Air-Fryer Pancakes: Perfect Timing For Breakfast Bliss

Pancakes are a breakfast staple, and cooking them in an air fryer is a convenient, hands-off method that delivers fluffy, golden pancakes every time. Air fryer pancakes are quick and easy to make, and you can use a boxed mix or make the batter from scratch. The cooking time varies depending on the air fryer model, but generally, it takes less than 10 minutes to cook pancakes in an air fryer.

Air fryer pancake recipes

Air fryer pancakes are a convenient, tasty, and easy way to make a batch of pancakes without having to stand over a hot stove and flip them. You can use a boxed pancake mix or make your own homemade batter. Here are some recipes and tips for making delicious pancakes in your air fryer.

Ingredients and Preparation

To make the batter, you can use a store-bought pancake mix and follow the package directions. Alternatively, you can make your own homemade batter by mixing wet ingredients such as egg, melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract in one bowl, and combining dry ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt in another bowl. Then, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Pans and Molds

For the best results, it is recommended to use an aluminum pan or tin to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. You can use a 6-inch non-stick baking pan or smaller foil pie tins for individual pancakes. If using a cake pan, line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. For silicone molds, ensure they are well-greased with cooking spray or cake release.

Cooking Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 320°F to 390°F depending on your preference and air fryer model. Place the pans or molds in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, checking occasionally to prevent overcooking. For silicone molds, cook for 5 minutes at 350°F/180°C, then flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 4 minutes or until golden. Repeat the process until all the batter is used up, remembering to grease the pans or molds each time.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer pancakes are typically fluffy and golden brown, with a slight crispness on the outside. They can be served with a variety of toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh berries, chocolate chips, or sliced bananas. You can also add ingredients directly to the batter, such as chocolate chips, blueberries, or strawberries, for flavored pancake bites.

Storage and Reheating

Air fryer pancakes can be made in batches and stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for months. To freeze, let the pancakes cool completely, then package them in zippered bags with parchment paper between each pancake for easy removal. To reheat, you can use a microwave, toaster, or the air fryer itself at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking pancakes in an air fryer depend on the type of pancakes you are making and the model of your air fryer. Most recipes recommend cooking pancakes at temperatures between 320°F and 400°F for 5 to 10 minutes.

For example, one source recommends cooking pancakes at 350°F / 180°C for 5 minutes, flipping them, and then cooking for another 4 minutes or until golden. Another source recommends cooking pancakes at 370°F for 6 to 7 minutes or until golden brown.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it's a good idea to check on your pancakes regularly to ensure they don't overcook. Additionally, if you are cooking multiple batches of pancakes, the first batch may take longer, and subsequent batches may cook faster as the air fryer is already hot.

To cook frozen pancakes in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the pancakes in a single layer for 4 to 5 minutes or until heated through.

Reheating pancakes in the air fryer

Preparing the Pancakes for Reheating

Before reheating, it is essential to ensure your pancakes are properly stored to maintain their freshness and quality. If you have a large batch of pancakes, let them cool completely before storing them. You can then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating each pancake with parchment paper or waxed paper for easy removal. This storage method will keep your pancakes fresh and prevent them from drying out.

Preheating the Air Fryer

When you're ready to enjoy your pancakes again, preheat your air fryer to the appropriate temperature. The ideal temperature for reheating frozen pancakes is around 320-350°F. If you're reheating refrigerated pancakes, a slightly lower temperature is sufficient, as they won't need as much heat to warm through.

Placing the Pancakes in the Air Fryer

Once your air fryer has preheated, carefully place 2-3 pancakes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid stacking the pancakes, as this may cause uneven heating. If you are reheating a large batch, you may need to do this in several smaller batches to ensure each pancake warms through properly.

Reheating Time

For frozen pancakes, air fry at 350°F for 4-5 minutes. If your pancakes are refrigerated, a shorter duration of 3-4 minutes at 320°F should be sufficient. Keep a close eye on your pancakes during the reheating process, as the exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your pancakes.

Serving the Reheated Pancakes

Once your pancakes are heated through, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Place them on a plate or wire rack to prevent moisture buildup, which can make them soggy. Serve the pancakes with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy your warm, fluffy pancakes!

Pancake toppings

Air fryer pancakes are quick and easy to make, and they cook to perfection in less than 10 minutes. But what about the toppings?

If you're looking for a classic, you can't go wrong with butter and maple syrup. For an extra indulgent touch, add some fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries. If you're feeling adventurous, try something different like cookie butter, pecans, or even sprinkles!

For a savoury twist, why not try something with protein? Greek yoghurt, bacon, or sausage are all tasty options. If you're a fan of smoked salmon, give it a go—it's a gourmet treat.

There are endless options for pancake toppings, so get creative and experiment with different combinations. You can even try adding ingredients to the batter, like chocolate chips or cinnamon, for an extra punch of flavour.

• Roasted strawberries
• Blueberries with lavender syrup
• Peanut butter and banana slices
• Ricotta pancakes with lemon zest
• Ginger and cinnamon for a gingerbread flavour
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Fried egg

Pancake batter

Making the perfect pancake batter is essential for fluffy and delicious pancakes. You can either make the batter from scratch or use a store-bought mix.

If you're making the batter from scratch, you'll need a few simple ingredients: flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, egg, butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Combine the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Then, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your pancakes dense and tough.

Let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking. This will give you fluffier pancakes. If you're using a store-bought mix, simply follow the package directions.

Once your batter is ready, it's time to fill your pans. Spray your chosen baking pans with cooking spray or grease them with butter or oil. Then, pour the batter into the pans, using a rubber spatula to spread it evenly to the edges. You can also use an ice cream scoop to drop the batter into the pans for a mess-free distribution.

Now, you're ready to cook your pancakes in the air fryer! Place the pans in the preheated air fryer and cook at 350-390°F for 5-8 minutes, depending on your air fryer model. The pancakes are done when they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside.

Frequently asked questions