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Air Fryer German Pancakes

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: September 7, 2019

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Air Fryer German Pancakes — Looking for a fun twist on your breakfast routine? Try making German pancakes in your air fryer! Also known as Dutch baby pancakes, these puffy, golden treats are super easy to whip up and perfect for anyone who loves pancakes but wants to shake things up a bit.

Air Fryer German Pancakes in a cast iron skillet topped with sliced strawberries and powdered sugar

Looking for a showstopper breakfast or brunch dish? German pancakes are your answer! These sweet, puffy pancakes are perfect for loading up with your favorite toppings. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make them right in your air fryer. Let’s dive in!

Despite their name, German pancakes actually originated in the United States. They’re also known as Dutch baby pancakes or “upside-down” pancakes because they’re baked in a pan rather than cooked on a griddle like traditional pancakes. The batter includes eggs, vanilla extract, and a touch of sugar, which gives the pancake a light, airy texture that’s simply irresistible.

Air fryer German pancakes are super versatile – you can enjoy them on their own or jazz them up with syrup, butter, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or any of your favorite pancake toppings. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make!

Trust me, once you try these air fryer German pancakes, you’ll be hooked!

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes, some of my favorite recipes are Air Fryer Mini Cheese Frittatas, Air Fryer Breakfast Sausages, Air Fryer Cinnamon French Toast, and Air Fryer Avocado Toast with Egg.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Air fryer German pancakes are a fun twist on the classic oven-baked version. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with making them in your air fryer:

Super Quick and Easy: Forget waiting for the oven to heat up! Your air fryer gets the job done way faster. You can whip up these German pancakes on a whim for a last-minute brunch or dessert.
Perfect Texture Every Time: The air fryer works its magic to give you a beautifully puffy, golden outside and a soft, custardy inside. That’s exactly what you want in a German pancake!
Keep Your Kitchen Cool: No need to crank up the oven and heat up your whole kitchen. This is especially nice when it’s hot outside.
Customize It Your Way: Top your air fryer German pancakes with whatever you love! Fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, a squeeze of lemon, or a drizzle of syrup – the sky’s the limit!
Looks Fancy, But So Easy: These pancakes puff up dramatically in the air fryer, making them look super impressive. Your family and friends will think you spent hours in the kitchen!

Bottom line: Making German pancakes in your air fryer is a game-changer. It’s quick, easy, and gives you an amazing result every time. Trust me, this recipe will become your new go-to!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer German Pancakes

Making these pancakes is super easy – you probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already! Here’s what you’ll need:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Eggs: These are the star of the show. They give the pancake its signature puff and custardy middle.
Milk: Adds moisture and makes the batter nice and smooth. Any kind of milk works!
Salt: Just a pinch to bring out all the flavors.
Butter: Helps prevent sticking and gives the edges that delicious golden crispiness.
Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds a warm, cozy flavor.
Sugar: Just a little to add sweetness and help with browning.
All-purpose flour: This gives the pancake structure so it can puff up beautifully.

How To Make Air Fryer German Pancakes

Making Air Fryer German Pancakes is a great way to enjoy a classic breakfast with a twist. Follow these steps for a delicious result:

Start by mixing the eggs, milk, salt, and 2 tablespoons of butter, vanilla extract, sugar, and flour in a large mixing bowl. Mix well; remember to scrape the sides.

An uncooked dutch baby pancake in a cast iron skillet

Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter, and then brush it onto the pan. Pour the batter into the pan.

Set in the air fryer oven or your basket, and set the temperature for 330 degrees F for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, flip your Dutch Baby and air fry for another 3 minutes.

Then remove from the air fryer, plate with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries.

Air Fryer German Pancakes topped with whipped cream and raspberries

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about German pancakes is how easy they are to customize. Here are some tasty ideas to switch things up:

Savory Spin: Skip the sugar and vanilla. Instead, add a pinch of black pepper and some chopped fresh herbs to the batter. After it’s cooked, top it with cheese, crispy bacon, or sautéed veggies.
Lemon Poppy Seed: Toss some lemon zest and poppy seeds into the batter. Finish it off with a lemon glaze or a dusting of lemon-sugar.
Chocolate Chip Garman Pancakes: Stir chocolate chips into the batter before cooking. Serve it with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a breakfast that feels like dessert.
Apple Cinnamon: Layer some thin apple slices in the pan before adding the batter. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar for a cozy autumn flavor.
Berry Bliss: Mix fresh or frozen berries into the batter, or arrange them in the pan before pouring the batter over.
Almond Joy: Swap the vanilla for almond extract, and mix in some sliced almonds and shredded coconut. Top with more toasted almonds and coconut flakes.
Pumpkin Spice: Stir in some pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice for a fall-themed treat. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

These are just starting points – feel free to get creative! Whether you’re in the mood for sweet or savory, your air fryer German pancake can handle it.

Air Fryer German Pancakes in a cast iron skillet topped with blueberries

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Air Fryer Dutch Baby Pancake can be a delightful experience with these pro tips. These insights will help you achieve a light, puffy, and deliciously golden pancake every time:

Prep Smart: Preheat your air fryer and use room temperature eggs and milk. This combo helps achieve that signature puff and lighter texture.
Blend It Smooth: Use a blender or whisk to mix the batter until it’s completely smooth. This incorporates air and ensures an even mix, helping your pancake rise beautifully.
Choose the Right Pan: Use a small cast iron skillet or oven-safe dish that fits snugly in your air fryer. This helps achieve a better crust and more even cooking.
Resist the Urge to Peek: Keep that air fryer closed until it’s time to check for doneness. Opening it too early can cause the temperature to drop and prevent proper puffing.
Timing is Everything: Have your toppings ready to go – these pancakes start deflating quickly once out of the air fryer. Serve immediately for maximum wow factor!
Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and toppings. Try adding vanilla, cinnamon, or lemon zest to the batter. Top with fresh fruits, powdered sugar, maple syrup, or whipped cream – the possibilities are endless!

Follow these tips, and you’ll be serving up impressive air fryer German pancakes in no time!

FAQs

Can I make a German pancake without a cast iron skillet?

Yes, you can use any air fryer-safe pan that fits comfortably in your air fryer. Ensure it’s oven-safe if preheating is part of your recipe. The key is to use a pan that conducts heat well for even cooking.

Why didn’t my German pancake puff up?

Several factors can affect the puffiness: the batter may have been overmixed (which can deflate the eggs), the air fryer might not have been preheated properly, or the batter was too cold. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature and your air fryer is preheated if the recipe calls for it.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

While Dutch Baby Pancake batter benefits from resting, it’s best used within a few hours of preparation. You can mix the batter and let it rest while your air fryer preheats. For the best texture, avoid refrigerating the batter overnight, as the eggs may separate and affect the final result.

How do I know when the Dutch Baby is done?

The pancake should be puffed up (though it will deflate quickly once removed from the air fryer) and golden brown around the edges. The center should be set but still tender. Cooking times can vary based on your air fryer model, so it’s good to start checking a few minutes before the recipe’s suggested time.

Can I double the recipe?

Doubling the recipe will require cooking in batches unless you have a very large air fryer that can accommodate a bigger pan. Remember, the charm of a Dutch Baby is its fresh, puffy texture, so it’s best served immediately after cooking.

Is it necessary to use room temperature ingredients?

Yes, using room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and milk, can make a significant difference. It helps the batter mix more uniformly and react better to the heat, contributing to the pancake’s rise and fluffiness.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture might be slightly different.

Equipment Needed

Air Fryer: Today, I used my Cosori Air Fryer, but this recipe will work in any Air Fryer Basket or Oven Model. It will also work with the Ninja Foodi, Instant Pot Crisp Lid, and Mealthy Lid. The cooking time will vary based on the air fryer you are using.
Cast Iron Pan: HAWOK Cast Iron Mini Server Rectangle: 12 oz, Square:12oz, Oval 12oz, Round 15oz Set of 4. These are perfect for the air fryer; you can make so many dishes in them, from cornbread to German pancakes.

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