Air Fryer Pancakes

Breakfast just got even better thanks to these air fryer pancakes! No flipping necessary — just cook, add your favorite toppings, and dig in!

To me, pancakes are the ultimate weekend food. Something about them just seems so leisurely and indulgent. But with this recipe for air fryer pancakes, you can enjoy those weekend vibes no matter what day it is!

These fool-proof buttermilk hotcakes cook inside a 6-inch cake pan for fluffy, golden pancakes every time. You don’t even have to flip them! Oh, and did I mention there are only six ingredients in the homemade batter?

Looking for a quick pancake recipe? Try our pancake in a mug recipe!

Here’s what I’m going to teach you in this post:

• How to make deliciously easy buttermilk pancakes in the air fryer
• Why you should never use parchment paper stacks to make air fryer pancakes
• Tips to make the fluffiest, best pancakes every time
• The simplest way to reheat leftover pancakes so they taste just as good as when you first made them

I love bringing my family together around the table for a big breakfast. It’s my favorite way to start the day. And pancakes are always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Everyone has so much fun adding all their favorite toppings.

How to Make Pancakes in the Air Fryer

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk to combine, then create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.

STEP TWO: In a separate bowl, beat the egg, whisk in the milk, then pour in the melted butter. 

STEP THREE: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, then gently stir the mixture until just combined. It’s okay if there are still a few lumps. Allow the batter to rest for 5 minutes. 

STEP FOUR: Meanwhile, place a 6-inch cake pan inside the basket of your air fryer. Close it, then preheat to 360 degrees F.

STEP FIVE: Open the air fryer and spray the cake pan with a generous amount of cooking spray. 

STEP SIX: Use an ice cream scoop to drop a ½ cup of batter into the cake pan, gently spreading the batter to the edges of the pan with a rubber spatula.

STEP SEVEN: Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes until pancakes are golden brown on top. Transfer the cooked pancakes to a baking sheet and set them in an oven at 200 degrees F to keep warm until ready to serve.

STEP EIGHT: Repeat until you’ve used all the remaining batter.

Can You Make Pancakes in an Air Fryer?

Absolutely! The secret is to use a cake pan, which will prevent the batter from spreading too much or dripping through the basket.

This recipe is for a homemade buttermilk pancake batter. But if you prefer to use this air fryer method with pancake mix, go right ahead! They will still turn out fluffy and amazing.

Pancake Topping Ideas (and Add Ins!)

• Maple syrup
• Butter
• Honey
• Fresh fruit
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate chips
• Peanut butter or nut butter
• Sprinkles (great for a birthday breakfast!)

Can You Air Fry Pancakes with Parchment Paper Stacks?

Definitely not! 

If you saw the viral video on TikTok claiming this is possible, please know that it’s completely fake. They replaced the pancakes with cooked ones and made it look like they cooked like that in the air fryer. I can promise that if you try this method, you will end up with a goopy mess.

Tips to Make Fluffy Air Fryer Pancakes

• Use a rubber spatula to spread the batter in the cake pan. This will ensure the pancakes cook evenly.
• Add chocolate chips, sliced bananas, small berries, or even sprinkles to the batter before air frying for pancake bites that are bursting with flavor and fun!
• Check on each pancake around the 6-minute mark. Don’t take them out of the air fryer until the top is nice and golden.

What Kind of Pans Can be Used in the Air Fryer?

Any pans that are oven-safe can also be used in the air fryer. I love using this 6-inch cake pan for pancakes while smaller 3- or 4-inch cake pans are great for making Fried Eggs in the Air Fryer.

Can You Warm Up Pancakes in the Air Fryer?

Absolutely! It’s the best way to get them crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside so they taste just as good as when they were fresh. Plus, it’s so easy!

1. Preheat the air fryer to 320 degrees F.
2. Place a leftover pancake one at a time in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook for 2 minutes until heated all the way through.
4. Repeat until all the pancakes have been reheated.

Can You Freeze These Pancakes?

Yes, these air fryer pancakes are freezer-friendly! 

I recommend laying the pancakes on a sheet pan and placing them in the freezer for 30 minutes. Once they’re frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freezing them individually will prevent them from sticking to one another.

You can also freeze the pancake mix in ice cube trays and thaw them as needed!

How to Cook Frozen Pancakes in the Air Fryer

Whether you have frozen leftovers of your homemade pancakes or have a box of frozen pancakes sitting in your freezer, the air fryer is an easy way to cook either one! Just keep in mind that bigger and thicker pancakes will take longer to cook.

1. Preheat the air fryer to 320 degrees F.
2. Place the frozen pancakes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
3. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through.
4. Repeat until all the pancakes have been cooked.

Other Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love:

• Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
• Hash Browns in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer French Toast
• Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
• Toast in the Air Fryer
• Frozen Hash Brown Patties in the Air Fryer

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