Air-Fryer Pancakes: Stack 'Em Up!

Making pancakes in an air fryer is an easy and convenient way to prepare a tasty breakfast. It is also a fun activity to do with kids, who are more likely to eat something they helped prepare. You can use a store-bought pancake mix or make your own batter from scratch. The air fryer ensures even cooking, resulting in fluffy pancakes with a slightly crisp exterior. This method is also less messy and healthier, as it requires less oil than traditional pan-frying.

Choosing the right pan

Pan Material

The type of material your pan is made of can significantly impact the cooking process and the final result. For air fryer pancakes, the best option is to use an aluminum pan. Aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat, ensuring even heat distribution, which is essential for achieving the desired golden brown colour and crisp texture. It also has a non-stick quality, making it easier to remove your pancakes without them sticking to the pan. You can use a disposable aluminum pan or a regular 4 to 5-inch aluminum pan that fits inside your air fryer.

Pan Size

The size of the pan you choose will depend on the size of your air fryer and the number of pancakes you want to make at once. If you have a smaller air fryer, a 6-inch pan is a good option, as it allows you to make multiple pancakes in one go. For larger air fryers, you can opt for a 7-inch pan or even a 9-inch pan, though you might need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you want to make mini pancakes or pancake bites, you can use individual silicone baking cups or a silicone tray designed for this purpose.

Pan Shape

When making pancakes in an air fryer, it's best to use a round pan to ensure your pancakes cook evenly. A flat-bottomed pan with slightly raised edges, similar to a cake pan, is ideal. This shape allows you to easily spread the batter and create pancakes with a uniform thickness. Avoid using deep pans or those with high sides, as they can interfere with the airflow in the air fryer and affect cooking performance.

Preheating the Pan

It is essential to preheat your pan along with the air fryer before adding the batter. Place the pan inside the air fryer and heat it up for a few minutes to ensure it reaches the desired temperature. This step helps create a consistent cooking environment, resulting in evenly cooked pancakes with a beautiful golden colour.

Non-Stick Coating

To make removing your pancakes easier and prevent sticking, consider using a pan with a non-stick coating or spraying it with a generous amount of cooking spray before adding the batter. You can also brush the pan with butter or margarine to create a non-stick surface. This step is crucial, especially if you're using a pan without a non-stick coating.

Preparing the batter

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The exact quantities may vary depending on the recipe you are following and the number of pancakes you wish to make. However, the basic ingredients typically include all-purpose flour, a leavener such as baking powder or baking soda, a pinch of salt, a touch of sugar, buttermilk, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. You can also add mix-ins like blueberries, chocolate chips, or nuts to create different flavours.

Next, combine your dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Sieve the flour and add it to the bowl, along with the salt, baking powder or soda, and sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined.

In a separate bowl, add your wet ingredients. Whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. You can also add any additional wet ingredients, such as mashed bananas or lemon zest, at this stage.

Now, it's time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring continuously until you have a thick batter. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can affect the texture of your pancakes.

At this point, you can add any mix-ins, such as blueberries or chocolate chips, to the batter. Gently fold them into the batter, being careful not to break them. If you are using frozen mix-ins, there is no need to thaw them first.

Let the batter rest for a few minutes. This allows the ingredients to combine properly and ensures your pancakes will be fluffy. The resting time can vary from 3 to 7 minutes, depending on the recipe.

Once the batter has rested, it's ready to be cooked in your air fryer. However, remember that the key to successful air fryer pancakes is using the right type of pan. A cake barrel, pizza pan, or aluminium pie tins are recommended for best results.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making multiple pancakes in an air fryer will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the size of the pancakes, and the number of pancakes being cooked at once. Here is a step-by-step guide with detailed instructions on cooking time and temperature:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding the pancake batter. This ensures even cooking throughout the cooking process. Preheat your air fryer to between 320-375°F (160-190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pancake Batter

The cooking time and temperature can be affected by the consistency of your pancake batter. For fluffy pancakes, let the batter rest for a few minutes after mixing. For thinner pancakes, you may not need to rest the batter. If you are using a pre-made pancake mix, follow the package instructions for the best results.

Step 3: Grease the Pan

Lightly grease your cake pan, pizza pan, or aluminium pie tins with cooking spray, butter, or oil. This will prevent the pancakes from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove them once cooked.

Step 4: Add Batter to the Pan

Pour the pancake batter into the prepared pan. If making multiple small pancakes, use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to ensure even-sized pancakes. Leave some space between the pancakes as they will expand during cooking.

Step 5: Set the Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time will depend on the size and number of pancakes, as well as the wattage of your air fryer. As a guide, set the timer for 3-8 minutes at 320-400°F (160-204°C). Check the pancakes regularly during the cooking process, as the exact cooking time may vary.

Step 6: Flip the Pancakes (Optional)

Depending on your preference, you may choose to flip the pancakes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on both sides. Use a spatula to carefully flip the pancakes.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Your pancakes are likely to be cooked when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a soft and fluffy centre. Insert a toothpick into the centre of a pancake to check if it comes out clean. If not, continue cooking in 1-2 minute intervals until done.

Step 8: Remove and Serve

Once the pancakes are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Top with your favourite toppings such as butter, maple syrup, honey, or fresh fruit.

Tips for Optimal Cooking Time and Temperature:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave sufficient space around the pancakes to ensure even cooking.
• Always preheat your air fryer to maintain a consistent cooking temperature.
• The cooking time may vary between different models of air fryers, so adjust the time accordingly.
• For fluffy pancakes, use a thicker batter. Thinner batter may require a shorter cooking time.
• When making multiple pancakes, work in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Use a spatula to carefully flip the pancakes to avoid breaking them.

Adding toppings

Once you've cooked your pancakes in the air fryer, it's time to add toppings! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sweet Topping Options

• Maple syrup
• Honey
• Melted butter
• Whipped cream
• Powdered sugar
• Chocolate chips
• Chocolate paste (e.g. Nutella)
• Fresh fruit (e.g. blueberries, bananas, strawberries, apples)
• Nuts (e.g. walnuts)
• Peanut butter
• Almond butter
• Hazelnut butter
• Greek yogurt
• Lemon curd
• Caramel apple pie filling
• Jam
• Sundae toppings (e.g. chocolate, caramel)
• Sprinkles

Savory Topping Options

• Bacon
• Sausage

You can also experiment with different types of syrup, such as blueberry syrup, fresh pineapple syrup, or butter pecan syrup.

Reheating and storing

Storing and reheating pancakes is a great way to ensure you always have a tasty breakfast or snack ready to go. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to store and reheat your air fryer pancakes to keep them tasting delicious.

Storing Pancakes

Pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To freeze pancakes, first, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, ensuring they are wrapped individually to prevent freezer burn. They will last for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Pancakes

There are several ways to reheat your pancakes, depending on your preference and equipment available:

• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 300-350℉. Place the frozen or refrigerated pancakes in the air fryer basket and reheat for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place the pancakes on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with plastic wrap. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking regularly, until the pancakes are warm.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350-375℉. Wrap the pancakes in aluminum foil and heat for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
• Cast-iron skillet: Preheat a cast-iron skillet to medium heat. Place the pancakes in the skillet and flip regularly to prevent burning. This method is best for small batches as it takes longer to reheat multiple pancakes.

Reheating pancakes in the air fryer or oven is a great way to retain their crispy texture, while the microwave is a faster option that works well for a quick snack.

Tips for Storing and Reheating

• No need to thaw: You can reheat frozen pancakes without thawing them first.
• Avoid overcrowding: When reheating in the air fryer, avoid placing too many pancakes in the basket to ensure even heating.
• Keep warm: If you are cooking a large batch, you can keep the pancakes warm by placing them in a low-temperature oven while you cook the rest.
• Reheat to order: For the best texture, it is recommended to reheat only the number of pancakes you plan to eat.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, fluffy pancakes any time without the hassle of making them from scratch every day!

Frequently asked questions