Air Fryer Crepes: Is It Possible?

Crepes, or French pancakes, have been a breakfast staple since their origin in Brittany, France, in the 12th century. They are typically made on a stovetop, but can they be made in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryers are a convenient and mess-free way to make crepes, which come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This method is also quicker than traditional stovetop cooking, taking less than 10 minutes.

Air fryer crepe ingredients and substitutions

Crepes are thin and delicate French-style pancakes that can be made in an air fryer. They are usually made with a combination of flour, liquid (such as milk and/or water), and salt. Here are the ingredients and substitutions you can use to make crepes in an air fryer:

Flour:

• The type of flour you use is important. For the best results, use all-purpose/plain flour. This will give your crepes the desired structure and texture.
• If you want to make gluten-free crepes, you can experiment with alternative flours like buckwheat flour, rice flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary.

Liquid:

• Milk is the most commonly used liquid in crepe batter. For the best texture, use a combination of whole milk and water. You can also use other types of milk, such as 2% milk or non-dairy milk.
• If you want a richer-tasting crepe, you can substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for milk.

Eggs:

Eggs are essential in crepe batter as they provide structure and bind all the ingredients together. Use large eggs at room temperature for the best results.

Butter:

Unsalted butter is a key ingredient in crepes, giving them a delicious buttery flavour and crisp edges. Make sure to have extra butter on hand for greasing the air fryer basket or pan before cooking each crepe.

Sugar:

A small amount of granulated sugar is typically added to crepe batter to lightly sweeten them. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste preferences.

Salt:

A pinch of salt enhances the flavour of the crepes and balances out the sweetness from the sugar.

Vanilla Extract:

Vanilla extract adds a subtle flavour to the crepes. You can leave it out if you plan to make savoury crepes.

Substitutions and Variations:

• For savoury crepes, you can add a pinch of ground black pepper and dried herbs to the batter.
• If you want to make chocolate crepes, you can experiment with adding cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the batter.
• You can fill your crepes with a variety of sweet or savoury fillings, such as Nutella, fresh fruit, whipped cream, meats, sauces, vegetables, or cheese.
• For a simple and classic topping, drizzle your crepes with melted chocolate, peanut butter, or confectioners' sugar.

Air fryer crepe cooking instructions

Ingredients

• 1 cup of flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups of milk
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• A pinch of salt
• Toppings of your choice (Nutella, whipped cream, fresh fruit, etc.)

Method

Firstly, prepare the crepe batter by whisking together the flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, and salt in a large mixing bowl. You can also add a little sugar and vanilla extract if you like your crepes sweet.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil.

Pour about 1/4 cup of the crepe batter into the centre of the air fryer basket and use a spatula to spread it out into a thin, even layer.

Cook the crepe for 2-3 minutes, or until the edges start to crisp up and the top is set. Carefully flip the crepe using a spatula and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Repeat this process with the remaining batter, making sure to lightly spray the air fryer basket before each crepe.

Once all the crepes are cooked, serve them warm with your choice of toppings.

Tips

• You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the wattage of your air fryer.
• The batter can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
• If you want to make thinner crepes, add a little more milk to the batter.
• For sweet crepes, add a little cinnamon or honey to the batter.

Air fryer crepe toppings and fillings

Crepes are a versatile dish that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savoury ingredients. Here are some topping and filling ideas for air fryer crepes:

Sweet fillings and toppings:

• Nutella is a popular choice, with its smooth and creamy texture pairing well with the thin and delicate crepe.
• Fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, oranges, and bananas can be used in a variety of ways, from fresh slices to compotes, curds, or jams.
• Whipped cream adds a sweet and airy texture to the crepes, and can be flavoured with chocolate, coffee, or mascarpone.
• Honey adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the overall taste of freshly made crepes.
• Maple syrup can be drizzled generously over warm crepes for a classic sweet touch.
• Ice cream, such as chocolate, Oreo cookies and cream, or chocolate peanut butter, provides a creamy and indulgent filling.
• Peanut butter has a creamy texture and nutty flavour that complements the crepe.
• Jam, especially when paired with peanut butter, creates a tasty combination that is irresistible.
• Chocolate ganache, made from melted chocolate and heavy cream, is a rich and decadent filling.
• Cinnamon sugar or cinnamon butter adds a warm and sweet touch to the crepes.
• Lemon curd is a tangy and creamy filling that pairs perfectly with crepes, adding a refreshing twist.
• Greek yoghurt adds a creamy and tangy flavour to the delicate crepes.
• Chantilly cream is a quick and easy option for a sweet and creamy filling.

Savoury fillings and toppings:

• Ham and cheese is a classic savoury combination for crepes, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
• Spinach and feta offer a delicious and healthy option for a savoury crepe filling.
• Smoked salmon with cream cheese is an elegant and indulgent choice for a savoury crepe.
• Bacon, especially when finely crumbled, adds a salty and crispy element to the crepes.
• Sausage and mushrooms make for a hearty and satisfying savoury crepe filling.
• Roasted vegetables with goat cheese is a delicious and healthy option.
• Chicken with béchamel sauce and Gruyère cheese is a great choice for a weeknight dinner.
• Sliced turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken can be warmed up and paired with other ingredients, such as cheese or vegetables.

Air fryer crepe cooking time and temperature

Air fryer crepes are cooked at a temperature of between 180°C and 375°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the wattage of your air fryer, but on average, crepes take 2-3 minutes to cook on one side, and 1-2 minutes on the other.

Air Fryer Temperature for Crepes

Air fryer crepes are best cooked at a high temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking crepes in the air fryer at around 350°F or 375°F. However, some recipes suggest a lower temperature of 180°C.

Air Fryer Cooking Time for Crepes

The cooking time for crepes in an air fryer will depend on the wattage and model of your air fryer. It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer before adding the crepes for the best results.

On average, it takes 2-3 minutes to cook a crepe in an air fryer. You will know when to flip the crepe when the edges start to crisp up and the top is set. After flipping, cook the crepe for an additional 1-2 minutes.

It is important to note that the first batch of air-fried crepes may take a little longer to cook, and the remaining batches might need slightly less time as the air fryer will already be hot.

Tips for Cooking Crepes in an Air Fryer

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before adding the batter.
• Use a spatula to spread the batter into a thin, even layer.
• You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the wattage of your air fryer.
• The batter can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
• For sweet crepes, fill them with your favorite toppings such as Nutella, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.
• For savory crepes, fill them with ingredients such as cheese, ham, or spinach.

Air fryer crepe batter preparation

Crepes are very thin pancakes that can be made sweet or savoury and are usually served with a variety of fillings. They are typically cooked on a stovetop, but can also be made in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare the batter for air-fried crepes.

Ingredients

You will need the following basic ingredients to make crepes in an air fryer:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Butter (melted)
• Flour
• A pinch of salt

Optional ingredients include:

• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Water

Mixing the Batter

Start by preparing the crepe batter. In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using). Whisk until well combined. Next, add the dry ingredients: flour, sugar (if using), and salt. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth batter with no lumps. You can also use a blender to mix the batter until smooth.

Resting the Batter

Once you've mixed the batter, it's important to let it rest. Place the batter in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This resting phase allows any bubbles that formed during mixing to dissipate, and it gives the flour time to hydrate, resulting in a better texture for your crepes.

Cooking the Crepes in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (180°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Pour about 1/4 cup of the crepe batter into the centre of the air fryer basket and use a spatula to spread it out into a thin, even layer. Cook the crepe for 2-3 minutes, or until the edges start to crisp up and the top is set. Carefully flip the crepe using a spatula and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Repeat with the remaining batter, making sure to lightly spray the air fryer basket before each crepe.

Serving Suggestions

Once all the crepes are cooked, serve them warm with your choice of toppings or fillings. For sweet crepes, you can use Nutella, fresh fruit, whipped cream, cinnamon sugar, or lemon curd with fresh raspberries. Savoury crepes can be filled with ingredients such as cheese, ham, or spinach.

Frequently asked questions