Air-Fried Yorkshire Puddings: A Tasty, Quick Treat?

The Yorkshire pudding is a traditional British side dish, often served with a roast dinner. It is made from a simple batter of flour, eggs and milk, which is baked in hot fat to create a crisp, light, golden pudding with a fluffy texture.

Yorkshire puddings can be cooked in an air fryer, and many recipes are available online. The air fryer gives the puddings a crispy exterior, while keeping the inside light and airy.

Yorkshire pudding ingredients

The ingredients for Yorkshire pudding are simple: just eggs, flour, and milk. However, the ratios of these ingredients can be adjusted to change the consistency of the batter and the texture of the cooked pudding. For example, a higher ratio of liquid to flour will result in a batter that rises more dramatically, while a lower ratio will lead to deeper cupping and a more distinct "crater" in the centre of the cooked pudding—perfect for filling with gravy!

Some recipes also include a pinch of salt, and you can experiment with adding other seasonings like black pepper, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning. If you like your Yorkshire puddings sweet, you can even add a little sugar to the batter.

The choice of fat you cook your puddings in will also affect the texture. Using a fat with a high smoking point, such as sunflower oil, goose fat, beef dripping, or vegetable baking fat, is essential to getting that perfect puff.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking Yorkshire puddings in an air fryer is 200 °C/400 °F. This temperature is used both for heating up the oil/fat and for cooking the puddings.

The cooking time for Yorkshire puddings in the air fryer varies depending on the source and the size of the puddings. The total cooking time, including the time taken to heat up the oil/fat, ranges from 23 minutes to 28 minutes.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Place the muffin tins, ramekins, or pudding tins in the air fryer basket.
• Add oil or fat to each mould or tin.
• Preheat the air fryer at 200 °C/400 °F for 5-10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

• Combine the flour, salt, and any desired seasonings in a mixing bowl.
• Add the egg and a small amount of milk, whisking to break the yolk and begin forming the batter.
• Gradually add the remaining milk while continuing to whisk until the batter is smooth.
• Let the batter rest for 20-30 minutes to allow it to expand and develop a better rise.

Step 3: Cook the Yorkshire Puddings

• After preheating, give the batter a quick whisk and pour it into the tins or moulds, filling them halfway.
• Air fry at 200 °C/400 °F for 8-10 minutes.
• Gently flip the puddings using tongs and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
• Check the puddings by feeling their weight after 3 minutes. They should feel light; if they feel heavy, continue cooking for up to 2 more minutes.

Step 4: Serve

• Serve the Yorkshire puddings hot and fresh alongside your favourite roast.
• Add gravy or your choice of sauce to enhance the flavour.

Tips:

• It is important to preheat the air fryer and use the right kind of tin to achieve the perfect rise.
• Use Yorkshire pudding tins or similar shallow, round tins to create the classic shape and size.
• Avoid opening the air fryer during cooking to prevent temperature fluctuations that may affect the rise of the puddings.
• The size and material of the tins or moulds can affect the cooking time.
• Flipping the puddings halfway through cooking can help achieve the best results.
• If the puddings still feel heavy or doughy, continue cooking for a little longer.

How to make the batter

Making the batter for Yorkshire puddings is a simple process, but it's important to get it right for the best results. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect Yorkshire pudding batter for your air fryer:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Plain flour (also known as all-purpose flour)
• Milk (semi-skimmed or whole milk is best)
• Eggs
• Salt
• Oil or fat for cooking (traditionally beef dripping or goose fat, but vegetable oil or olive oil are also good options)

Mixing the Batter

• Start by measuring the flour into a mixing bowl. You can also add a pinch of salt to the flour at this stage to ensure it is well combined.
• Create a well in the centre of the flour by pushing the flour away from the centre with your hand or the back of a spoon.
• Crack an egg into the well and add a small splash of milk.
• Use a balloon whisk or a fork to gradually mix the egg and milk together, slowly incorporating the flour from the sides of the bowl.
• Once the egg and milk are combined, gradually add the remaining milk, whisking or mixing continuously until you have a smooth batter.
• Cover the batter and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting time is crucial, as it allows the batter to develop a better structure for a higher rise when cooking.

Tips for the Best Batter

• For a sweet and savoury taste, you can add a small amount of sugar to the batter.
• For a cheesy twist, stir in some grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the batter.
• Ensure your batter is smooth and free of lumps by whisking together the flour, eggs, and milk until well combined.
• If you prefer a thinner batter, you can replace some of the milk with water.

Now that you have the perfect batter, you're ready to start cooking your Yorkshire puddings in your air fryer!

How to cook the batter

How to Make the Batter

The batter for Yorkshire puddings is simple, requiring just flour, eggs, and milk. However, the process of making the batter is important to get right. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Combine the dry ingredients: Place the flour into a mixing bowl and add a pinch of salt. Stir to combine. You can also add a small amount of sugar if you like your Yorkshire puddings slightly sweet.
• Add the wet ingredients: Crack the eggs into the bowl and add a splash of milk. Use a balloon whisk to combine the ingredients, starting in the middle of the bowl and slowly incorporating the flour into the eggs and milk.
• Gradually add the remaining milk: Keep whisking as you slowly add the rest of the milk. Continue mixing until you have a smooth batter with no lumps.
• Rest the batter: Cover the bowl and let the batter rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is important as it helps the batter develop a better structure, resulting in a higher rise when cooked.

Tips for the Perfect Batter

• For the best results, use plain/all-purpose flour and semi-skimmed milk.
• If you prefer a more savoury Yorkshire pudding, you can replace the milk with beef dripping, lard, or vegetable oil.
• For a smoother batter, you can use an immersion blender instead of a whisk. Simply add all the ingredients to a tall measuring jug and blitz until smooth.
• If you want to make your Yorkshire puddings in advance, you can rest the batter in the refrigerator for up to overnight.
• For a cheesy twist, stir in some grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the batter.

How to store and reheat the puddings

If you have any leftover Yorkshire puddings, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two to four days. They will lose their crispness, but you can pop them in the air fryer for three minutes at 160°C (320°F) to get them crispy again.

Yorkshire puddings also freeze well. To freeze, spread the puddings out on a tray and place them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag or container. Frozen Yorkshire puddings can be reheated straight from frozen in the air fryer at 180°C (360°F) for five minutes.

Frequently asked questions