Protein Pancakes: Air Fryer Style

Making pancakes in an air fryer is a convenient, healthier, and enjoyable cooking experience. It is also a simple process that anyone can master. The air fryer provides a consistent heat that circulates around the pancakes, ensuring they cook evenly and come out fluffy.

To make protein pancakes in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

- Protein powder (use your favourite brand)

- Pancake mix (or flour, baking powder, and sugar if making from scratch)

- Milk (dairy or plant-based)

- Egg

- Vanilla extract

- Butter or oil (optional)

First, preheat your air fryer to 330°F/170°C. Then, combine your dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Once combined, pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and whisk until just incorporated.

Next, lightly grease your air fryer pan or small tins with cooking spray or oil. Pour the batter into the pan, adding some fresh or frozen blueberries on top if desired. Place the pan into the air fryer basket and set the timer for 5-8 minutes at 350°F/180°C.

Check if your pancakes are cooked by looking for a golden colour. If not, add another minute or two and check again. Repeat the process until all the batter is used.

Serve your protein pancakes with your favourite toppings such as maple syrup, honey, butter, or fresh fruit. Enjoy!

Choosing the right pan

Material

The material of the pan is an important consideration. Some options that you can use in an air fryer include glass, metal, ceramic, and silicone. However, for protein pancakes, metal pans are the best option as they heat up quickly and evenly, ensuring your pancakes cook perfectly.

Size

The size of the pan is also crucial. Using a pan that is too big will result in thin, flat pancakes, while a pan that is too small will give you thick, puffy pancakes. The ideal size for making protein pancakes is a 6-inch cake pan or a 4-inch round springform pan. These sizes will give you pancakes with a good thickness and ensure even cooking.

Type

There are different types of pans available, but for protein pancakes, a cake pan or a springform pan is the best option. These types of pans have sides that help contain the batter and allow your pancakes to rise evenly. They also make it easier to remove the pancakes from the pan without breaking them.

Non-Stick Coating

When making protein pancakes, it is essential to use a pan with a non-stick coating. This will ensure that your pancakes do not stick to the pan, making them easier to remove and resulting in a better presentation. A non-stick pan will also make clean-up easier.

Oven-Safe

Ensure that the pan you choose is oven-safe. This is crucial because the air fryer circulates hot air around the pan, and if it is not oven-safe, it may not be able to withstand the high temperatures.

Reusable

While disposable pans are convenient for some recipes, it is best to choose a reusable pan for making protein pancakes. This will not only save you money in the long run but also reduce waste. Look for a pan that is durable and easy to clean.

How to make the batter

To make the batter for protein pancakes in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Flour: all-purpose/plain flour
• Leavening agents: baking powder, baking soda
• Sugar: granulated sugar, brown sugar, or coconut sugar
• Milk: buttermilk, regular milk, or plant-based milk like almond or oat milk
• Eggs
• Fat: butter, vegan butter, coconut oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil
• Flavourings: vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or lemon zest

Optional ingredients include:

• Salt
• Blueberries or other berries
• Chocolate chips
• Nuts

You can also add a scoop of protein powder to boost the protein content of your pancakes.

To make the batter, follow these steps:

• Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Sift the flour, baking powder, and baking soda into the bowl, then add the sugar and whisk together.
• In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla. Then, melt the butter and add it to the mixture.
• Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your pancakes dense and chewy.
• Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the flour to fully absorb the liquid and stabilizes the air bubbles, resulting in lighter and fluffier pancakes.

You can also add mix-ins like fresh berries, chocolate chips, or spices to your batter. If you're adding blueberries, gently fold them into the batter to prevent them from bursting.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for protein 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. Most recipes recommend cooking the pancakes for 5-10 minutes at 330-400°F (170-200°C).

For example, one recipe for 4-inch pancakes suggests cooking for 10-12 minutes at 330°F (170°C). Another recipe for 6-inch pancakes recommends cooking for 6-8 minutes at 360°F (180°C).

It's important to note that air fryers can vary in terms of cooking time and temperature, so it's a good idea to check the pancakes regularly to ensure they don't overcook. You may also need to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on your specific air fryer model.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that some recipes call for preheating the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the pancake batter. This can help ensure even cooking and the best results.

Adding toppings

Syrups:

While maple syrup is a classic choice, you can also get creative and use other syrups such as strawberry, peach, or blackberry simple syrup. A drizzle of honey or vegan honey will also add a touch of sweetness to your pancakes.

Spreads:

Nut butter, such as peanut butter, almond butter, or pumpkin seed butter, adds a creamy texture and a boost of protein to your pancakes. For an indulgent option, try a chocolate-based spread like white chocolate hazelnut spread.

Fruit:

Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are a healthy and colourful choice. You can also add sliced bananas, mango, pineapple, or even shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

Creamy toppings:

A dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or a generous serving of Greek yoghurt will add a rich and indulgent touch to your pancakes.

Crunchy toppings:

For added texture and flavour, sprinkle on some granola, chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.

Vegan options:

To make your protein pancakes vegan-friendly, simply replace dairy products with plant-based alternatives. Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax or chia egg.

Gluten-free alternatives:

For gluten-intolerant individuals, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Bob's Red Mill 1:1 All-Purpose Flour is a great option for achieving a similar taste and texture to traditional pancakes.

Blueberry variations:

Blueberry pancakes are a classic for a reason. You can elevate them further by adding a teaspoon of lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice for a zesty twist, or mix in a handful of sliced almonds and almond milk for a nutty flavour.

Chocolate chip pancakes:

Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of the batter after pouring it into the tins. Gently press the chips into the batter, then cook as usual.

Pumpkin spice:

During the holidays, add a festive touch to your pancakes by mixing in pumpkin spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the batter.

Protein boost:

Add a scoop of your favourite protein powder to the batter to increase the protein content of your pancakes. Vanilla protein powder usually works well with other ingredients, but feel free to experiment with different flavours.

Reheating and storing

Storing and reheating your protein pancakes is easy!

Fridge Storage

Allow your pancakes to cool to room temperature, then store them in a zip-top bag or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cool before putting them in the fridge to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Freezer Storage

For longer-term storage, freeze your leftover pancakes in a freezer-safe container or bag, with parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, which makes it easy to have breakfast ready anytime without the hassle of cooking each morning.

Reheating

When you're ready to eat, reheat individual pancakes in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until warmed through. For frozen pancakes, there's no need to defrost them first. You can even reheat them in your air fryer. Simply arrange them in a single layer and air fry for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently asked questions