For countless Brits, the annual ritual of Pancake Day is less a culinary delight and more a high-stakes gamble, where the dreaded flip can send batter soaring towards the ceiling or splattering on the floor. However, a revolutionary solution has emerged from an unlikely kitchen hero: the humble air fryer.
The No-Flip Pancake Revolution
Journalist Ella Duggan decided to put the theory to the test ahead of Shrove Tuesday 2026, which falls on Tuesday 17th February. Moving beyond the appliance's celebrated energy-saving and low-oil benefits, she discovered it could produce everything from fluffy American-style stacks to delicate, buttery crepes. This joins a wave of creative air fryer use, championed by figures like Jamie Oliver with his dedicated cookbook, proving its versatility extends far beyond crispy chips.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Pancakes
The process is remarkably simple and eliminates the anxiety of flipping. First, prepare your preferred pancake batter. Line your air fryer basket with baking parchment and give it a light greasing with oil or butter. For perfectly round shapes, you can place a small cake tin on the parchment to contain the batter; for a more rustic look, simply pour it directly.
Set the air fryer to 180C. Your pancakes should be perfectly cooked in just six to eight minutes. Ambitious cooks can even layer batter between sheets of parchment to cook multiple pancakes simultaneously. Once done, serve with your favourite toppings, from classic lemon and sugar to indulgent chocolate spreads.
Top Air Fryer Deals to Get You Started
If you haven't yet joined the air fryer revolution, now is an ideal time. Several compelling deals are currently available online. The Judge 4L air fryer is now £43.95 on Amazon, down from £57.99. Reviewers praise its ease of use and cleaning, making it ideal for couples or small families.
For those seeking a premium option, the Ninja Crispi air fryer has seen a significant price drop to £99 from £149.99. Testers highlight its versatility and unique glass bowl, which allows you to watch your food as it cooks.
Embracing the air fryer for Pancake Day not only promises a delicious outcome but also a genuinely stress-free cooking experience, ensuring you spend less time cleaning up mishaps and more time enjoying your creations.
