Making Pancakes In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Pancakes are a breakfast classic, but not everyone has the time or energy to make them from scratch on the stovetop. Luckily, air fryers provide a simple solution. You can make fluffy, golden-brown pancakes in an air fryer in less than 10 minutes, with minimal effort and cleanup. Whether you prefer a homemade batter or a store-bought mix, an air fryer can help you achieve the perfect pancakes without the hassle of traditional cooking methods.

Air fryer pancakes: recipe and ingredients

Making pancakes in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare a breakfast favourite. The air fryer method is hands-off, requiring minimal effort and no flipping, and results in evenly cooked, fluffy, and golden brown pancakes every time.

Ingredients

You can make air fryer pancakes with a store-bought pancake mix or a homemade batter.

Store-Bought Mix

• Instant pancake mix
• Water
• (Optional) Milk

Homemade Batter

• All-purpose/plain flour
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Buttermilk can be substituted with regular milk or almond milk with a teaspoon of vinegar added.

Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

If using a store-bought mix, combine the instant pancake mix with water, and optionally, some milk, in a medium-sized mixing bowl. If making a homemade batter, combine the wet ingredients (buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla) in a mixing bowl, then stir in the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt).

Step 2: Rest Batter

Let the batter rest for a few minutes. This will give you fluffier pancakes.

Step 3: Prepare Pans

Spray your chosen baking pans (small, round aluminium pans are recommended) with cooking spray or melted butter. Then, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of batter to each pan, depending on the size of the pan. Use a rubber spatula to spread the batter evenly to the edges of the pan.

Step 4: Air Fry

Place the pans in the air fryer and cook at 350-400°F for 6-10 minutes, depending on your air fryer model. The pancakes are done when the tops are a light golden brown.

Step 5: Remove and Serve

Carefully remove the pancakes from the pans and serve with your favourite toppings, such as maple syrup, chocolate syrup, peanut butter, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.

Tips

• For perfectly round and evenly sized pancakes, use small silicone molds.
• To prevent the pans from moving around in the air fryer, add a few chocolate chips or other weights.
• To make multiple pancakes at once, use several small pans instead of one large pan.
• For fluffy pancakes, use buttermilk or a buttermilk substitute (see above).
• For evenly cooked pancakes, ensure the batter is evenly spread in the pan.
• To store leftovers, place in an airtight container or sealable bag and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.

How to make pancakes in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Pancake batter (store-bought or homemade)
• Water (if using a pancake mix)
• Oat milk or regular milk (optional)
• Butter (optional)
• Cooking spray
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. maple syrup, fruit, chocolate chips)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cup
• Rubber spatula
• Aluminum pans (4-inch or 6-inch)
• Oven mitts

Method

• Prepare the batter: If using a pancake mix, combine the mix with water in a mixing bowl. You can also add milk or butter for fluffier pancakes. If making the batter from scratch, mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, and then combine them. Let the batter rest for a few minutes.
• Grease the pans: Spray the aluminum pans generously with cooking spray or melted butter.
• Fill the pans: Pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup of batter into each pan, depending on the pan size. Use a rubber spatula to spread the batter evenly to the edges.
• Air fry: Place the pans in the air fryer and cook at 350-400°F for 6-10 minutes. The pancakes are ready when the tops are golden brown and crispy. No flipping is required.
• Remove and serve: Carefully remove the pans from the air fryer using oven mitts. The pancakes should fall right out of the pans. Serve the pancakes warm with your choice of toppings.

Tips:

• For fluffy pancakes, use buttermilk or add a teaspoon of vinegar to regular milk or milk substitute.
• For evenly cooked pancakes, ensure the batter is spread evenly in the pan.
• You can freeze leftover pancakes and reheat them in the air fryer or microwave.

Pancake toppings

Pancakes can be topped with a variety of sweet or savoury ingredients. Here are some mouth-watering ideas to get you started:

Sweet Toppings

• Butter and maple syrup
• Peanut butter and maple syrup
• Whipped cream, fresh berries, bananas, or chocolate chips
• Nutella and strawberries
• Blueberry, blackberry, or strawberry syrup
• Fruit jam
• Caramel sauce and whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream and any fruit
• Condensed milk and peanut butter
• Mangoes and sweet syrup
• Ube jam and desiccated coconut
• Melted white, milk, or dark chocolate and strawberries
• Chocolate syrup and chocolate chips
• Condensed milk and grated cheese
• Crushed graham crackers
• Spreadable cream cheese and strawberry jam
• Cheez Whiz and Arla Cheese Spread

Savoury Toppings

• Maple syrup and bacon strips
• Smoked salmon and cream cheese
• Squash, goat's cheese, and rosemary
• Ham and cheese
• Sausage or sausage gravy
• Fried chicken
• Lemon curd and chopped, toasted nuts
• Boiled or fried eggs

Storing and reheating pancakes

You can store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to three months. If you are storing large batches, freeze them between sheets of waxed paper so you can easily remove a few at a time.

There are several ways to reheat pancakes:

• Oven: Place pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes until warm but not dried out.
• Microwave: Stack two or three pancakes on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely with a paper towel. Microwave on medium-high heat for one minute, being careful not to overheat as they will become rubbery.
• Skillet: Preheat a dry skillet to medium-high heat. Place pancakes in a single layer, cover with a lid or foil, and warm for 5 to 7 minutes. For a nice crispiness, flip the pancakes halfway through.
• Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pancakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat for 2 to 3 minutes, being careful not to overheat as they will become very crispy.
• Toaster: Place one pancake in each toaster slot and set the toast level fairly high. For frozen pancakes, there is no need to thaw; simply toast for a bit longer.

Gluten-free pancakes in the air fryer

Yes, you can make pancakes in an air fryer! And, it's super easy to make the recipe gluten-free. Here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious, fluffy gluten-free pancakes using an air fryer.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make gluten-free pancakes in your air fryer:

• Gluten-free flour (a store-bought blend or a homemade mix of gluten-free flours like rice flour, oat flour, or almond flour)
• Baking powder and baking soda (these leavening agents will make your pancakes light and airy)
• A pinch of salt (optional, but it enhances the other flavours)
• Sugar (granulated, brown, or coconut sugar)
• Low-fat milk or a plant-based milk alternative like almond or oat milk
• An egg
• Butter or a vegan alternative like vegan butter, coconut oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil
• Vanilla extract
• Cooking spray or cake release
• Fresh or frozen blueberries (optional, but a great addition!)

Method

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your air fryer to 330 degrees Fahrenheit or 170 degrees Celsius. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar. Add a pinch of salt if desired.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and whisk until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense and chewy pancakes. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Pans

Lightly spray four 4-inch round springform pans or small aluminium pans with cooking spray or oil. You can also use small foil trays or disposable aluminium pie tins. Scoop about 1/2 cup of pancake batter into each tin, tapping the pans gently on the countertop to help the batter settle and even out.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

Place the pans into the air fryer basket and cook the pancakes for 10-12 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and lightly golden brown. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it's a good idea to check the pancakes after 10 minutes.

Step 6: Remove and Serve

Allow the pancakes to cool in the tins for 2-3 minutes before removing them and placing them on a cooling rack. Repeat the process with the remaining batter. Serve your gluten-free pancakes warm, with your choice of toppings and a drizzle of maple syrup!

Tips for Success

• Let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking to ensure fluffier pancakes.
• Check for doneness a little early to avoid overcooking.
• Use aluminium pans or disposable pie tins for consistent results.
• For thinner pancakes, use 1/4 cup of batter per pan and cook for 7-8 minutes.
• Spread the batter evenly in the pans for evenly cooked pancakes.
• Avoid stacking the pans in the air fryer to ensure proper airflow.
• Enhance the flavour by adding a pinch of salt to the batter.

Frequently asked questions