Making Pancakes In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

You may have seen videos on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram that claim to show how to make pancakes in an air fryer. But does this kitchen hack actually work?

Some people claim that the air fryer pancake hack is a complete flop and that the pancakes end up undercooked and tasting disgusting. However, other sources provide recipes and instructions for making pancakes in an air fryer, with some people claiming that they are delicious and even life-changing.

So, can you make pancakes in an air fryer? The answer is: it depends. While some people have had success, others have failed miserably. It may be worth a try if you're feeling adventurous, but be prepared for the possibility of a pancake fail.

Air fryer pancakes recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (460ml) buttermilk
• 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup batter for each pancake
• Cooking spray
• Maple syrup and fresh fruit, for serving

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup blueberries or other fruit

Method:

• Combine the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
• In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the batter is smooth. Leave this to rest for 20 minutes.
• Mist the aluminum pie tins or silicone molds with cooking spray. Ensure they are well-greased.
• Add 1/4 cup of batter to each tin or mold. Use a rubber spatula to spread the batter evenly.
• Place the tins or molds in the air fryer basket and air fry at 350°F/180°C for 5 minutes. The tops should be slightly golden.
• Use tongs to invert the pancakes directly into the basket so that they are flipped over. Cook for another 4 minutes or until golden.
• Repeat the process until you have used up all the batter, greasing the tins or molds each time.
• Serve the pancakes with maple syrup and fresh berries, or your favorite toppings.

Tips:

• Using buttermilk is key to making fluffy and light pancakes. The acid in the buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, creating little bubbles that make the batter rise. You can also use yogurt or sour cream with added lemon juice as a substitute.
• If you are using a store-bought pancake mix, simply follow the package directions to prepare the batter.
• To make multiple pancakes at once, use small silicone molds or aluminum tins to fit in your air fryer.
• For evenly cooked pancakes, ensure the batter is spread evenly in the pan. You can use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to ensure all pancakes are the same size.
• The first batch of pancakes may take longer to cook, and subsequent batches may need slightly less time as the air fryer will already be hot.
• Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Air fryer pancake toppings

There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing toppings for your air fryer pancakes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sweet toppings

• Syrups: Maple syrup, strawberry syrup, blueberry syrup, blackberry syrup, vegan honey, or agave.
• Spreads: Peanut butter, almond butter, pumpkin seed butter, white chocolate hazelnut spread, vegan Nutella, lemon curd, or apple curd.
• Fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, bananas, mango, pineapple, shredded coconut, pear compote, or strawberry chia seed jam.
• Creamy treats: Whipped cream, ice cream, Greek yoghurt, or creamed cottage cheese.
• Crunchy additions: Granola, chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.

Savoury toppings

You can also serve your air fryer pancakes with savoury toppings, such as:

• Eggs: Sunny-side-up eggs, fried eggs, poached eggs, or scrambled eggs.
• Meaty treats: Tempeh bacon or vegan sausage.

Drinks

To accompany your pancakes, you could try:

• Coffee
• Espresso
• Tea
• Biscoff latte
• Protein hot chocolate
• Oat milk honey latte
• Iced ube latte

Air fryer pancake cooking times

Air fryer pancakes are a quick and easy way to make perfect pancakes in less than 10 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of pancakes you are cooking at once, but generally, you can expect them to take around 6-8 minutes to cook.

Air Fryer Temperature for Pancakes:

The ideal temperature for cooking pancakes in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. A lower temperature may not cook the pancakes thoroughly, while a higher temperature may cause them to burn. It is important to note that air fryer temperatures can vary, so it is recommended to check on your pancakes after 6 minutes to ensure they don't overcook.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pancakes in an Air Fryer:

• Combine the pancake mix and water according to the package directions. If you are making homemade batter, mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) and wet ingredients (buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla) separately before combining them.
• Let the batter rest for a few minutes. This will give you fluffier pancakes.
• Spray your chosen baking pans or aluminum pie tins with cooking spray. You can use a large 6-inch pan for one pancake or smaller 4-inch pans for 3-4 pancakes.
• Fill the pans with the batter. For smaller pans, use 1/4 cup of batter, and for larger pans, use 1/2 cup. Spread the batter evenly to the edges of the pan.
• Place the pan(s) in the preheated air fryer and cook at 370°F for 6-8 minutes until the tops are golden brown. No flipping is necessary.
• Remove the pans from the air fryer using oven mitts and flip them over to release the pancakes.
• Repeat the process if you have more batter.

Tips for Making Perfect Air Fryer Pancakes:

• Use an aluminum pan without a non-stick coating to get flat pancakes.
• For fluffier pancakes, use buttermilk or add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to regular milk or milk substitute.
• Add your favorite mix-ins like blueberries, chocolate chips, or sprinkles.
• Smaller pans are easier to use than larger ones and create a perfect one-person serving size.

Air fryer pancake cooking equipment

Cooking pancakes in an air fryer is a fun and easy way to make a delicious breakfast. However, to ensure perfect pancakes, it's important to have the right equipment. Here's a list of the essential tools you'll need to make air fryer pancakes:

Air Fryer

First and foremost, you'll need an air fryer. Air fryers are like mini convection ovens that cook food using hot air circulation. They are a convenient and healthy alternative to traditional frying methods. When choosing an air fryer, consider the size, temperature controls, and any special features that suit your needs. Some popular options include the Cosori 12-in-1 Air Fryer and the Cosori Air Fryer.

Baking Pans/Molds

The type of pan or mold you use is crucial to achieving the perfect pancake shape and texture. Here are some options:

• Aluminum Pans: Aluminum pans are recommended for making flat pancakes. Avoid non-stick finishes, as they can cause the batter to rise unevenly. You can use a large 6-inch pan for one pancake or smaller 4-inch pans for multiple pancakes.
• Silicone Molds: Small silicone molds are useful for making perfectly round and evenly sized pancakes. They are easy to clean and ensure consistent results.
• Foil Baking Pans: If you don't want to buy special pans, foil baking pans are a simple and affordable option.

Spatula

A spatula is essential for mixing your pancake batter and spreading it evenly in the pans or molds. It helps you get a smooth, even layer, ensuring your pancakes cook evenly.

Cooking Spray

Generously coat your pans or molds with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step is crucial, as it ensures your pancakes release easily and don't break when removing them from the pans.

Measuring Cups

Use measuring cups to portion your batter accurately. For most recipes, you'll need about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of batter per pancake, depending on the size of your pan.

Ingredients

Of course, you'll need the right ingredients to make your pancake batter. Here are the basics:

• Flour: All-purpose or plain flour is the standard choice.
• Leavening Agents: Baking powder, baking soda, or both, help your pancakes rise and gives them a light, fluffy texture.
• Liquid: Buttermilk is the secret to extra fluffy pancakes. It reacts with the baking soda to create tiny bubbles that make the batter rise. You can also use regular milk, almond milk, or other milk substitutes with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice added.
• Eggs: Eggs are a binding agent and provide structure to your pancakes.
• Fat: Melted butter, oil, or a combination of both add richness and flavor to your pancakes.

With the right equipment and ingredients, you'll be well on your way to making delicious air fryer pancakes. Enjoy experimenting with different recipes and toppings to find your perfect pancake stack!

Air fryer pancake batter

Air fryer pancakes are a quick and easy way to make a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch. You can use a store-bought pancake batter mix or make your own from scratch. Here is a simple guide to making the perfect air fryer pancake batter.

Ingredients

You will need the following basic ingredients to make your pancake batter:

• Flour: all-purpose/plain flour
• Leavening agent: baking powder, baking soda
• Liquid: buttermilk, milk, or water
• Egg
• Fat: butter or oil
• Sugar
• Salt

Method

• Combine the liquid ingredients, eggs, and melted fat in a mixing bowl. Stir until combined.
• In a separate bowl, sift and combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until you have a smooth batter. Take care not to overmix, as this can make your pancakes dense. A few lumps are fine.
• Let the batter rest for a few minutes to allow the flour to absorb the liquid and for any air bubbles to escape. This will give you fluffier pancakes.

Tips

• Buttermilk is the secret to making your pancakes extra fluffy. The acid in the buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, creating little bubbles that make the batter rise. If you don't have buttermilk, you can add a teaspoon of vinegar to regular milk or use yoghurt or sour cream with a dash of lemon juice.
• If you like, you can add extras to your batter, such as chocolate chips, blueberries, or sprinkles.

Now you're ready to cook your pancakes in the air fryer!

Frequently asked questions