Lemon cake in the air fryer is a refreshing, airy cake with the delicate flavour of lemon, easily baked in your air fryer. I enjoyed many a bite of this cake myself back in the 80s. But then, unfortunately, a number of more or less dull versions of the cake turned up in various supermarkets. Luckily, these days we can make this lovely cake ourselves.

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But why is it actually called “citronmåne” (literally “lemon moon”), and what makes it such a special little treat?
Where does the name citronmåne come from?
The name “citronmåne” (lemon moon) most likely comes from the cake’s shape, which resembles a half-moon. And even though the shape of the cake changes in an air fryer, we naturally guarantee that the flavour stays exactly the same 😉
I recommend this fresh lemon tea with our lemon cake
The lemon cake has a lovely tart, floral citrus flavour, and I think it pairs best with an aromatic tea that has those same bright notes. A good green tea with lemon brings out the cake’s freshness without overpowering its light texture. I can warmly recommend FairTea Yellow Lemon tea bags – light and refreshing, with a citrus-green character that makes for a really cosy afternoon and lifts every single bite of the cake.
A little twist on the classic lemon cake
Try replacing the lemon with lime for a refreshing and slightly different taste experience. Lime gives a more intense and tart flavour than lemon, which can add depth and complexity to your lemon cake.
Serving suggestions for lemon cake in the air fryer
The lemon cake is a versatile cake that pairs perfectly with all sorts of servings. Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy it:
- On its own: The lemon cake is lovely on its own as a light snack or a sweet treat at any time of day.
- With fresh fruit: Serve slices of the cake with fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries or raspberries for an extra fresh taste experience.
- With vanilla ice cream: The slightly tart flavour of the lemon cake pairs perfectly with the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream. Serve a slice of lemon cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert.
- With tea or coffee: Enjoy a slice of the cake with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cosy, relaxing moment.
You can also experiment with adding grated ginger to the batter for an extra spicy note that pairs perfectly with the fresh citrus aroma.
Tips and tricks from the author: Morten Jensen
Discover the freshness in every bite with Lemon Cake in the Air Fryer!
Experience the perfect combination of airy texture and refreshing citrus flavour with the lemon cake, created to delight your taste buds. With our easy recipe and smart air fryer technology, you’ll have a delicious cake ready in no time. Remember to serve it either on its own as a sweet treat, or pair it with fresh berries and vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert. Explore a new dimension of cake joy with our Lemon Cake in the Air Fryer today!
FAQ
Bake the lemon cake at 160 °C for 15-20 minutes. Check it after about 15 minutes with a skewer – if it comes out clean, the cake is done. Baking times can vary a little from one air fryer to another, so keep an eye on it for the last few minutes.
Stir 150 g icing sugar and 2 tbsp lemon juice into a thick icing, then add 2-3 drops of yellow food colouring. Start with 2 drops, stir well and check the colour before adding more. Only spread the icing on once the cake has cooled completely.
The lemon cake keeps for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap it well and let it thaw at room temperature.
Recipe

Lemon Cake in the Air Fryer
Cooking Guide
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Cost of the dish
Prices may vary depending on where you shop.
Our estimate is based on average food prices for the current year 2026.
Estimated price for the whole dish:
Airfryer size
All our recipes are tested in a Philips Airfryer 2000 Series NA230/00 – 6.2 L
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Ingredients
How to make it
- In a bowl, whisk 2 pcs eggs and 150 g sugar together until pale and fluffy.

- Melt 125 g butter and let it cool slightly. Add the melted butter, 1 dl milk, and the zest and juice of 1 pcs lemon to the egg mixture (set aside 2 tbsp of the juice for the icing), and stir well.

- Sift 200 g plain flour, 1 tsp baking powder and 1 pinch salt into the egg mixture, and fold gently until the batter is smooth.

- Spread the batter into a tin of about 18-20 cm that fits your air fryer – the batter should fill the tin no more than halfway. Remember to grease the tin if it isn’t non-stick.

- Preheat the air fryer to 160 °C.Place the cake tin in the air fryer and bake the cake for 25-30 minutes. If the top gets too dark, fold foil tightly around the tin after about 15 minutes. The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.Start the online kitchen timer here

- When the cake is done, take it out of the air fryer and let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, turn it out onto a wire rack and let it cool completely (about 45 minutes).

- Once the cake has cooled completely, stir 150 g icing sugar and 2 tbsp lemon juice into a thick icing. Add 2-3 drops yellow food colouring, and spread the icing over the cooled cake.

Our notes for the recipe
Your notes for the recipe
Nutrition per serving (Guideline)
Important about shelf life and nutrition
Nutrition per serving (guideline): Calculations are based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Shelf life (guideline): Shelf life data is provided, as far as possible, by public institutions, including national food authorities. Our information is therefore only indicative, and it is your responsibility to obtain and calculate accurate information about shelf life and nutrition for all recipes on airfryerkogebogen.dk
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