Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Yorkshire Puddings, Cook Or Not?

Yes, you can cook frozen Yorkshire puddings in an air fryer. It is a quick, easy, and foolproof method to cook this classic British side dish. The cooking time varies depending on the air fryer model, but it usually takes around 3 to 6 minutes at 180-190°C (355-380°F) to cook the puddings until they are golden brown and crispy. You can cook them straight from frozen, and there is no need to defrost or preheat the air fryer. Frozen Yorkshire puddings from brands like Aunt Bessie's, Aldi, Lidl, Asda, Morrisons, Iceland, and Tesco are readily available in the UK and can be used.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for frozen Yorkshire puddings in an air fryer vary slightly depending on the source and the brand of the pudding. Most sources recommend cooking the puddings at a temperature of 180°C (355°F or 360°F) for 3 to 6 minutes. However, some sources suggest preheating the air fryer to 190°C/380°F for 3 minutes before adding the puddings and cooking them for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the puddings and the desired level of crispness. For extra crispy puddings, it is recommended to cook them for 4 to 6 minutes. Additionally, the wattage and brand of the air fryer can also impact the cooking time.

When cooking frozen Yorkshire puddings in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overcrowding, and to flip them halfway through for even cooking.

Some sources specifically mention Aunt Bessie's Yorkshire puddings, which are a popular brand in the UK, and suggest a cooking time of 3 to 5 minutes at 180°C (355°F) for these particular puddings.

It is worth noting that frozen Yorkshire puddings are typically already cooked, and reheating them in the air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy them.

How to serve Yorkshire puddings

Yorkshire puddings are a traditional British side dish, often served with a roast dinner. They are commonly served with gravy, roast beef, and mashed or roast potatoes.

Yorkshire puddings can be used as a gravy sponge, dipped in gravy, or used to mop your plate after you've finished eating. They can also be sliced and eaten with a fork or used as a wrap for other foods.

Yorkshire puddings can be filled with savoury or sweet fillings. Savoury filled Yorkshire puddings are popular in British pubs, where the pudding is used as a vessel to hold various fillings, creating a complete meal. Popular savoury fillings include sausages, creating the dish "Toad in the Hole", or any type of stew, such as Irish stew, along with vegetables and gravy. For a sweet option, serve the Yorkshire pudding with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of golden syrup.

Yorkshire puddings can be cooked from scratch or heated from frozen in an air fryer. When cooking from frozen in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 190°C/380°F for 3 minutes. Place the frozen puddings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and cook for 3-6 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the outside. Flip the puddings halfway through for best results.

Choosing the right fat

Sunflower oil is a popular choice for cooking Yorkshire puddings due to its high smoke point, which means it can withstand the high temperatures required for the intense heat of the air fryer without burning or smoking. It also has a neutral flavor that won't overpower the delicate taste of the puddings.

Goose fat is another option and is known for its rich, savory flavor. It has a slightly lower smoke point than sunflower oil but still works well for cooking Yorkshire puddings. It adds a luxurious, indulgent touch to the dish and is perfect for special occasions.

Beef dripping is a traditional choice for cooking Yorkshire puddings, especially when paired with a roast beef dinner. It has a deep, meaty flavor that enhances the taste of the puddings. Beef dripping has a similar smoke point to goose fat, so it's important to keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Vegetable baking fat, such as Trex, is a versatile option that works well for Yorkshire puddings. It has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a reliable choice for consistent results.

When selecting a fat for your Yorkshire puddings, consider the flavor profile you want to achieve and the smoke point of the fat. By choosing an option with a high smoke point, you can ensure that your puddings cook evenly and achieve the desired golden, crispy exterior without burning.

Reheating Yorkshire puddings

Set your air fryer to 180°C and cook the puddings for 3-5 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. If you're reheating homemade Yorkshire puddings that are fresh or have been defrosted, reduce the cooking time by one minute. Check that the puddings are piping hot before serving.

You can also reheat leftover Yorkshire puddings that have been stored in the fridge. They may have lost their crispness, but you can restore them to perfection with just three minutes in the air fryer at 160°C.

Air fryer basket arrangement

To cook frozen Yorkshire puddings in an air fryer, start by arranging the puddings in the air fryer basket. It is important not to overcrowd the basket, so if you are cooking more than six puddings, it is best to do them in two batches. The puddings should be arranged in a single layer, with a bit of space between each one.

Once the basket is arranged, you can set the temperature and timer. Different sources recommend cooking the puddings at temperatures ranging from 180°C to 200°C for three to six minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of the puddings and the desired crispiness. For example, larger puddings may need up to six minutes to cook through, while smaller ones will be done in around three to four minutes. If you are using an air fryer that requires preheating, you should preheat it to 190°C/380°F for three minutes before adding the puddings.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer. Be sure to check that the puddings are piping hot and cooked through before serving.

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