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

how to cook pancake in air fryer

Cooking pancakes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious breakfast. You can use a store-bought pancake batter mix or a classic buttermilk pancake recipe. The air fryer can cook up to four pancakes at a time, depending on the model, and the whole process takes less than 10 minutes. You will need to preheat the air fryer and use silicone molds to hold the pancake batter inside the air fryer. The pancakes are cooked at a lower temperature than the preheat setting, and it is recommended that you do not open the basket during cooking.

Characteristics Values
Time Less than 10 minutes
Temperature 340-400°F
Utensils Silicone molds, aluminum pans, tongs, rubber spatula, spoon, butter knife
Batter Buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, oats, whole-wheat
Toppings Maple syrup, fresh fruit, berries
Reheating Place 2-3 pancakes on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 30-45 seconds on high

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Using a silicone mould

To cook pancakes in an air fryer using a silicone mould, you will first need to preheat your air fryer. Place the mould inside the preheated air fryer and fill each circle halfway, or with no more than 1/3 cup of batter. It is important not to overfill the moulds as the batter will spread inside the fryer.

Once the moulds are filled, place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes at 350°F / 180°C. The tops should be slightly golden. Use tongs to invert the pancakes directly into the basket so that they are flipped over. Then, cook for another 4 minutes or until golden.

Repeat this process until you have used up all of the batter, making sure to grease the moulds each time to prevent sticking. You can use cooking spray or cake release for this.

The air fryer can only cook up to 3 or 4 pancakes at a time, so you will need to cook in batches. It is important not to stack the warm pancakes as they come out of the fryer, as they may become soggy. Instead, spread them out on a wire rack.

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Pre-mixing batter

To start, gather your ingredients. You can use a store-bought pancake batter mix or make your own from scratch. If you're making your own, buttermilk is a great way to make fluffy and light pancakes. Combine the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine.

Next, you'll want to sift in the dry ingredients. Add in the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make your pancakes dense. The batter can be a little lumpy, and you can always give it another stir after it's had a chance to rest.

Let the batter rest for about 20 minutes. This will help the batter relax and ensure your pancakes are light and fluffy. While the batter is resting, you can prepare your air fryer and silicone molds. Preheat your air fryer, and mist the silicone molds with cooking spray or cake release. Make sure they are well-greased to prevent sticking.

If you have any leftover batter, you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply pour the extra batter into a pancake shaker bottle or airtight container. When you're ready for more pancakes, you can cook the remaining batter or reheat your cooked pancakes in the air fryer.

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Reheating pancakes

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 320-350°F (180°C). Place the pancakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Air fry the pancakes for 2 minutes on one side, then flip them with tongs and air fry the other side for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Be careful not to overheat the pancakes, as they can quickly become very crispy. Reheat them in short bursts, checking frequently, and serve immediately.

If you are reheating frozen pancakes, let them thaw for about 15 minutes before placing them in the air fryer. You can also reheat frozen pancakes in the oven at 350°F for 6-8 minutes.

Other methods to reheat pancakes include using a microwave, skillet, or toaster. However, the microwave is not ideal as it can make the pancakes dry and dense, especially if they are frozen.

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The perfect temperature

When cooking pancakes in an air fryer, it is crucial to preheat the appliance. This helps the pancake batter cook through. The cooking temperature is slightly lower than the preheating temperature. Opening the basket during cooking is not advisable, as it will release heat and prolong the cooking time.

The cooking time for pancakes in an air fryer typically ranges from 5 to 10 minutes. The first batch may take slightly longer, and subsequent batches may require less time since the air fryer is already hot. It is also important to note that the type of batter can influence the cooking time. For example, batters made with oats or whole wheat may need an additional minute of cooking.

To ensure even cooking, the pancake batter should be spread evenly in the pan. A 1/4 cup measuring cup can be used to portion the batter, and a rubber spatula, spoon, or butter knife can help spread it to the edges. Tapping the pan on the counter a few times will also help the batter spread evenly. Using an aluminum pan is recommended for the best results.

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Topping ideas

There are endless options for pancake toppings, ranging from sweet to savoury.

For those with a sweet tooth, a classic option is lemon and sugar, or lemon juice and powdered sugar if you want to get fancy. This topping works best on crepes but can also be added to buttermilk pancakes. You can also add a little lemon zest straight to the batter (this works especially well with ricotta pancakes). For an extra indulgent treat, add a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate sauce, or a thick spread of Nutella. If you're feeling fruity, add some freshly sliced banana, or a mix of fresh berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries. For an extra kick, try rum-roasted pineapple or spiced apple compote.

If you're looking for something more savoury, smoked salmon and a fiery horseradish sauce are a great combination. For an extra special treat, add a soft-poached egg and slices of avocado. For a classic all-American breakfast, try crispy bacon and maple syrup, or for something more simple, slightly salted butter and honey.

Frequently asked questions

It takes less than 10 minutes to cook pancakes in an air fryer.

400°F is the perfect temperature to cook pancakes in the air fryer. A lower temperature will not get your pancakes golden brown on top.

The air fryer can only cook up to 3-4 pancakes at a time, so you will have to cook them in batches.

Yes, you can use your favourite pancake recipe and cook it in the air fryer. However, recipes with oats or whole-wheat may need an additional minute of cooking.

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