Fluffy Air Fryer Pancakes

Name: Fluffy Air Fryer Pancakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 21 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3 Tablespoons white sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup buttermilk (see notes); 1 large egg; 2 Tablespoons butter (melted); Baker’s Joy Baking Spray

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Making Air Fryer Pancakes is a quick and easy way to pancake perfection! Soft and fluffy on the inside, and beautifully golden brown on the outside, you will wonder where this pancake recipe has been all your life. They're ready in 15 minutes or less, and you don't even have to flip them!

Air fryer pancakes stack with blueberries and bananas and syrup dripping down sides.

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Pancakes in the Air Fryer

We're big fans of pancakes and try to find any reason to make them, whether it's for breakfast, brunch, or even a yummy dinner. We've tried making them every way from on the stove to baked in sheet pans, and can tell you this: cooking pancakes in the air fryer is the best way to get perfectly fluffy pancakes with hardly any effort!

You'll be surprised at how simple it is to air fry pancakes. You might think it'll be messy or more work than cooking them on the stove, but we're happy to say that's not the case. Clean up is easy, and this recipe for pancakes in the air fryer is so straightforward that you don't even need to flip them to get that perfect golden-brown outside.

Why use the air fryer to make pancakes?

It might seem unconventional, but cooking pancakes in the air fryer is brilliant. It comes with several advantages:

It's quick: You can air fry pancakes using homemade pancake mix in under 15 minutes.
No flipping required: If you've ever accidentally flipped pancakes too early or have had them fold in on themselves, you'll know why this is such a big deal. It's great to not have to worry about flipping them!
It's consistent: You're less likely to end up with some pancakes undercooked and others overcooked, which can happen on a stovetop.
They're crispy: This is our favorite reason to make air fryer pancakes - the outside gets crispy! It's a crave-worthy texture you're going to want again.
They're fluffy: Even though they're crisp on the outside, these pancakes are so soft on the inside.
Easy clean up: Traditional pancake-making can be messy with batter splattering on the stovetop. Air frying pancakes is much neater, since everything is contained within the air fryer basket.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour: We're using all-purpose flour, which is not gluten-free. For pancakes, you can generally use a 1:1 ratio for gluten-free flour. However, gluten-free flours vary. If you need to make gluten-free pancakes, it's best to use a recipe you're familiar with for the batter, then follow our instructions to air fry the pancakes.
White sugar: We're using plain white granulated sugar for these pancakes. This is where all of the sweetness of the pancakes comes from, so if you want yours more or less sweet, adjust the amount of sugar!
Baking powder: Baking powder is what makes pancakes rise and become fluffy. Use baking powder as instructed to avoid dense pancakes.
Baking soda: Using a mix of baking powder and baking soda will make your pancakes even fluffier. Additionally, baking soda helps brown pancakes, which gives them more flavor.
Salt: We always recommend using kosher salt, but you can use any salt you have on hand for this recipe.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk is the liquid base of the pancake batter. It adds moisture and tangy flavor to the pancakes. Buttermilk also reacts with the baking soda to create bubbles, contributing to the pancake's fluffiness.
Large egg: Farm-fresh eggs are the best if you can get your hands on them. They're richer in flavor and make amazing pancakes! Grade A large eggs from the grocery are perfectly fine as well.
Butter, melted: We recommend using unsalted butter and melting it in the microwave just before you need it so it doesn't re-solidify.
Baker’s Joy Baking Spray: This baking spray is used to grease the pans, preventing the pancakes from sticking during cooking. They'll come out of the pans easily and intact. IMPORTANT: Do not spray this cooking spray, or any other aerosol cooking spray, directly into the air fryer, as it will damage the non-stick surface. Learn more: Air Frying Oils

How to Make Pancakes in the Air Fryer

Sifting dry ingredients in glass bowl for homemade air fryer pancakes.

Step 1 - Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.

Preparing batter for homemade air fryer pancakes.

Step 2 - Combine Wet Ingredients: Measure buttermilk in a measuring cup. Add egg and whisk until they are well combined. Next, whisk melted butter into the buttermilk and egg mixture until fully incorporated.

Mixing ingredients for homemade air fryer pancakes.

Step 3 - Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the dry ingredients are just moistened. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are okay. Over-mixing can result in tough pancakes.

Allow the batter to rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in fluffier pancakes.

Spraying ramekins for homemade air fryer pancakes.

Step 4 - Prep Your Pans: Spray (4) 4-inch pans with Baker’s Joy Baking Spray. This helps prevent the pancakes from sticking and ensures they release easily from the pans.

Filling ramekins with homemade pancake batter before air frying.

Step 5 - Portion the Batter: Scoop ¼ cup of pancake batter into each prepared pan. Gently tap the dish on the counter a few times to distribute the batter evenly so it covers the bottom of the dish.

Using knife to loosen edges of pancakes in ramekins in air fryer basket.

Step 6 - Air Fry the Pancakes: Air fry the pancakes at 350°F for 10-11 minutes, or until the pancakes are golden brown on top. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them. At the halfway mark, run a butter knife around the edges of each pan to help release the pancakes.

Pancakes in ramekins in air fryer basket ready to serve.

Step 7 - Plate: Carefully remove the hot dishes from the air fryer using oven mitts. Turn the ramekins over on a plate to remove the pancakes from the pans.

Step 8 - Serve and Enjoy: Top your Air Fryer Pancakes with your favorite toppings – whether it's maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate chips – and savor the deliciousness!

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Air Fryer Desserts

Using a Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Oven with a Tray

Prepare homemade or mix batter as directed.
Preheat the countertop air fryer oven to 350°F.
Spray (4) 4-inch ramekins with baking spray.
Scoop ¼ cup of batter into each dish. Gently tap the dish on the counter a few times to distribute the batter evenly to cover the bottom of the dish.
Air fry at 350°F. for 12-15 minutes until pancakes are golden brown on top. Halfway through air frying, run a butter knife around the inside edges of each dish.
Carefully remove hot dishes from the air fryer. Using a spatula, remove the pancakes from the pans to a serving plate. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

How to Make Air Fryer Pancakes from a Box Mix

Homemade buttermilk pancake batter is the best, and if you can, you should give it a try. But, if you have a favorite box mix, you can use it to make this recipe for pancakes in the air fryer, too. Prepare the pancake batter as directed on the box, and follow our instructions as written.

Stack of air fryer pancakes with blueberries, bananas, and syrup dripping down stack.

How to Make Air Fryer Pancakes from Frozen

Whether you bought a box of frozen pancakes, or you made and froze your own, you can use the air fryer to cook them. To cook pancakes from frozen in the air fryer, place the frozen pancakes in the air fryer basket, then air fry at 350°F for 7-8 minutes until heated all of the way through. Remove, serve, and enjoy!

What if I don't have buttermilk?

If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make it without needing to run out and buy it. Make buttermilk by combining ¾ cup milk with 2 Tablespoons white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using.

Tips

If you don’t have something to sift the dry ingredients, don’t sweat it, you can just add all the dry ingredients to a mixing bowl and whisk to combine. The texture won’t be as light and fluffy, but the taste will be the same.
We are using 4-inch ramekins, but you can also use 6-inch cake pans or aluminum pie tins for more traditional looking pancakes if they fit in your air fryer.
Cook time may vary depending on your specific air fryer. Air fryer brands vary, so you may need to adjust according to your model.
Recipe time and temperature is based on a cold air fryer. If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.

Storing Instructions

Storing leftover pancakes is easy. Allow the pancakes to cool to room temperature. Place in an airtight container, separating each pancake with a sheet of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Alternatively, use a resealable plastic bag and remove as much air as possible. Refrigerate for up to 1 week. You can reheat them in the air fryer until warmed through.

Freezing Pancakes

Allow the pancakes to cool completely. Place on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 30 minutes or until frozen solid. Then, add them to an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bags with the air pressed out and a sheet of parchment paper placed between each pancake. Reheat directly out of the freezer in the air fryer.

Why are air fryer pancakes smaller and thicker than traditional pancakes?

In order to make pancakes in the air fryer, you have to use a container that will fit within the air fryer basket or tray. In this case, we're using 4-inch ramekins, as you can fit 4 of them at a time nicely in the basket.

Because of this, the pancakes don't spread out, creating smaller, fluffier pancakes that slightly resemble biscuits while retaining the light and fluffy texture of a pancake. For a more traditional pancake look, you can use a 6-inch cake pan or an aluminum pie tin. Add enough batter to cover the bottom of the pan, and air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes. Check the pancakes halfway through and run a knife around the inside edge of the pan.

Keep in mind these larger pancakes may cook a little faster depending on how much batter you use, so you can check on them a minute or so early. Also keep in mind you will be able to fit less of these in the air fryer basket.

Pancake Batter Mix-in Ideas

Note: Always add pancake batter mix-ins to the pan before adding the batter to ensure they do not fly around in the air fryer as the pancakes cook.

Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet, dark, or white chocolate chips for a sweet, melty surprise.
Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries are always a great choice to add to pancake batter.
Nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a nice crunch.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon or cinnamon sugar for a warm and aromatic touch.
Shredded Coconut: Adds a tropical twist to your pancakes.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract can enhance the overall flavor of your pancakes.
Chopped Bacon: Add savory and salty bits of bacon for a unique sweet and savory combo. You can use our Air Fryer Bacon recipe for quick and easy bacon!
Mini Marshmallows: For a playful and gooey texture reminiscent of s'mores. (And if you like s'mores, try our Air Fryer S'mores!

Air fryer pancakes stack with blueberries and bananas.

Pancake Topping Ideas

Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your own pancake masterpiece (we're always trying something new, here!). Have fun experimenting with different flavors and textures!

Syrup: Maple syrup is a classic choice that adds sweetness and a rich, buttery flavor to your pancakes, or you might want to experiment with flavored syrups like blueberry, raspberry, or even coconut syrup for a unique twist.
Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries add a burst of freshness and natural sweetness.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a delightful creaminess to your pancakes.
Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruit such as banana slices or apples are a fantastic complement to the sweetness of the pancakes.
Honey: Drizzle honey for a natural sweetness. Local honey is always the best.
Jam or Preserves: Fruit jams or preserves, like raspberry or apricot, bring fruity sweetness and vibrant flavors.
Cinnamon and Sugar: A sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar adds warmth and sweetness.
Nutella: A spread of Nutella is perfect for chocolate lovers and adds a creamy, hazelnut-chocolate flavor.
Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
Ice Cream: If you're feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn your pancakes into a delightful dessert.
Savory Toppings: For those who prefer a savory twist, consider toppings like bacon, scrambled eggs, or smoked salmon.

FAQ

Why are my pancakes flat?

If your pancakes turn out flat, you may have over-mixed the batter. Over-mixing can lead to the development of too much gluten, which results in pancakes that are more dense. To avoid this, stir the batter until the dry ingredients are just moistened and some lumps remain. Additionally, ensure your leavening agents, such as baking powder and baking soda, are fresh and active.

Can I make pancake batter ahead of time?

You can make pancake batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for your convenience. Keep in mind the leavening agents in the batter may lose some of their potency over time, which may affect how much the pancakes rise. To combat this, you can mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, and combine them just before cooking the pancakes.

How do I keep pancakes warm for a crowd?

To keep pancakes warm for a group, you can place them on a baking sheet in a single layer in a warm oven (around 200°F or 93°C). Another option is to use a pancake warmer or a chafing dish. Avoid stacking the pancakes, as this can make them soggy. Serve when ready to avoid any loss of texture and flavor.

Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes

Breakfast Sausage
Scrambled Eggs
Bacon, Eggs, and Toast
Fried Eggs
Flaky Biscuits
Try all of our Air Fryer Breakfast recipes!

If you enjoyed this easy air fryer recipe, please leave a comment and a rating below to let us know! And if you have any questions, ask away. We love to help!