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Air Fryer Pancake Muffins

Name: Air Fryer Pancake Muffins
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 19 min
Ingredients: 2 cups pancake mix; Ingredients required to prepare the pancake mix (such as milk, eggs, and oil or butter according to package directions); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup mix-ins of choice (optional (chocolate chips, blueberries, diced strawberries, bananas, or nuts))

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: February 1, 2021

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Air Fryer Pancake Muffins are the perfect solution when you’re craving fluffy pancakes without standing over the stove flipping batch after batch. These easy pancake muffins cook quickly in the air fryer, making them a fun, kid-friendly breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or grab-and-go snacks.

Air Fryer Pancake Muffins served on a white plate and drizzled with maple syrup.

If you love pancakes but don’t love standing at the stove flipping them one by one, these Air Fryer Pancake Muffins are about to become your new favorite breakfast. Light, fluffy, and perfectly portioned, they cook quickly in the air fryer and are ideal for busy mornings, meal prep, school breakfasts, or grab-and-go snacks. Customize them with chocolate chips, blueberries, sprinkles, or your favorite pancake toppings for a fun and easy breakfast the whole family will request again and again.

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Pancake recipes, here are a few of my favorites, Air Fryer Blueberry Pancake Muffins and, of course, Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Muffins.

What Are Muffin Pancakes?

Muffin pancakes, sometimes called pancake muffins or pancake bites, are pancakes baked in muffin cups instead of cooked on a griddle or skillet. They have the same soft, fluffy texture and classic pancake flavor you love, but they’re easier to make in large batches and perfect for meal prep, busy mornings, and grab-and-go breakfasts. You can customize them with mix-ins like chocolate chips, blueberries, bananas, or cinnamon sugar to create endless flavor combinations.

Golden brown Air Fryer Pancake Muffins on a white plate topped with maple syrup.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

Less mess and cleanup – Skip standing over the stove flipping pancakes and enjoy an easy breakfast with minimal cleanup.
Quick and easy to make – These pancake muffins cook in the air fryer in minutes, making breakfast faster and easier than traditional pancakes.
Perfect for meal prep – Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy a grab-and-go breakfast throughout the week.
Kid-friendly and fun – Kids love the muffin shape and can customize them with their favorite mix-ins and toppings.
Easy to customize – Add chocolate chips, blueberries, bananas, sprinkles, or cinnamon sugar to create endless flavor combinations.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients for making Air Fryer Pancake Muffins arranged on a table, including pancake mix, eggs, milk, butter, and optional mix-ins.

Pancake Mix: Creates a fluffy texture and classic pancake flavor while keeping the recipe simple.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps create soft, tender pancake muffins.
Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Melted Butter: Adds flavor and creates a soft, tender texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a touch of sweetness.
Mix-ins (optional): Blueberries, chocolate chips, nuts, or other favorites add extra flavor and texture.

How To Make Pancake Muffins In Air Fryer

Pancake batter being mixed in a large bowl with pancake mix, milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract.

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.

Pancake batter poured into greased muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

Step 2: Lightly coat the muffin cups with cooking spray, then fill each cup about two-thirds full with the pancake batter.

Step 3: Place the filled muffin cups into the air fryer basket and cook at 320 degrees F for 6 to 9 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Air Fryer Pancake Muffins cooking in the air fryer basket until golden brown.

Recipe Tips

Serve warm with butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit for the best flavor.
Do not overmix the batter. A few lumps will help keep the pancake muffins light and fluffy.
Fill the muffin cups about two-thirds full to allow room for the batter to rise.
Use silicone muffin cups or a well-greased muffin pan for easy removal.
Check the muffins at the 6-minute mark, as air fryer cooking times can vary by model.
Add your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, blueberries, bananas, or sprinkles.
Let the pancake muffins cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin cups.

Recipe Variations

Banana Pancake Muffins: Mix in mashed banana and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Strawberry Pancake Muffins: Fold in diced strawberries for a fresh, summery flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Pancake Muffins: Brush with melted butter and coat with cinnamon sugar after cooking.
Peanut Butter Pancake Muffins: Add peanut butter chips or a spoonful of peanut butter to the batter.
Sausage Pancake Muffins: Add cooked breakfast sausage crumbles for a sweet and savory option.
Funfetti Pancake Muffins: Mix in colorful sprinkles for a fun, kid-friendly breakfast.

Air Fryer Pancake Muffins topped with maple syrup and served on a green plate.

Storing, Freezing and Reheating Instructions

Storing: Allow the pancake muffins to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Place the cooled pancake muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a storage bag.

Reheating: Reheat pancake muffins in the air fryer at 300 degrees F for 2 to 3 minutes, or microwave them for 15 to 30 seconds until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, add an extra minute or two in the air fryer.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Pancake Muffins

Turn your pancake muffins into a complete breakfast or brunch spread with these easy recipes from Fork to Spoon:

Fresh fruit, yogurt, maple syrup, whipped butter, or a drizzle of honey also pair perfectly with these fluffy pancake muffins.

Air Fryer Bacon for crispy, perfectly cooked bacon every time.
Air Fryer Sausage Links for a classic breakfast pairing.
Air Fryer Scrambled Eggs for a quick and protein-packed side.
Air Fryer Hash Browns to add a crispy, savory element to your meal.
Air Fryer Fresh Fruit Crisp for a sweet brunch dessert.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls when you’re serving a special breakfast or holiday brunch.
Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes for a hearty and satisfying side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of pancake mix? Yes, you can use your favorite pancake mix, including buttermilk, complete, protein, or gluten-free varieties. Just prepare the batter according to the package directions if needed.

Can I make these pancake muffins ahead of time? Absolutely! Air Fryer Pancake Muffins are great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for an easy breakfast throughout the week.

Can I freeze pancake muffins? Yes. Let the muffins cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Why are my pancake muffins dense? Overmixing the batter can make pancake muffins dense. Stir just until the ingredients are combined, leaving a few small lumps.

Can I add mix-ins to the batter? Yes! Chocolate chips, blueberries, bananas, strawberries, nuts, and sprinkles all work well in this recipe.

How do I know when the pancake muffins are done? The tops should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I make these in a regular oven? Yes. Bake the pancake muffins in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until cooked through.

What toppings go well with pancake muffins? Maple syrup, butter, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream, peanut butter, and fruit preserves are all delicious options.

Equipment Used

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

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