The Secret to Perfectly Puffy Air Fryer Yorkshire Puddings
Yorkshire Puddings are a classic British side dish, loved for their light and airy texture with a golden, crispy exterior.
Traditionally served with roast beef and gravy, they have become a staple in Sunday roasts across the UK.
But what if you could make these delicious puds in half the time and with less mess? Enter the air fryer!
In this article, we’ll explore how to make the perfect Yorkshire Puddings using an air fryer, offering a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to the oven-baked classic.
What Are Yorkshire Puddings?
Yorkshire Puddings are a savoury dish made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, and milk.
Originating from Northern England, these puddings were created as a cheap and filling starter before the main course.
Over time, they evolved into the side dish we know today, often accompanying roast beef and soaking up all the delicious gravy on the plate.
Traditional Yorkshire Puddings
Traditionally, Yorkshire Puddings are made by pouring batter into a hot, greased tin and baking them in a very hot oven.
The key to their success lies in the heat – both the oven and the fat must be scorching to create that iconic puffed-up shape with a crispy exterior and a soft, doughy inside.
While the results are undoubtedly delicious, the process can be time-consuming and a bit messy.
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Can you cook Yorkshire puddings in an air fryer?
So, why switch to an air fryer for your Yorkshire Puddings?
First off, it’s quicker. The air fryer preheats faster than a conventional oven, and the cooking time is reduced significantly.
Additionally, air fryers use hot air circulation to cook, which means you can achieve a crispy exterior without needing as much oil.
This method is not only more efficient but also a bit healthier, cutting down on the fat content without sacrificing flavour or texture.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Yorkshire Puddings
This recipe for Air Fryer Yorkshire Puddings makes approximately 8 to 10 puddings, depending on the size of your muffin tin or silicone cups.
You’ll need just a few basic ingredients:
- 100g of plain flour
- 2 large eggs
- 100ml of milk (semi-skimmed or whole milk works best)
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, sunflower oil or beef dripping
Equipment Needed
Before you begin, make sure you have the following equipment:
- An air fryer (with a basket or trays)
- A mixing bowl
- A whisk
- Measuring jug
- Muffin tin or silicone muffin cups (that fit in your air fryer)
- A ladle
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Yorkshire Puddings
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these scrumptious puddings.
Prepping the Batter
Start by preparing the batter.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to create a lump-free batter.
The consistency should be similar to double cream – not too thick but not overly runny.
Once combined, let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
This resting period allows the flour to fully absorb the liquid, leading to better puffing during cooking.
Preheating the Air Fryer
While the batter rests, preheat your air fryer to 200C/400F.
Preheating is crucial as it ensures the air fryer is hot enough to immediately start cooking the puddings, which helps them rise properly.
If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply set it to 200C/400F and let it run empty for about 5 minutes.
Pouring the Batter
Once your air fryer is preheated and the batter is rested, it’s time to pour the batter.
Add a small amount of oil or beef dripping to each cup of your muffin tin or silicone cups.
Place the tins in the air fryer for a minute to heat the oil.
Then, quickly but carefully, pour the batter into each cup, filling them about halfway.
The hot oil will help create the crispy edges as the batter puffs up.
Air Fryer Yorkshire Pudding Temperature and Time
Air fry the Yorkshire Puddings at 200C/400F for around 10-12 minutes.
Avoid opening the air fryer during the first 8 minutes, as this can cause the puddings to deflate.
Once they’re golden brown and have risen nicely, they’re ready to be served.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Yorkshire Puddings
- Don’t skip the resting period: Allowing the batter to rest helps achieve a better rise.
- Use the right amount of oil: Too much oil can make the puddings greasy, while too little might prevent them from rising properly.
- Work quickly: Once the batter is poured, you want to get it cooking as fast as possible, so it puffs up nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Opening the air fryer too early: This can cause the puddings to collapse.
- Not preheating the air fryer: Preheating is essential for achieving the perfect rise.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold batter can result in less puffing, so make sure your ingredients are at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Yorkshire Puddings are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Serve them traditionally with roast beef, gravy, and roasted vegetables.
- Use them as a base for mini savoury pies or puddings.
- Try filling them with sausage and gravy for a twist on Toad in the Hole.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, Yorkshire Puddings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 180C/360F for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and crispy again.
Can You Air Fry Frozen Yorkshire Puddings?
Yes, you can air fry frozen Yorkshire puddings!
Air frying is a great way to reheat them, as it helps maintain their crispiness on the outside while ensuring they’re warm and fluffy inside.
How to Air Fry Frozen Yorkshire Puddings
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 180C/360F and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
- Place the Frozen Yorkshire Puddings in the Air Fryer: Arrange the frozen Yorkshire puddings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching each other.
- Cook Time: Air fry them for about 4-6 minutes, checking halfway through. They should be heated through and crispy on the outside by the end of the cooking time.
- Serve Immediately: Once done, take them out and serve immediately with your favourite roast dinner or enjoy them on their own with some gravy.
How to Cook Frozen Uncooked Yorkshire Puddings in an Air Fryer
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200C/400F and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating is essential to ensure the Yorkshire puddings rise properly.
Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket or trays with a little oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Place the Frozen Uncooked Yorkshire Puddings: Arrange the frozen puddings in the basket, making sure they are spaced out and not touching each other. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each pudding.
Cook Time: Air fry the Yorkshire puddings for 12-15 minutes at 200C/400F. They should rise and turn golden brown. Check them after 10 minutes, and if they’re not yet fully risen or browned, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
Serve Immediately: Once cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately with your meal.
If you love Yorkshire pudding why not try some delicious Toad In The Hole?
Final Word
Air Fryer Yorkshire Puddings are a game-changer for anyone who loves this classic British dish but wants a quicker, less messy, and healthier way to make them.
With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can create perfectly risen, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside puddings that are sure to impress at your next Sunday roast.
So why not give it a try and add a modern twist to a timeless favourite?
FAQs
Q1: Can I use self-raising flour instead of plain flour?
No, self-raising flour isn’t recommended as it can alter the texture and rise of the puddings. Stick to plain flour for the best results.
Q2: Can I freeze Air Fryer Yorkshire Puddings?
Yes, you can freeze them! Once cooked and cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to a month. Reheat them straight from the freezer in your air fryer at 180C/360F for about 5-6 minutes.
Q3: Why didn’t my Yorkshire Puddings rise?
This could be due to several factors, including not preheating the air fryer, not resting the batter, or using cold ingredients. Make sure to follow the tips outlined in the article.
Q4: Can I make Yorkshire Puddings without oil?
Oil is essential for creating crispy edges, so it’s best not to omit it. However, you can reduce the amount of oil used if you’re looking to cut down on fat.
Q5: What’s the best type of milk to use?
Whole milk gives the puddings a richer flavour, but semi-skimmed milk works well too. Avoid using skimmed milk.
Air Fryer Yorkshire Puddings
Ingredients
- 100g of plain flour
- 2 large eggs
- 100ml of milk (semi-skimmed or whole milk works best)
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, sunflower oil or beef dripping
Instructions
- Prepping the Batter
- Start by preparing the batter.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to create a lump-free batter.
- The consistency should be similar to double cream – not too thick but not overly runny.
- Once combined, let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- This resting period allows the flour to fully absorb the liquid, leading to better puffing during cooking.
- Preheating the Air Fryer
- While the batter rests, preheat your air fryer to 200C/400F.
- Preheating is crucial as it ensures the air fryer is hot enough to immediately start cooking the puddings, which helps them rise properly.
- If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply set it to 200C/400F and let it run empty for about 5 minutes.
- Pouring the Batter
- Once your air fryer is preheated and the batter is rested, it’s time to pour the batter.
- Add a small amount of oil or beef dripping to each cup of your muffin tin or silicone cups.
- Place the tins in the air fryer for a minute to heat the oil.
- Then, quickly but carefully, pour the batter into each cup, filling them about halfway.
- The hot oil will help create the crispy edges as the batter puffs up.
- Air Fryer Yorkshire Pudding Temperature and Time
- Air fry the Yorkshire Puddings at 200C/400F for around 10-12 minutes.
- Avoid opening the air fryer during the first 8 minutes, as this can cause the puddings to deflate.
- Once they’re golden brown and have risen nicely, they’re ready to be served.
Notes
Let the batter rest before air-frying the Yorkshire Puddings
