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

Pancakes are a breakfast staple, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make perfect pancakes every time. With an air fryer, you can make evenly cooked, fluffy, and golden brown pancakes without the hassle of flipping them. You can use a store-bought pancake mix or make your own batter from scratch with common ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk. The air fryer's ability to cook multiple pancakes at once and the convenience of freezing and reheating make it a great choice for a delicious breakfast.

How to make the perfect batter

Making the perfect batter for air fryer pancakes is simple and quick. You can use a store-bought pancake batter mix or make your own from scratch.

To make your own batter, start by combining buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Stir until well combined. Then, in a separate bowl, sift and mix the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. You can also add a teaspoon of vinegar to the milk if you don't have buttermilk.

Next, 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. It's okay if the batter is a little lumpy. Once combined, let the batter rest for about 5 minutes. This is a good time to preheat your air fryer to 350°F - 370°F.

If you want to add any extra ingredients like blueberries, chocolate chips, or sprinkles, stir them into the batter now. You can also add a little melted butter and your choice of syrup to enhance the flavor.

Choosing the right pan

When it comes to choosing the right pan for cooking pancakes in an air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the pan should be oven-safe and fit comfortably inside your air fryer with enough space for air to circulate. Secondly, the material of the pan is important. Aluminium pans are recommended by some sources, as they conduct heat efficiently and can be purchased as disposable trays. Silicone pans are also a good option, as they are flexible and non-stick, making it easier to remove the pancakes once cooked.

It's worth noting that some recipes specifically recommend using a cake pan to prevent the batter from spreading too much or dripping through the basket. If you are using a basket-style air fryer, this could be a good option. You can also use small foil pie dishes, which can be useful if you want to make multiple pancakes at once.

The size of the pan will depend on how many pancakes you want to cook at once and the size of your air fryer. Smaller pans will allow you to cook multiple pancakes in one go, while larger pans will give you fewer, bigger pancakes. If you are using a larger pan, you may need to cook your pancakes for a little longer to ensure they cook through.

Finally, it is important to grease your pan before adding the batter to ensure the pancakes don't stick. You can use cooking spray, oil, or butter to grease the pan, ensuring an even coating to prevent sticking.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for pancakes in an air fryer will depend on the type of pancake you are making and the model of your air fryer.

If you are using a classic buttermilk pancake recipe, you should cook your pancakes at 350°F / 180°C for 5 minutes, or until the tops are slightly golden. Then, use tongs to flip the pancakes and cook for another 4 minutes or until golden.

If you are using a boxed mix, follow the package directions. For example, one boxed mix calls for cooking the pancakes at 370°F for 6-7 minutes.

If you are reheating leftover pancakes, cook them at 320°F for 2-4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pancakes.

If you are cooking frozen pancakes, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 4-5 minutes.

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it is important to check on your pancakes regularly to ensure they don't overcook.

Freezing and reheating pancakes

Freezing pancakes is a great way to ensure you always have a quick and easy meal ready to go. To freeze your pancakes, start by allowing them to cool completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper, making sure they aren't touching. Put the baking sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until the pancakes are frozen solid. This step is important to prevent your pancakes from sticking together. Once frozen, you can transfer the pancakes to a resealable freezer bag or container. Be sure to label the bag with the type of pancakes and the date they were made.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen pancakes, simply take out the desired amount and reheat them. There are several methods you can use to reheat your pancakes:

• Microwave: Place 1-6 pancakes on a microwave-safe plate, depending on how many you want to reheat. Reheat for about 20-60 seconds, depending on the number of pancakes and the wattage of your microwave.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350-375°F (180°C). Place the desired number of frozen pancakes on a foil-covered baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes, or until they are warm and soft.
• Air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F and heat the pancakes for a few minutes until they are heated through.
• Toaster: You can also reheat pancakes in a toaster, but this method may be less effective and can be limited in the number of pancakes you can reheat at once.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, fluffy pancakes anytime you crave them!

Topping ideas

There are endless possibilities when it comes to pancake toppings. If you're looking for something sweet, a classic option is to go for maple syrup with fresh berries or fruit. You can also try roasted strawberries, bananas, kiwi, or raspberries. For something more indulgent, how about a Nutella-style sauce, caramel sauce, or ice cream? If you're feeling adventurous, try a combination of hot and cold with ice cream-topped pancake waffles, finished with pomegranate seeds.

For a savoury option, smoked salmon with a fiery horseradish sauce is a treat-yourself option. For something more substantial, add a soft-poached egg and slices of avocado. If you're a fan of salty-sweet combinations, the all-American favourite of maple syrup and crispy bacon could be the way to go.

For healthier options, Greek yoghurt provides a protein-packed option, and you can add some crunch with granola or nuts such as toasted pecans, chopped walnuts, almond slivers, macadamia nuts, or roasted hazelnuts. For extra flavour, try cinnamon, shredded carrots, or raisins.

Frequently asked questions