Easy Air Fryer Guinness Chocolate Cake (Printable Version)

Rich, moist chocolate cake with Guinness stout flavors, made quickly in the air fryer for an indulgent 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 slightly 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

# How to Make It:

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

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The Guinness creates depth and moisture without any beer taste remaining
  • Air fryer baking gives you restaurant quality texture in under 30 minutes
  • This cake stays fresh for days, actually getting better as it sits
02 -
  • Overmixing will make your cake tough, so stop stirring as soon as the flour disappears
  • The toothpick test is crucial because this cake continues cooking as it cools
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent the butter from seizing and creating lumps
03 -
  • Substituting sour cream for buttermilk makes an even denser, more decadent version
  • Any stout beer works, but Guinness adds that signature complexity people love

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