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

Crepes, or French pancakes, are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. They are typically made on a stovetop, but did you know you can also make them in an air fryer? This method produces crepes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with your choice of sweet or savoury fillings. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make perfect air-fried crepes, as well as offer tips and tricks for customising your crepes to your liking.

Choosing the right air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook food without the mess and hassle of traditional frying. They are versatile, convenient, and can cook a wide range of dishes, from roasted vegetables to fried chicken, and even desserts. When choosing an air fryer, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get one that suits your needs and preferences.

First, consider the type of air fryer you want. There are two main types: basket-style and oven-style. Basket-style air fryers have a tub or basket that you slide in and out to put food in and tend to be more basic, affordable, and compact. Oven-style air fryers, also known as multi-ovens, are similar to toaster ovens with additional features. They are usually larger and more expensive but offer more functions and cooking space.

Next, think about the capacity you need. Air fryers typically range from 2 quarts to over 5 quarts. If you're cooking for one or two people, a 2-quart fryer should suffice, but if you plan to cook for more people, consider a larger model or one with dual compartments to cook different foods simultaneously.

The price of air fryers can vary from $30 to $400, but most models tend to be around $100, offering good performance without breaking the bank. More advanced models with multiple functions and larger capacities will be more expensive.

When choosing an air fryer, consider the features that are important to you. Some air fryers have preset buttons for specific foods, while others have additional modes like dehydration, baking, and rotisserie cooking. If you plan to use your air fryer for a variety of tasks, look for one with the modes and functions you need.

Finally, consider the ease of use and cleaning. Look for air fryers with intuitive controls, whether digital or manual, that are easy to understand and operate. Also, check for features like dishwasher-safe parts and easy-to-clean interiors and exteriors, as this will impact your overall experience and satisfaction with the appliance.

By considering your budget, the type of air fryer, capacity, features, and ease of use and cleaning, you can choose the right air fryer that suits your cooking needs and fits seamlessly into your kitchen routine.

Preparing the batter

To prepare the batter for your crepes, you will need a large mixing bowl and a whisk, or a blender. The ingredients you will need are:

• 1 cup of flour (all-purpose, cake, or pastry flour will work)
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups of milk
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)

Start by adding the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using) to your mixing bowl or blender. Whisk or blend until smooth. Next, add in the dry ingredients: the flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk or blend until the batter is very smooth and free of lumps. If you are using a blender, you may need to blend for 20-30 seconds to achieve the right consistency.

Once your batter is mixed, place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to rest. This resting phase is important as it allows any bubbles that formed while mixing to dissipate, and gives the flour time to hydrate, resulting in a better texture for your crepes. The batter can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Cooking the crepes

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

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This will prevent your crepes from sticking to the surface.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F–375°F (180°C). The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
• Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook your first crepe. Pour about 1/4 cup of the crepe batter into the centre of the air fryer basket.
• Use a spatula to spread the batter into a thin, even layer. You want your crepe to be nice and thin, so take your time with this step.
• Cook the crepe for 2-3 minutes. You'll know it's ready to flip when the edges start to crisp up and the top is set.
• Carefully flip the crepe using a spatula. Cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes. The total cooking time for each crepe should be around 3-5 minutes.
• Once the first crepe is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer and repeat the process with the remaining batter. Remember to lightly spray the air fryer basket before cooking each crepe.
• Serve the crepes warm with your choice of toppings or fillings. You can go for sweet options like Nutella, fresh fruit, or whipped cream, or savoury fillings such as meats, sauce, and vegetables.

Some additional tips for cooking crepes in an air fryer:

• It is important to preheat your air fryer before adding the crepes for the best results.
• You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the wattage and model of your air fryer.
• If you want to make your crepes ahead of time, the batter can be made and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours or even overnight.
• If you prefer your crepes with crispy edges, butter the air fryer basket between each crepe.

Serving suggestions

Crepes are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference for sweet or savoury flavours.

For a sweet option, you could fill your crepes with Nutella, whipped cream, fresh fruit, cinnamon sugar, cinnamon butter, lemon curd, fresh berries, blueberry sauce, peanut butter, hot fudge, sliced bananas, pastry cream, cheesecake batter, ricotta, chives, smoked salmon, fresh mozzarella, basil, sliced tomatoes, scrambled eggs, cooked ham, or hollandaise sauce. For a sweet and simple option, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or cinnamon butter will do the trick.

If you're feeling creative, you could try making a crepe cake, or S'mores Nutella Crepes: spread Nutella on a crepe, top with mini marshmallows, roll or fold, sprinkle with crushed graham crackers, and drizzle with melted chocolate.

For savoury crepes, you could fill them with cooked chicken, broccoli, and cheddar, or try a combination of ricotta, chives, and smoked salmon.

Crepes can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference. They can be enjoyed at any time of day, whether it's breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or dessert.

Storing and reheating

Crepes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. To prevent the crepes from sticking together, place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper between each crepe.

To reheat, you have a few options:

• Microwave: Simply place the crepe on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for a few seconds until it is warm.
• Oven: Arrange the crepes on a lined baking sheet (they can overlap). Cover them with aluminium foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
• Air fryer: If you want to use your air fryer to reheat the crepes, set it to 350°F / 180°C and heat them for about 15-20 seconds.
• Pan-frying: You can also quickly pan-fry the crepes to warm them up.

If you have uncooked crepe batter left over, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply give it a gentle stir before cooking to recombine any ingredients that have separated.

You can also freeze cooked crepes for later enjoyment. Place small sheets of parchment paper between each crepe to prevent sticking and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature, then reheat using one of the methods mentioned above.

Frequently asked questions