Air Fryer Pancakes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making pancakes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy fluffy, golden pancakes without the hassle of flipping them on a stovetop. While there are some failed attempts and varying opinions on social media about this cooking method, it is possible to make delicious pancakes in an air fryer with the right technique and equipment.

Choosing the right pan

When making pancakes in an air fryer, the type of pan you use is crucial to achieving the perfect pancake. Here are some tips for choosing the right pan:

Material: Aluminium pans are the best option for making pancakes in an air fryer. This is because aluminium conducts heat efficiently, ensuring even cooking and helping to create a crispy exterior. Avoid using non-stick pans, as these can cause the batter to rise unevenly, resulting in a domed centre instead of a flat pancake.

Size: The size of the pan will depend on how many pancakes you want to make at once and the size of your air fryer. Smaller, 4-inch pans are ideal for making 3-4 pancakes at a time and are a good option if you're cooking for one person. Larger 6-inch pans can be used to make one pancake at a time, but be aware that this may be too much or too little depending on your appetite! You can also use foil baking pans, which are a simple and cost-effective solution.

Shape: Using a round cake pan is recommended, as it will give your pancakes a classic round shape. You can also use pie dishes, but these may require more batches to cook the same amount of batter.

Number of Pans: If you want to cook multiple pancakes at once, you will need to use multiple pans that fit inside your air fryer. Check the size of your air fryer before purchasing pans to ensure they will fit properly.

Cleanliness: Before using your chosen pan to make pancakes in the air fryer, ensure it is clean and free of any residue from previous cooking. This will help ensure your pancakes don't stick to the pan and make them easier to remove once cooked.

By following these tips and choosing the right pan for your air fryer pancakes, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, fluffy, and evenly cooked pancakes every time!

Making the batter

Dry Ingredients:

Gather your dry ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Mix these ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl. You can use a whisk or a fork to combine them evenly.

Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients:

• Buttermilk (or regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar added)
• Egg
• Oil or melted butter
• Vanilla extract (optional)

Whisk or beat the wet ingredients together until they are well combined.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Now, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. You can use a whisk or a spatula to gently combine the two mixtures. Stir until most of the lumps are gone, but be careful not to overmix the batter. A few lumps are fine.

At this point, you can also add any extra ingredients or mix-ins you'd like, such as blueberries, chocolate chips, or sprinkles.

Resting the Batter:

Once you've mixed the batter, let it rest for a few minutes. This step is important as it allows the batter to aerate and lighten, resulting in fluffier pancakes. You can use this time to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 350°F to 400°F.

And that's it! You now have a delicious pancake batter ready to be cooked in your air fryer. Remember to spray your pans or moulds with cooking spray before adding the batter to ensure your pancakes don't stick. Enjoy your fluffy air fryer pancakes!

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making pancakes. It ensures that your pancakes cook evenly and helps to prevent them from sticking to the pan. Here is a detailed guide on how to preheat your air fryer effectively for making pancakes:

Firstly, it is important to ensure that your air fryer is clean and free of any residue from previous cooking sessions. This will help to prevent any unwanted flavours or smells from affecting your pancakes. If your air fryer has a preheat setting, simply turn it on and set it to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. This will allow the air fryer to reach the desired temperature before you start cooking your pancakes. During this time, you can make your pancake batter, allowing it to rest as the air fryer preheats.

If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, you can manually preheat it by turning it on and setting it to the desired temperature of 370°F for 3-5 minutes. While it is preheating, you may notice that the air fryer basket or pan starts to smoke slightly. This is normal and is due to the heating element warming up.

Once the preheat cycle is complete or the desired temperature is reached, it is important to prepare your air fryer basket or pan. Spray it generously with cooking spray or brush it with oil. This will create a non-stick surface and help your pancakes release more easily after cooking.

By preheating your air fryer effectively, you will create the ideal cooking environment for making fluffy and golden brown pancakes. Now that your air fryer is preheated and ready, you can proceed with confidence to the next steps of making delicious air-fried pancakes!

Filling the pans

Firstly, it is important to select the right pans for your air fryer. Aluminum pans are recommended as they conduct heat efficiently and ensure even cooking. Choose pans that fit comfortably in your air fryer, such as 6-inch or 4-inch pans, depending on your air fryer's size. Ensure that the pans do not have a non-stick finish, as this can affect the shape of your pancakes. You can also use foil baking pans as a simple alternative.

Once you have selected the appropriate pans, it's time to fill them with batter. Start by spraying your chosen pans generously with cooking spray. This step is essential to prevent your pancakes from sticking to the pans.

For the batter, you can use a store-bought pancake mix or make your own homemade batter. If you opt for a mix, simply follow the package directions. If you're making your own batter, combine dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in one bowl. In a separate bowl, mix wet ingredients such as buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until you achieve a smooth batter. Let the batter rest for a few minutes to ensure fluffier pancakes.

Now it's time to fill the pans. For smaller pans, add about 1/4 cup of batter to each pan. If you're using larger pans, increase the amount to 1/2 cup. Use a rubber spatula, spoon, or butter knife to gently spread the batter evenly across the pan, ensuring it reaches the edges. This step is crucial for even cooking and perfectly shaped pancakes.

With your pans filled, you're one step closer to enjoying delicious air fryer pancakes. Remember to follow the subsequent cooking instructions carefully and adjust the temperature and timing based on your air fryer model. Enjoy your fluffy, golden brown pancakes!

Cooking the pancakes

Now that you have your batter ready, it's time to cook your pancakes in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans

Use aluminium pans or foil baking pans to cook your pancakes. Avoid using pans with a non-stick finish, as these will cause your pancakes to dome in the centre instead of cooking flat. You can use a large 6-inch pan for one large pancake or opt for smaller 4-inch pans to make 3-4 smaller pancakes at a time.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 360-370°F (around 180-190°C). This will ensure your pancakes cook evenly and efficiently.

Step 3: Fill the Pans

Spray your chosen pans generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, pour your batter into the pans. For smaller pans, use about 1/4 cup of batter, and for larger pans, use 1/2 cup. Use a rubber spatula to spread the batter evenly to the edges of the pan.

Step 4: Air Fry the Pancakes

Place the pans into the preheated air fryer and cook for 6-8 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer, but you'll know your pancakes are done when the tops are golden brown and crispy. There's no need to flip your pancakes—the air fryer will cook them evenly on both sides!

Step 5: Remove the Pancakes

Once your pancakes are cooked, carefully remove the pans from the air fryer using oven mitts. Flip the pans over, and your fluffy pancakes should fall right out. If they need a little encouragement, use a spatula to gently remove them.

Step 6: Make Another Batch

If you have batter left over, simply respray your pans and repeat the process! Most recipes will make multiple pancakes, so you may need to cook in batches. Remember to grease the pans each time to prevent sticking.

Frequently asked questions