Air Fryer Pancakes: Is It Possible?

Pancakes are a breakfast classic, but not everyone has the time or energy to stand at the stove flipping them. Luckily, air fryers provide a simple solution. You can make fluffy, golden pancakes in your air fryer in less than 10 minutes.

There are plenty of recipes online for both homemade batter and instant mixes, and you can add your favourite toppings, from chocolate chips to peanut butter.

The only special equipment you need is a set of small, round aluminium pans to ensure your pancakes are the perfect size and shape.

Can you make pancakes in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make pancakes in an air fryer!

There are a few different methods for making pancakes in an air fryer, but all of them are quick and easy. The first method involves using a classic buttermilk pancake recipe or a store-bought pancake batter mix. You will need a set of small silicone moulds, a set of cookie scoops, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and cooking spray or cake release. First, combine the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Then, sift in the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the batter is smooth. Leave the batter to rest for 20 minutes. Next, mist the silicone moulds with cooking spray or cake release, and add one small scoop of batter to each mould. Place the moulds in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes at 350°F/180°C. The tops should be slightly golden. Use tongs to invert the pancakes directly into the basket so that they are flipped over, then cook for a further 4 minutes or until golden. Repeat this process until you have used up all of the batter, making sure to grease the moulds each time.

The second method is even simpler, as it involves using a store-bought pancake mix. You will need aluminium pans, a measuring cup, a rubber spatula, pancake mix, water, and cooking spray or melted butter. First, combine the pancake mix and water according to the package directions. Let the batter rest for a couple of minutes, which will give you fluffier pancakes. Next, spray your aluminium pans generously with cooking spray or melted butter. Then, with a measuring cup, drop 1/4 cup of pancake batter into your pans, making sure to cover the entire bottom of the pan. Use a rubber spatula to gently spread the batter to the edges, then tap the pan on the counter a few times so that the batter spreads evenly. Place the pans in the preheated air fryer and cook at 370°F/180°C for 6-7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy. No flipping is necessary. Carefully remove the pancake pans using oven mitts, then flip the pans over and the fluffy pancakes should fall right out.

The third method is similar to the second, but it uses a 6-inch cake pan to make one large pancake at a time. You will need a 6-inch cake pan, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, an egg, milk or buttermilk, and melted butter. First, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then whisk in the milk or buttermilk, and finally, pour in the melted butter. Gently stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture until just combined, leaving a few lumps. Allow the batter to rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, place the cake pan inside the basket of your air fryer, close it, and preheat to 360°F/180°C. Open the air fryer and spray the cake pan with a generous amount of cooking spray. Use an ice cream scoop to drop 1/2 cup of batter into the cake pan, then use a rubber spatula to gently spread the batter to the edges. Air fry for 6-8 minutes until the pancake is golden brown on top. No flipping is necessary! Repeat this process with the remaining batter, keeping the cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in an oven set to 200°F/93°C until ready to serve.

Some tips for making pancakes in an air fryer include using buttermilk to make fluffier pancakes, using a light hand when folding the dry ingredients into the wet, and allowing the batter to rest for a few minutes before cooking. Additionally, if you are using a small air fryer, the cooking time will likely be shorter, around 7-8 minutes.

What's the best temperature to cook pancakes in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook pancakes in an air fryer!

The best temperature to cook pancakes in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F.

At 350°F / 180°C, the pancakes will need to cook for around 9 minutes in total. First, cook for 5 minutes, then flip the pancakes and cook for a further 4 minutes. The pancakes are ready when they are golden brown.

At 400°F, the pancakes will need to cook for 7-8 minutes. Again, the pancakes are ready when they are golden brown.

It is worth noting that the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted to suit your air fryer model. It is recommended to check on the pancakes regularly to ensure they do not overcook.

Can you cook pancakes on parchment paper in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook pancakes on parchment paper in an air fryer, but it is not recommended. While it is technically possible, it can be messy, and you won't get perfectly shaped pancakes. Parchment paper can be hard to remove, especially if you have a drawer-style air fryer, and if it isn't sprayed well, the pancakes will stick.

A better alternative is to use small, oven-safe dishes, such as 6-inch aluminium pie tins or cake pans, or small silicone moulds. These ensure that your pancakes get hot enough and achieve a crispy texture.

How do you make multiple pancakes in an air fryer?

Making multiple pancakes in an air fryer is simple! Here is a step-by-step guide:

First, gather your equipment and ingredients. You will need an air fryer, of course, as well as some small, round aluminium pans to make the perfect-sized pancakes. You will also need a rubber spatula, a measuring cup, and cooking spray or melted butter to grease the pans. For the pancake batter, you can use a store-bought mix or make your own from scratch. If using a mix, simply combine it with water according to the package instructions. If making your own batter, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, then add in milk, egg, and oil.

Once you have your batter ready, spray your aluminium pans generously with cooking spray or melted butter. Then, use your measuring cup to scoop and pour around 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of batter into each pan, spreading it evenly to the edges with a rubber spatula.

Now it's time to cook your pancakes in the air fryer! Place the pans on the air fryer tray in a single layer and set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F. Cook for around 6 to 10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook. The pancakes are done when they are golden brown on top.

Finally, remove the pans from the air fryer and carefully take out the pancakes. You can serve them as they are, or get creative with toppings such as maple syrup, peanut butter, fresh fruit, or chocolate chips. Enjoy!

Can you freeze air fryer pancakes?

Yes, you can freeze air fryer pancakes! If you're making a big batch, it's a great way to save some for later. Here's what you need to know:

First, let the pancakes cool completely. Then, you can place them in an airtight freezer bag. If you're storing a large batch, it's best to freeze them with sheets of waxed paper or parchment paper between each pancake, so you can easily remove one at a time.

When you're ready to eat them, you can reheat the pancakes in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. You can also put them in the toaster if they fit, or pan-fry them to warm them up.

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