vegan chocolate zucchini birthday cake made in an air fryer, with detailed times and temperatures.

Ingredients

• For the cake:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
  • ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 160 °C (320 °F).
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
   • Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. Set aside.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, mix the applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
5. Combine Ingredients:
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
   • Fold in the grated zucchini and dairy-free chocolate chips (if using).
6. Prepare the Cake Pan:
   • Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan that fits in your air fryer. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
7. Pour Batter:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top.
8. Air Fry the Cake:
   • Place the cake pan in the air fryer basket and cook at 160 °C (320 °F) for about 25-30 minutes.
   • Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool the Cake:
   • Once done, carefully remove the cake from the air fryer and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
   • Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Frosting (optional):
    • You can frost the cake with a vegan chocolate frosting or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and plant-based milk.

Total Time

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling: 30 minutes (if not frosting immediately)
• Total: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Enjoy your delicious vegan chocolate zucchini birthday cake!