Air-Fried Crumpets: A Quick Breakfast Treat

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason: they're versatile, convenient, and can cook food to crispy perfection. But can you make crumpets, a type of griddle cake or English muffin, in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes! Air fryer crumpets are not only possible, but they're also a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic treat.

With an air fryer, you can have perfectly toasted crumpets anytime you fancy. The process is simple: preheat your air fryer, pop in your crumpets, and air fry for a few minutes. You can even make them from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

But the customisation doesn't stop there. You can top your air fryer crumpets with a variety of toppings, from the classic butter to cheese, marmite, or even peanut butter. For a more creative option, why not try making a mini crumpet pizza? The possibilities are endless.

So, if you're craving crumpets and want to give your air fryer a go, this is a great option for a tasty snack or light meal.

Crumpet toppings

There are endless possibilities when it comes to crumpet toppings, whether you're a sweet or savoury fan.

For a savoury option, you could try a classic combination of butter and marmite, or add some cheese to make it extra indulgent. If you're feeling adventurous, why not try making a mini crumpet pizza? Simply add a spoonful of pizza sauce, some cheese, and your favourite pizza toppings. If you're a fan of spicy food, top your crumpet with a mix of soft cheese, honey, and harissa, or try a spiced shrimp crumpet with garlic, brown shrimp, nutmeg, and cayenne.

On the other hand, if you prefer something sweet, you could spread your crumpet with peanut butter and jam, or go for a more indulgent option with butter and honey or Nutella. For a fruity twist, why not try a combination of raspberry jam and white chocolate, or go for a classic cream tea-inspired option with clotted cream and jam?

No matter your preference, there's a crumpet topping to suit every taste!

How long to cook crumpets in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook crumpets. They are quick, easy, and perfect for when you are craving crumpets for breakfast. The crumpets are ready in just 3 to 6 minutes, depending on the recipe and the toppings you choose. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long to cook crumpets in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 180°C/350°F for 2 to 3 minutes. This is an important step as it ensures even cooking and helps to get the crumpets perfectly toasted.

Step 2: Cook the Crumpets

Place the desired number of plain crumpets into the air fryer basket, making sure to leave enough space between each one for the hot air to circulate freely. Air fry the crumpets for a total of 3 minutes, turning them over halfway through.

Step 3: Add Butter and Cheese (Optional)

If you want to add butter or cheese to your crumpets, now is the time to do so. Turn the crumpets back over and spread them with a thin layer of butter. If you want to add cheese, sprinkle some grated cheese on top of the buttered crumpets and return them to the air fryer.

Step 4: Cook for an Additional 2 Minutes

Cook the crumpets with butter and/or cheese for an additional 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted to your liking. If you are cooking the crumpets from frozen, simply add a couple of minutes to the total cooking time.

Topping Ideas

The great thing about crumpets is that they are a versatile canvas for a variety of toppings. Here are some topping ideas to get you started:

• Classic butter
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Marmite
• Peanut butter
• Tomato sauce and your favourite pizza toppings
• Mango chutney and cheese
• Brie
• BBQ sauce
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Garlic butter
• Ham or bacon

So, the next time you're craving crumpets, get out your air fryer and give this quick and easy cooking method a try!

Can you cook crumpets from frozen in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook crumpets from frozen in an air fryer! It is a quick and easy way to cook crumpets, and they come out perfectly toasted.

To cook frozen crumpets in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 160°C/320°F for 2 to 3 minutes to defrost the crumpets. Then, increase the temperature to 180°C/350°F and air fry the crumpets for a total of 3 minutes, turning them over at the halfway point. If you want to add butter, turn them back over and spread it on before serving.

If you want to add cheese, sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese on the buttered crumpets and return them to the air fryer for 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted. You can also experiment with other toppings, such as marmite, peanut butter, or pizza sauce.

When cooking crumpets from frozen in an air fryer, it is important to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are evenly heated and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them to prevent them from becoming too dry or tough.

How to serve air fryer crumpets

There are many ways to serve air fryer crumpets, depending on your taste preferences and the time of day you're eating them. Here are some ideas:

Sweet Options

• Honey or Jam: Top your air fryer crumpets with honey or your favourite jam for a classic sweet treat.
• Nutella or Biscoff: For an indulgent twist, spread some Nutella or Biscoff on your crumpets for a chocolatey delight.

Savoury Options

• Butter: Keep it simple with a spread of butter, allowing it to melt beautifully into the crumpet.
• Cheese: For cheese lovers, sprinkle grated cheddar, mozzarella, or another melting cheese on the buttered crumpets and return them to the air fryer until melted. You can also experiment with different cheeses like blue cheese, Brie, or Red Leicester for a nutty, creamy, or tangy flavour.
• Marmite: Add a layer of Marmite for an umami punch before adding cheese.
• Pizza-style: Create a mini crumpet pizza by adding tomato sauce, cheese, and your favourite pizza toppings, then return to the air fryer until everything is melted.
• Chutney: Try something different by spreading mango chutney or red onion chutney on your crumpets before adding cheese.
• Meat: Although not necessary, you could add some ham or bacon under the cheese for an extra savoury kick.
• Eggs: For breakfast, serve your air fryer crumpets with poached, boiled, or scrambled eggs on top.
• Soup: Dip your cheesy crumpets into a bowl of soup, such as tomato or creamy vegetable.
• Salad: For a lighter option, serve your crumpets with a big green salad on the side.
• Dips: Try dipping your air fryer crumpets into something spicy like Sriracha or tangy dips like tomato chutney or garlic aioli.
• Avocado: Serve your crumpets with avocado and air-fried tomatoes for a tasty breakfast or brunch option.
• Sauces: Experiment with different sauces like BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or garlic butter for a garlic twist.

Remember, air fryer crumpets are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but if you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer to restore their crispness.

How to cook cheesy crumpets in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Crumpets (any type will work, but sourdough is recommended for a fancier option)
• Butter (softened salted butter is best)
• Cheese (mature cheddar is recommended, but you can use any cheese that melts well)
• Olive oil spray (optional)
• Baking paper (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C/350°F for 2-3 minutes.
• Dip the crumpets in whisked egg (optional).
• Place the crumpets in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is only one layer and they are not overlapping.
• Air fry at 180°C/350°F for 2 minutes.
• Take the crumpets out of the air fryer and spread butter generously over each one.
• Sprinkle grated cheese over the crumpets, or place a slice of cheese on top.
• Put the crumpets back in the air fryer and cook for another 2 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
• (Optional) Spread marmite, Worcestershire sauce, or BBQ sauce over the melted cheese.
• Serve with a variety of dips, a fresh green salad, soup, or as part of a full English breakfast.

Tips

• If you want a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and omit the butter.
• Don't use pre-grated cheese as it has a coating that prevents it from melting properly.
• If you want a more golden brown colour, air fry the crumpets for an extra minute or two.
• If you're making a large batch, you may need to cook the crumpets in separate batches to ensure even cooking.

Frequently asked questions