Air-Fried Pancakes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making pancakes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty breakfast or brunch. You can use a store-bought pancake mix or make your own batter from scratch. The air fryer method is also versatile, allowing you to make pancakes that are keto, low-carb, or gluten-free.

To make pancakes in an air fryer, you'll need a cake pan, pizza pan, or small aluminium/disposable pie tins to cook the batter in. You'll also need a mixing bowl, whisk, and spatula. The exact measurements and ingredients will depend on the recipe you follow, but most recipes call for dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, and wet ingredients like eggs, milk, and melted butter.

After mixing the batter, you'll pour it into your chosen pan and place it in the air fryer. The cooking time and temperature will vary depending on your air fryer model, but on average, it takes around 6-8 minutes at 350-400°F to cook the pancakes.

So, if you're looking for a convenient and tasty breakfast option, give air fryer pancakes a try!

Choosing the right pan for your air fryer

• Material: The material of the pan is an important factor to consider. Popular choices include stainless steel or aluminium, as they conduct heat evenly, allowing for even cooking. Non-stick pans are also great, as they make cleaning easy and prevent food from sticking.
• Size and Shape: Choose a pan that fits well in your air fryer, allowing for proper air circulation around the food. Rectangular or square pans are great for roasting vegetables or making lasagnas, while round pans are perfect for baking cakes or pies.
• Depth and Durability: Deeper pans are ideal for dishes that require more liquid, such as casseroles or stews. Opt for a pan that is durable and can withstand high temperatures to ensure its longevity.
• Oven-Safe: Ensure that the pan is oven-safe and can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations before use.
• Silicone Pans: Silicone pans are flexible, non-stick, and heat-resistant, making them perfect for baking or making desserts in the air fryer.
• Aluminium Pans: Disposable aluminium pans are convenient for easy clean-up, but check the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure they are safe to use.
• Glass Pans: Glass pans can be used, but they must be oven-safe and able to withstand high temperatures.
• Ceramic Pans: Ceramic pans can be used, but ensure they are oven-safe and suitable for high temperatures.
• Specially Designed Pans: There are pans specifically designed for air fryers, shaped to fit perfectly in the cooking chamber. These pans are great for baking, roasting, and more.
• Airflow: Ensure that the pan does not block airflow in the air fryer, as this can lead to uneven cooking and potential damage to the appliance.
• Heating Element: Make sure the pan is not too tall, as it may block the heating element at the top of the air fryer.
• Measurement: Measure the interior of your air fryer to find the correct shape and size of the pan. The pan should be tall enough to contain the food without blocking the heating element and allow for proper air circulation.

Making the batter

First, grab two mixing bowls. In the first bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In the second bowl, beat an egg, then whisk in your milk of choice (buttermilk is recommended for fluffier pancakes) and melted butter. You can also add vanilla extract for extra flavour.

Next, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until they're just combined. A few lumps are fine, and be careful not to overmix the batter. Let the batter rest for 5-20 minutes.

If you're short on time or don't have the necessary ingredients, you can simply combine pancake mix and water, following the package directions, and let the batter rest for a couple of minutes.

Adding toppings

There are many ways to top your pancakes, whether you prefer sweet or savoury. Here are some ideas:

Sweet Toppings

• Maple syrup
• Fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, blueberries, or other berries)
• Chocolate chips
• Lemon
• Strawberry sauce
• Blueberry sauce
• Whipped cream
• Powdered sugar
• Nutella

Savoury Toppings

• Peanut butter or almond butter
• Sprinkles

You can also add toppings to the batter before cooking your pancakes. Try adding chocolate chips, sliced bananas, small berries, or sprinkles to the batter before air frying for pancakes bursting with flavour.

Reheating pancakes

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 320-375°F. This will ensure even cooking and help you achieve the desired level of crispiness. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your pancakes by taking them out of the refrigerator or freezer and bringing them to room temperature.

Once the air fryer is ready, carefully place the pancakes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Overlapping may result in uneven heating and crisping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pancakes in batches.

For thinner pancakes, you can set the timer for around 2-4 minutes. If your pancakes are on the thicker side, you may need to cook them for a little longer and consider flipping them halfway through. As air fryers can vary, keep an eye on your pancakes to avoid overcooking.

Once the pancakes are heated through and have reached your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can enjoy them with a variety of toppings, such as butter, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or even a dusting of powdered sugar.

Storing pancakes

Firstly, you can store leftover pancake batter in the refrigerator for two to four days, according to Expert Home Tips.

If you have cooked your pancakes, you can store them in an airtight container or wrapped in cling wrap in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze cooked pancakes for an easy breakfast option. To do this, place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between each pancake and store them in a plastic bag or airtight container. They will keep for up to three months.

When you are ready to enjoy your pancakes again, you can reheat them in the air fryer, oven, toaster, or microwave. If you are reheating from frozen, you may need to add a little extra time.

Frequently asked questions