Air-Fried Yorkshire Puddings: Timing For Perfection

Yorkshire puddings are a British classic, and a staple of the Sunday roast. But getting them just right can be a challenge. Luckily, air fryers provide a simple, foolproof method for cooking these delicious treats. In this article, we'll explore how long to put Yorkshire puddings in an air fryer, and provide some tips and tricks for achieving perfect results.

How to make the batter

Ingredients

To make the batter for Yorkshire puddings, you will need the following ingredients:

• Plain flour
• Eggs
• Milk (or a mix of milk and water)
• Salt
• Oil with a high smoking point (such as sunflower oil) or alternatively, goose fat, beef dripping or vegetable baking fat

Method

There are a few different methods for making the batter, but the basic steps are as follows:

• Measure the flour into a mixing bowl and add a pinch of salt.
• Crack the eggs into the bowl and add a splash of milk.
• Whisk the eggs and milk together, slowly incorporating the flour until you have a smooth batter.
• Gradually add the remaining milk and continue mixing.
• Season the batter with salt and pepper.
• Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator.

Tips

• If you have an immersion blender, you can add all the ingredients into a tall measuring jug and blitz until the batter is smooth.
• For a more distinct cup shape, use colder batter.
• For a more hollow centre, use warmer batter.
• For a more complex, toasty flavour, rest the batter overnight.
• For a crisp shell and stretchy interior, use a combination of milk and water.
• For the best flavour, use beef drippings. However, if you can't get your hands on any, you can use goose fat, duck fat, olive oil, lard or vegetable oil.

Choosing the right oil

The choice of oil is crucial when making Yorkshire puddings, as it affects the taste, texture, and overall success of the dish. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right oil:

Smoking Point

It is important to select an oil with a high smoking point, meaning it can withstand high temperatures without burning or smoking. Oils with a high smoking point include sunflower oil, vegetable oil, and extra virgin olive oil. These oils are suitable for the high temperatures required to cook Yorkshire puddings and create a crispy texture.

Traditional Option

For a traditional Yorkshire pudding, beef dripping is the classic choice. It imparts a savoury flavour to the puddings and is considered the best option for achieving an authentic taste. If you're unable to source beef dripping, goose fat or duck fat are excellent alternatives that will produce delicious results. These animal fats contribute to the distinctive flavour and texture of the Yorkshire puddings.

Vegetarian Option

If you're catering to vegetarian dietary preferences, consider using vegetable oil or extra virgin olive oil. These oils have a high smoking point and will help create crispy, golden Yorkshire puddings. Vegetable oil, in particular, is a versatile option that works well in Yorkshire puddings cooked in an air fryer or a traditional oven.

Availability and Personal Preference

When choosing an oil for your Yorkshire puddings, consider what is easily available to you and aligns with your personal preferences. If you're unable to find beef dripping, for example, don't be afraid to experiment with other options like vegetable oil or sunflower oil. The key is to select an oil that will complement the flavours of your roast dinner and ensure your puddings turn out crispy and delicious.

Tips for Success

Regardless of the oil you choose, there are a few key tips to keep in mind when making Yorkshire puddings:

• Allow your oil to heat up sufficiently before adding the batter. This is crucial for achieving the desired rise and texture.
• Use a jug to carefully pour the batter into the hot oil, as it allows for more control and precision than a spoon or ladle.
• Don't be tempted to open the oven door or air fryer during the cooking process, as this can affect the rise of your puddings.
• For best results, let your batter rest before cooking. This helps the ingredients combine and can improve the overall texture.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in making perfect Yorkshire puddings, so don't skip it! Preheat your air fryer to 200°C/400°F.

If you're using ramekins, place them in the air fryer basket before preheating. You can use either vegetable baking fat or sunflower oil—add half a teaspoon of your chosen fat or oil to each ramekin.

If you're using a different type of container, such as a silicone muffin tin or pudding tins, the process is the same. Place your chosen container in the air fryer basket, add the fat or oil, and preheat for 10 minutes.

Once your air fryer is preheated and your oil is hot, you're ready to start cooking your Yorkshire puddings.

Pouring the batter

The key to getting the perfect Yorkshire pudding is to work quickly and confidently once the oil is hot. You don't want the oil to cool down, and you want to retain as much heat in the air fryer as possible.

Before you pour the batter, give it a good stir. You want to make sure it is well mixed, and this final stir will ensure it is ready to go.

When pouring the batter, fill each mould or tin just under halfway. This is important as you want to give the puddings room to rise. If you overfill the moulds, you will end up with a dense, doughy texture.

Work quickly and with confidence. Pour the batter into each mould, ensuring you don't spill any on the sides of the moulds or the air fryer. You don't want any oil splashing when you return the basket to the air fryer.

Once you have filled the moulds, return the basket to the air fryer and don't open it again until the timer goes off. If you open the air fryer, you will lose heat, and your puddings may collapse.

For perfect Yorkshire puddings, the batter should be smooth, with no lumps, and well-rested. The resting time is important as it allows the batter to expand, which will help the puddings rise. The air bubbles that form during whisking will also help with this.

You can use a jug or a spoon to pour the batter, whichever you find easier to handle. Just be sure to work with speed and confidence once the oil is hot.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making Yorkshire puddings in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe and the size of the puddings. However, most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer between 180°C and 200°C (around 360°F to 400°F).

For the cooking time, most recipes suggest cooking the Yorkshire puddings for around 10 minutes before flipping them over and cooking for a further 5 to 10 minutes. This two-step process ensures that the puddings are cooked through and golden on both sides.

Some recipes recommend heating oil in the pudding tins or moulds before adding the batter. This step usually takes around 5 minutes, depending on the oil used and the desired temperature.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and number of puddings being cooked, as well as the specific air fryer model being used. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on the puddings while they are cooking to ensure they don't burn.

Additionally, some recipes suggest allowing the batter to rest for around 30 minutes before cooking, as this can help the puddings rise and achieve a lighter texture.

• Preheat the air fryer to between 180°C and 200°C (around 360°F to 400°F).
• If using, heat oil in the pudding tins or moulds for around 5 minutes.
• Prepare the Yorkshire pudding batter by mixing flour, eggs, and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
• Rest the batter for around 30 minutes, if time allows.
• Pour the batter into the pudding tins or moulds, filling them just under halfway.
• Cook the puddings for around 10 minutes.
• Carefully flip the puddings over using tongs and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
• Serve the Yorkshire puddings immediately with your choice of roast dinner and gravy.

By following these steps and adjusting the cooking time and temperature as needed, you should be able to achieve perfectly cooked, golden, and crispy Yorkshire puddings using your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions