Christmas fruit cake in an air fryer it turns out moist, rich, and beautifully golden without needing an oven. Below is a detailed, tried-and-true recipe for a classic Air Fryer Christmas Cake that’s full of warm spices, dried fruits, and festive flavor.
🍰 Air Fryer Christmas Cake (Rich Fruit Cake)
👩🍳 Servings: 8–10
⏱ Prep Time: 25 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
❄️ Cooling/Resting: 1–2 hours (or overnight for best flavor)
🔥 Total Time: ~1½ hours
🧂 Ingredients
For the soaked fruit mixture
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1½ cups (200 g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants, chopped dates, dried cranberries, cherries)
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¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice (or apple juice)
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¼ cup (60 ml) dark rum or brandy (optional but traditional)
For the cake batter
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1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup (200 g) dark brown sugar
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3 large eggs, room temperature
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1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
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½ tsp baking powder
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1½ tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp ground nutmeg
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¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
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¼ tsp salt
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2 tbsp (30 ml) molasses or golden syrup (for rich flavor)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
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½ cup (60 g) chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
🔪 Directions
Step 1: Soak the Fruit
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In a bowl, combine dried fruits with orange juice and rum/brandy.
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Microwave for 1 minute (optional) to help the fruit absorb liquid faster.
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Cover and let sit for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pan
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Use a 6-inch (15 cm) round cake pan that fits in your air fryer basket.
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Grease the pan with butter and line it with parchment paper on the bottom and sides.
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Preheat air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Batter
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In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Mix in molasses (or syrup), vanilla, and citrus zest.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
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Fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined.
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Stir in the soaked fruits (with any leftover liquid) and chopped nuts.
Step 4: Air Fry
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
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Place the pan in the air fryer basket.
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Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 55–65 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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If the top starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with a piece of foil halfway through.
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Step 5: Cool and (Optional) Mature
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
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Once completely cool, you can brush the top with 1–2 tbsp of rum/brandy for flavor and preservation.
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Wrap tightly in foil and store in an airtight container.
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The flavor deepens beautifully over a few days!
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🍯 Optional Caramel Glaze or Topping
If you want a festive finish:
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Mix 2 tbsp apricot jam with 1 tbsp hot water and brush over the cooled cake for a glossy top.
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Decorate with candied cherries, almonds, or pecans.
💡 Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cake
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Check doneness early: Some air fryers cook faster; check at 50 minutes.
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Don’t overfill: Leave at least ½ inch of space from the top of the pan.
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Even baking: You can rotate the pan halfway through if your air fryer heats unevenly.
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Storage: Keeps for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container; freezes well for up to 3 months.
🎄 Serving Suggestions
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Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a snowy look.
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Serve slices with whipped cream, vanilla custard, or warm caramel sauce.
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For gifting: wrap individual slices in festive paper or parchment.