On weekends, there’s nothing I enjoy more than a big breakfast or brunch! My stove doesn’t have space for a griddle, though, making pancakes a chore to make one at a time in a pan. However, making air fryer frozen pancakes has provided just the solution I needed!
Why Make Frozen Pancakes in the Air Fryer
I recently learned about frozen pancakes and wow, they’re a breakfast game changer. No mixing batter, no standing over the stove, and no guessing game if they’re done in the middle! Oh and air fryer pancakes? Even better since I don’t have to watch them like a hawk!
There are lots of different brands hopping on the frozen ready made pancake train as well, with names like Hungry Jack, Eggo, Trader Joe’s, Kodiak, and more all offering this convenient breakfast option.
Just start with a box of frozen pancakes, either standard size or the mini silver dollar size depending what you like. Pop them in your air fryer, and they’re ready to enjoy in just about 5 minutes! That’s so much faster than the traditional stovetop preparation!
You can even use this method to freeze leftover homemade pancakes and reheat them later if you prefer. Air fryer frozen pancakes are great for getting breakfast done quickly and easily, any day of the week!
Katie’s tip
If you do want to try your hand at making your own from scratch, check out my delicious Air Fryer Pumpkin Pancakes recipe!
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Ingredients to Make Air Fryer Frozen Pancakes
- Frozen ready made pancakes, mini or standard size, any flavor
- Toppings you enjoy on pancakes (such as maple syrup or fresh berries)
Ingredient Tips and Notes
- Both standard sized and mini (silver dollar) frozen pancakes are fine, depending on your preference. I like the mini because they fit well in my air fryer baskets (Ninja Dual Zone baskets are long rectangles)
- Any flavor is fine – buttermilk pancakes, blueberry pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes, and Funfetti mini pancakes are some of my favorites!
- Brand doesn’t make a difference either. I have Hometown Funfetti mini pancakes here, but I’ve also tried Hungry Jack, Great Value, De Wafelbakkers, Eggo, Trader Joe’s, and Kodiak and they all work great
- A serving size is typically 11 mini or 3 regular (6-inch) sized pancakes, so adjust the quantity you need to however many people you’re feeding!
- For a fun dessert variation, serve warm pancakes with a scoop of ice cream on top!
How to Cook Frozen Pancakes in Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 330°F (or the closest temperature setting your particular air fryer has)
- Place frozen pancakes in the preheated air fryer basket (do not defrost) in a single layer, allowing air space between each one. Cook in batches if needed
- Air fry for 4-5 minutes at 330°F, pausing and flipping halfway through
- Pancakes are done when centers are warm to the touch and edges are slightly crispy
- Serve with your favorite toppings and sides!
What to Serve With Pancakes
- Syrup (maple or fruit)
- Caramel sauce
- Nutella
- Powdered sugar
- Cinnamon
- Fresh fruit
- Whipped cream
- Roasted nuts
- Chocolate chips
- Peanut or other nut butters
- Sausage
- Bacon
- Fried chicken
- Eggs (any style)
- Home fries or hash browns
- Grits
- Fruit juice
- Coffee
There are so many great things you could serve alongside your air fryer frozen pancakes. Try them with a side of Air Fryer Frozen Sausage Patties, crispy Trader Joe’s Air Fryer Frozen Hash Browns, easy Air Fryer Turkey Bacon, or simple Microwave Grits.
Sometimes I even top mine with Air Fryer Honey Roasted Pecans for the sweetness and as a contrast to the otherwise fluffy texture!
Recipe FAQs
Can You Heat Up Frozen Pancakes in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can heat up frozen pancakes in an air fryer. You’ll get warm, soft, and fluffy pancakes in the center with crisped edges.
This method works for both store bought and homemade pancakes that have been frozen and need to be reheated.
How Long Do You Cook Frozen Pancakes in an Air Fryer?
Generally, you cook frozen pancakes between 4-6 minutes in an air fryer.
The time will vary slightly based on the size and thickness of your pancakes, as well as your particular air fryer.
How Do You Keep Frozen Pancakes From Becoming Soggy In The Air Fryer?
To prevent sogginess, air fry pancakes in a single layer and avoid overcrowding.
This allows the hot air to circulate evenly, keeping the pancakes crisp.
Do You Need To Preheat The Air Fryer Before Cooking Frozen Pancakes?
While preheating isn’t always necessary, preheating the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at the desired temperature can help ensure even cooking and a crispier texture.
If you do not preheat, make sure to flip your pancakes halfway through cooking, and plan to add 1-2 minutes to overall cooking time to account for the cooler starting temperature.
Can You Cook Multiple Pancakes At Once In The Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook multiple frozen pancakes at once, but make sure to place them in a single layer without overlapping to ensure even cooking.
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
Do You Need To Add Oil Or Spray To The Air Fryer When Cooking Frozen Pancakes?
Adding oil or cooking spray is not necessary when cooking frozen ready made pancakes in the air fryer.
The pancakes will cook evenly and develop a crisp outer texture without additional oil.
What Are The Best Frozen Pancakes To Cook In An Air Fryer?
Most brands of frozen pancakes can be cooked in an air fryer, but brands that are thicker or labeled as “homestyle” tend to work particularly well, as they hold up better and achieve a nice texture.
Popular brand names include Eggo and Hungry Jack (though there are plenty of other options available as well).
Can You Add Toppings To Frozen Pancakes Before Air Frying?
It’s best to add toppings like butter, syrup, or fruit such as banana or strawberry slices after air frying the pancakes to prevent the toppings from burning or becoming too dry during the cooking process.
If you want to sprinkle on a little seasoning, such as cinnamon on a frozen pumpkin pancake, it’s fine to add a dusting before cooking.
Recipe Tips For the Best Air Fryer Frozen Pancakes
- Make sure not to overlap the pancakes in the air fryer. If you do, you’ll end up with both cold and dry spots as they’ll heat unevenly. I can fit about 9 frozen mini pancakes at a time in my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer
- For Funfetti frozen mini pancakes in a Ninja air fryer it took 4 minutes for them to be cooked perfectly. Full sized pancakes typically need 1-2 more minutes. Other brands and models of air fryer may vary slightly as well
Storage and Reheating of Frozen Ready Made Pancakes
- Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container or zippered bag in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. I do not recommend refreezing them after cooking once, as the texture starts to get a little weird
- Reheat leftover pancakes in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 2-3 minutes until warm and slightly crisp (this assumes they are coming from a refrigerated state). This works for ready made pancakes, as well as homemade leftovers!
More Breakfast Recipes
Final Thoughts
Frozen pancakes in the air fryer are such a great jump start to your morning. They’re pretty foolproof and ready in just about 5 minutes, so you can enjoy them even on busy weekdays!
It’s also something that your kids and teens can make for themselves since there’s no mixing, measuring, or firing up the stove involved! They go from freezer to fabulous with no fuss!
With both regular and mini frozen ready made pancake sizes available and lots of flavor varieties, every family member can find pancakes that they love!
Katie’s tip
If anyone in your house prefers waffles to pancakes, you can make those too! Check out my recipe for Trader Joe’s Blueberry Frozen Waffles in the Air Fryer for all the tips and tricks!
Pair them with some other breakfast foods for a complete spread, or go savory and enjoy breakfast for dinner!
Frozen Pancakes in Air Fryer Recipe (Mini or Regular Size)
Equipment
Ingredients
- Frozen pancakes, any size or flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 330°F (or the closest temperature setting your particular air fryer has)
- Place frozen pancakes in the preheated air fryer basket (do not defrost) in a single layer, allowing air space between each one. Cook in batches if neededFrozen pancakes, any size or flavor
- Air fry for 4-5 minutes at 330°F, pausing to flip halfway through
- Pancakes are done when centers are warm to the touch and edges are slightly crispy
- Serve with your favorite toppings and sides!
Notes
- Both standard sized and mini (silver dollar) frozen pancakes are fine, depending on your preference
- Any flavor is fine – buttermilk, blueberry, chocolate chip, and Funfetti are some of our favorites!
- Brand doesn’t make a difference either. I have Hometown Funfetti mini frozen pancakes here, but I’ve also tried Hungry Jack, Great Value, De Wafelbakkers, Eggo, Trader Joe’s, and Kodiak and they all work great
- A serving size is typically 11 mini or 3 regular sized pancakes, so adjust the quantity you need to however many people you’re feeding!
- Make sure not to overlap the pancakes in the air fryer. If you do, you’ll end up with both cold and dry spots as they’ll heat unevenly. I can fit about 9 frozen mini pancakes at a time in each of my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer baskets
- For Funfetti frozen mini pancakes in the Ninja air fryer it took 4 minutes for them to be cooked perfectly. Full sized pancakes should need 1-2 more minutes. Other brands and models of air fryer may vary slightly as well
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any toppings or sides added, and total quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
