Air Fryer Pancakes: A Quick Breakfast Treat

Pancake lovers, rejoice! You can indeed make pancakes in an air fryer. It might seem counterintuitive, but it is possible to make delicious, fluffy, and golden brown pancakes in an air fryer. The process is simple and quick, and you can use either homemade batter or a store-bought mix. The key to success is using the right type of pan – an aluminium pan without a non-stick finish is recommended – and greasing it generously. You can also get creative with toppings and add-ins, such as chocolate chips, blueberries, or sprinkles. So, if you're looking for a new way to make your favourite breakfast, give air fryer pancakes a try!

Air fryer pancakes: ingredients and measurements

Air fryer pancakes are a quick and easy breakfast option, perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends. The best part? You can use a classic buttermilk pancake recipe or a store-bought pancake mix—the choice is yours! Here's a simple guide to help you make delicious air fryer pancakes with perfect measurements and ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Flour: Use 1½ cups of regular all-purpose flour. If you prefer gluten-free or whole-wheat flour, go for it!
• Sugar: Add 1 tablespoon of white granulated sugar. For a fun twist, you can substitute honey or maple syrup for the sugar.
• Baking Powder: Include 3½ teaspoons of baking powder to help your pancakes rise.
• Salt: A pinch of salt, about ¼ teaspoon, will enhance the other flavours.
• Milk: Pour in 1¼ cups of milk. Want to make buttermilk pancakes? Swap the milk for buttermilk!
• Egg: One large beaten egg (or an egg substitute) will help bind your ingredients.
• Butter: Add 3 tablespoons of melted and cooled butter for richness.

Optional Ingredients:

• Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of this will add a lovely aroma and flavour to your pancakes.
• Baking Soda: Including a teaspoon of this will react with the buttermilk to make your pancakes extra fluffy.
• Toppings: Fresh berries, maple syrup, whipped cream, nuts, and chocolate chips are all great options to customise your stack.

Measurements:

• Mixing Bowls: You'll need a large mixing bowl to combine your dry and wet ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accuracy with measuring cups and spoons for dry and liquid ingredients.
• Whisk or Spatula: Use a whisk or spatula to gently mix your batter.
• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (205°C).
• Cooking Spray: Grease your air fryer basket or pans with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Mini Cake Pans or Pie Tins: Use 6-inch cake pans or pie tins to cook your pancakes.
• Scoop: A ¼ cup scoop helps portion the batter evenly into the pans.
• Tongs: Silicone tongs are useful for carefully removing the cooked pancakes from the air fryer.

Air fryer pancakes: preparation and cooking

Pancakes are a classic breakfast food that can now be made in an air fryer with minimal effort and excellent results. The air fryer method produces fluffy, evenly cooked pancakes with a slight crisp on the outside and a soft, warm centre.

Ingredients

You can use a store-bought pancake mix or make your own batter. Here is a simple recipe for homemade buttermilk pancakes:

• 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
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 egg

Method

• Combine the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
• Sift in 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 15-20 minutes.
• Grease your chosen baking pans with cooking spray or cake release. You can use aluminium, silicone or foil baking pans, but avoid non-stick finishes as these will cause the batter to rise in the centre.
• Add 1/4 cup of batter to smaller pans or 1/2 cup to larger pans. Use a rubber spatula to spread the batter evenly to the edges of the pan.
• Place the pans in the air fryer and cook at 350-400°F for 5-8 minutes until the tops are golden brown. No flipping is required.
• Carefully remove the pans from the air fryer and invert them to release the pancakes.
• Repeat the process for any remaining batter.

Tips

• For fluffier pancakes, use buttermilk or add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to regular milk or milk substitutes.
• To prevent the pans from moving around in the air fryer, add a few chocolate chips or other small, heavy items to weigh them down.
• To cook frozen pancakes, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 4-5 minutes.
• To reheat leftover pancakes, place them directly in the air fryer without a pan and heat for 2-3 minutes at 320-350°F.

Air fryer pancakes: toppings and serving suggestions

Air fryer pancakes are a quick and easy breakfast option, and you can get creative with toppings and serving suggestions. Here are some ideas to elevate your air fryer pancake experience:

Toppings

• Fresh berries: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of all three!
• Nuts: walnuts, chopped nuts, or other types of nuts of your choice.
• Maple syrup: a classic pancake topping that goes well with the other toppings.
• Whipped cream: for an indulgent touch.
• Chocolate chips: sprinkle on top of the batter before cooking for chocolate chip pancakes.
• Cinnamon: a dash of cinnamon in the batter or as a topping adds a nice spice.
• Honey: drizzle some honey on top for extra sweetness.
• Peanut butter: spread some peanut butter on your pancakes for a delicious protein boost.
• Fruits: sliced bananas, mango, pineapple, or shredded coconut add a tropical twist.

Serving Suggestions

• With eggs: serve your air fryer pancakes with a side of sunny-side-up, fried, poached, or scrambled eggs.
• Savory sides: pair your sweet pancakes with savory options like tempeh bacon or vegan sausage.
• Beverages: enjoy your pancakes with a cup of coffee, espresso, tea, or a sweeter option like a latte or protein hot chocolate.
• Smoothies: blend up a fruity or green smoothie to add some extra nutrients to your meal.
• For dessert: turn your pancakes into a decadent dessert by topping them with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.

Air fryer pancakes: reheating and freezing

Yes, you can reheat pancakes in an air fryer. To do this, preheat your air fryer to 320°F (or 350°F). Place your leftover pancakes inside, ensuring they are in a single layer and not stacked. Reheat for 2 minutes or until heated through. Repeat this process until all your pancakes are warmed up.

You can also freeze pancakes. To do this, lay them on a sheet pan and place them in the freezer for 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer the pancakes to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to eat your frozen pancakes, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Place the frozen pancakes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 330°F for 4-5 minutes until soft and heated through. If you want crispy edges, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

You can also reheat frozen pancakes in the toaster, oven, frying pan, or microwave.

Air fryer pancakes: choosing the right pan

Air fryer pancakes are a quick and easy way to make a delicious breakfast. You can use a pancake mix or make your own batter from scratch. But, to make perfect air fryer pancakes, choosing the right pan is essential. Here are some tips to help you select the best pan for your needs.

Firstly, the pan must fit in your air fryer. It is important to measure the dimensions of your air fryer to ensure the pan you choose will fit comfortably inside.

Secondly, the pan should be made of aluminium. Aluminium pans are the best option for making pancakes in the air fryer. They conduct heat efficiently, ensuring your pancakes cook evenly. Additionally, avoid pans with a non-stick finish. Pans with a non-stick coating will cause your pancakes to rise up in the centre, resulting in a domed shape rather than a flat pancake.

You can choose between a large 6-inch pan, which makes one pancake at a time, or smaller 4-inch pans that typically make 3-4 pancakes in one go. The smaller pans are a great option if you want to make a single serving or if you prefer your pancakes on the smaller side.

If you don't want to invest in special pans, foil baking pans are a simple and cost-effective alternative. They work well in the air fryer and can be easily shaped to fit your air fryer's dimensions.

Once you've selected the right pan, you can follow these simple steps to make your air fryer pancakes:

• Make your batter, either from scratch or using a store-bought mix.
• Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees F while letting the batter rest for 5 minutes.
• Spray your chosen pan with cooking spray and fill it with batter. Use a rubber spatula to spread the batter evenly to the edges.
• Put the pan in the preheated air fryer and cook for 6-7 minutes, or until the tops of your pancakes are golden brown and crispy. There's no need to flip them!
• Carefully remove the pan from the air fryer using oven mitts and let the pancakes cool.
• Repeat the process if you have batter left, or serve your pancakes with your favourite toppings!

Frequently asked questions