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles for a funfetti vibe.
  7. Fill the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Scatter another 1/2 cup mini marshmallows over the surface for a toasty top.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the air fryer basket. Cook at 320°F for 20–26 minutes, rotating the pan halfway if your air fryer has hot spots. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center (avoid marshmallow pockets) comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cover if needed: If the top marshmallows brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil and continue baking until the center sets.
  10. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge and lift out. Cool completely on a rack before frosting.
  11. Quick frosting (optional): Beat 4 ounces cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar and 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream until smooth and spreadable. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and a pinch of salt. Spread over the cooled cake and add sprinkles.
  12. Serve: Slice with a lightly oiled knife to glide through the marshmallow topping. Enjoy the gooey swirls and soft crumb.