Air Fryer Guinness Chocolate Cake (Print Version)

A rich, moist chocolate cake infused with Guinness stout flavors, made effortlessly in the air fryer for a quick yet decadent dessert.

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 1/2 cup Guinness stout, room temperature
07 - 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
09 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Topping

11 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting
12 - Whipped cream or chocolate ganache for serving

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 320°F for 5 minutes to ensure even baking.
02 - Grease and line a 7-inch round cake pan that fits your air fryer basket.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well incorporated.
04 - In a separate bowl, combine Guinness, buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
05 - Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense texture.
06 - Transfer batter to prepared cake pan and smooth the top evenly.
07 - Place pan in preheated air fryer basket and cook for 23 to 27 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs.
08 - Remove from air fryer and let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Dust with powdered sugar before serving, or top with whipped cream or chocolate ganache if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The air fryer creates the most tender crumb without drying out the cake edges
  • Guinness adds these incredible coffee-like undertones that make people guess the secret ingredient
  • From start to finish in under an hour with minimal cleanup
02 -
  • Overmixing develops gluten and makes the cake tough, so stop as soon as the flour disappears
  • Every air fryer heats differently so check at 23 minutes and add time as needed
  • The cake continues cooking while cooling in the pan, so do not worry if it seems slightly underdone
03 -
  • Substitute coffee or espresso for half the Guinness to intensify the chocolate flavor
  • Brush the warm cake with a simple syrup made with more stout for extra moisture

Go Back