I doubted water cake at first—no eggs or fats? But one bite changed my mind! The cocoa and orange zest make it rich, buttery, and full of flavor. Easy to make, with simple ingredients, and perfect from the air fryer!

Ingredients

• 250 g (1 cup) warm water
• 150 g (3/4 cup) fructose
• 180 g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 25 g (1/4 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 20 g (2 tbsp) potato starch
• 50 ml (1/4 cup) corn oil
• 16 g (1 tbsp) baking powder
• A dash of vanilla extract
• Zest of one orange
• A pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

1. Pour the warm water into a mixing bowl. Dissolve the fructose and salt by stirring with a whisk or electric mixer.
2. Slowly drizzle in the corn oil while mixing.
3. Add the vanilla extract, then sift in the flour, potato starch, and baking powder. Add the cocoa powder and orange zest.
4. Use an electric mixer to combine all ingredients until smooth and airy.
5. Grease and flour a small springform pan. Pour the batter into the pan.
6. Bake in an air fryer at 170°C (340°F) for 35 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
7. Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan.
8. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.