With a simple list of ingredients, this hassle-free recipe requires less time than you would spend in the drive-through of your local fast-food restaurant.
If mornings aren't your thing, then you'll love this quick air fryer pancake recipe. With this fast, easy, and customizable breakfast option, your mornings just got better!
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This air fryer pancake recipe works so well due to its simplicity, speed, and versatility.
These homemade air fryer pancakes are incredibly quick and easy to make. They're perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends when you want a delicious breakfast without the hassle. The air fryer's efficiency allows you to cook multiple pancakes at the same time, significantly reducing the time spent in the kitchen compared to cooking them individually on a stovetop griddle. This means you can serve up a stack of perfectly cooked pancakes in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods.
This recipe also makes it easy for you to prepare a large batch of pancakes in advance and freeze them for later use. When you need a quick breakfast option, just pop a few pancakes in the air fryer straight from the freezer, and they'll be ready to enjoy in minutes. This make-ahead option is a game-changer for busy mornings or whenever you crave a homemade breakfast without the fuss.
Ingredients
Flour:
While this simple air fryer pancakes recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can experiment with alternative flour such as almond flour, coconut flour, or oat flour in your pancake batter for grain-free or gluten-free air fryer pancakes. Adjust the batter consistency and cooking time accordingly.
Sugar:
Sugar is added to pancake batter to provide sweetness and aid in the browning of the pancakes during the cooking process. If you prefer to reduce or avoid sugar, natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar can be used in its place.
Salt:
While it may initially seem counterintuitive to add salt to something sweet, there are a number of reasons that salt is called for in most pancake recipes. First, it helps bring out the natural flavors of the other ingredients, creating a more flavorful and well-rounded pancake. Additionally, salt plays a crucial role in the chemical reactions that occur during cooking by activating the leavening agents in your recipe, like baking soda.
Baking Soda:
This recipe uses baking soda to create fluffy air-fried pancakes. Without a leavening agent like baking soda or baking powder, the pancakes would remain dense and flat.
Egg:
Eggs are used in pancake batter to provide structure, moisture, and richness. They also act as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together and create a fluffy texture. While eggs are a traditional ingredient in pancake recipes, they can be replaced with alternatives such as mashed bananas, applesauce, yogurt, or commercial egg replacers for vegan or egg-free options.
Buttermilk:
Buttermilk adds acidity, moisture, and a tangy flavor to pancake batter. It also adds richness and tenderness to pancakes, enhancing their flavor and texture. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes to curdle. Alternatively, you can use plain yogurt or sour cream diluted with a bit of milk to achieve a similar effect. These alternatives will provide the acidity and moisture needed for tender, flavorful pancakes.
Bananas:
While this air fryer pancake recipe calls for bananas to top your pancakes, you can also add them to the batter to create a banana pancake. In fact, this applies to most of your favorite pancake toppings, such as chocolate chips, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, peanut butter, and more.
How to Make These Easy Air Fryer Pancakes
Step One:
Add flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda to a bowl and stir to incorporate.
Step Two:
Add the egg and buttermilk and stir to combine.
Step Three:
Preheat your air fryer to 400F for 5 minutes.
Step Four:
Line the bottom of your air fryer basket with parchment paper and spoon some of the pancake mixture into the center. Add another piece of parchment on top of the pancake and repeat with the remaining batter to create a stack of air fryer pancakes.
Step Five:
Air fry for 12 minutes at 350F.
Step Six:
Top your fluffy air fryer pancakes with bananas, fruits and syrup, serve, and enjoy!
Tips
- Allow the pancake batter to rest for a few minutes before cooking. This helps activate the leavening agents and results in fluffier air fryer pancakes.
- Your pancake batter should be pourable, so if you need to thin it out a bit, you can add more buttermilk, milk, yogurt, mashed banana, or water. However, if you find your batter to be too thin, add small amounts of flour a bit at a time to help thicken it.
- Enjoy your air fryer pancakes immediately for the best taste and texture.
What to Serve With Homemade Air Fryer Pancakes
Consider serving these delicious air fryer pancakes with a variety of accompaniments created to enhance your breakfast experience. Classic options like maple syrup, butter, and fresh berries add sweetness and freshness to each bite. For a more indulgent twist, drizzle pancakes with chocolate sauce, caramel, or whipped cream, creating a decadent treat.
For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts or granola over the pancakes for a satisfying crunch. For a savory twist, serve pancakes alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a breakfast casserole.
Need more ideas? Check out What To Serve With Pancakes for 20 delicious side dishes.
FAQs
Can I use any pancake batter in the air fryer?
While most pancake batters can be cooked in the air fryer, some may yield better results than others. It's essential to use a batter with a suitable pouring consistency for air frying to ensure proper cooking and texture.
How can I ensure my homemade air fryer pancakes are cooked through?
To ensure thorough cooking of your easy air fryer pancakes, use a toothpick or cake tester to check the center for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, the pancakes are ready. Alternatively, gently press the center of the pancakes to ensure they spring back.
Can I make a large batch of pancakes in the air fryer?
While you may be able to cook multiple pancakes simultaneously in the air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can hinder air circulation and result in uneven cooking. Cook pancakes in batches for best results.
For how long can leftover air fryer pancakes be kept fresh?
Let any leftover air fryer pancakes cool completely before you store them in an airtight container or resealable bag. They can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or stored in the freezer for 3-4 months. These homemade air fryer pancakes actually freeze quite well and reheat easily making them an excellent item to keep on hand in the freezer for when you need a quick and easy breakfast on the go.
Similar Recipes
If you love a quick and easy breakfast idea like these fluffy air fryer pancakes, then we've got you covered. Check out this curated collection of quick and easy breakfast recipes we love for busy mornings or impromptu brunch get-togethers.
Air Fryer Pancakes
Ingredients
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 bananas optional. for serving
- 1 tablespoon syrup optional. for serving
Instructions
- Add flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda to a bowl and stir to incorporate.
- Add the egg and buttermilk and stir to combine.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400F for 5 minutes.
- Line the bottom of your air fryer basket with parchment paper and spoon some of the pancake mixture into the center. Add another piece of parchment on top of the pancake and repeat with the remaining batter to create a stack of air fryer pancakes.
- Air fry for 12 minutes at 350F.
- Top your fluffy air fryer pancakes with bananas and syrup, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Allow the pancake batter to rest for a few minutes before cooking. This helps activate the leavening agents and results in fluffier pancakes.
- Your pancake batter should be pourable, so if you need to thin it out a bit, you can add more buttermilk, milk, yogurt, mashed banana, or water. However, if you find your batter to be too thin, add small amounts of flour a bit at a time to help thicken it.