Is there anything more British than Yorkshire puddings? Whether you're enjoying them with traditional roast beef, mixing things up with another meat or veggie option, or even topping them with ice cream (trust us!), it just wouldn't be Sunday without a side of Yorkies!
Traditionally, you'd cook your Yorkshire puddings in the oven. But if you're short on space, or aren't using your oven, then you can also make them in an air fryer. Not only does this save energy (and therefore money on your bills), it also means you can whip up a batch in advance, freeze them, and then reheat and enjoy without needing to make them from scratch.
The following recipe makes enough batter for four fairly large Yorkshire puddings. Feel free to scale up or down as required. And of course, you can still make them in a regular oven, although you'll need to preheat for around 15 minutes instead of five.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 75g plain flour
- 120ml milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 60ml beef dripping or vegetable oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, crack two large eggs.
- Gradually whisk in the flour until smooth.
- Slowly add the milk while continuing to whisk. This will help create a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Add salt and give it one final whisk. The batter should be slightly thicker than a crepe batter but not as thick as pancake batter.
- Allow the batter to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the puddings rise better.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C. Most air fryers take about 5 minutes to preheat.
Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Moulds
- Place a teaspoon of beef dripping or vegetable oil into each compartment of a silicone muffin mould. If you don't have a silicone mould, a metal one works as well, but ensure it fits into your air fryer basket.
- Place the oiled moulds into the air fryer and heat for 3-5 minutes. The oil should be very hot and slightly smoking.
Step 4: Cook the Yorkshire Puddings
- Carefully remove the hot mould from the air fryer. Quickly pour the batter into each compartment, filling them about halfway.
- Return the mould to the air fryer and cook for 10-15 minutes until the puddings are well-risen and golden brown. Avoid opening the air fryer during this time as it can cause the puddings to collapse.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the Yorkshire puddings to cool in the moulds for a couple of minutes before removing them.
- Serve immediately with your favourite roast dinner or as a delicious snack with gravy.
Tips for the Best Yorkshire Puddings
- Resting the Batter: Resting the batter helps relax the gluten, resulting in a lighter and taller pudding.
- Hot Oil: The oil must be sizzling hot before adding the batter. This shock of heat is what makes the puddings rise.
- Do Not Open the Air Fryer: Opening the air fryer during cooking will let out the heat and cause the puddings to deflate.
Making Yorkshire puddings in an air fryer is a game-changer. It’s faster, easier, and just as delicious as the traditional oven method. With this recipe, you’ll achieve those classic, towering puddings with minimal fuss. So next Sunday, give your roast dinner an upgrade with perfectly puffed Yorkshire puddings cooked in your air fryer. Happy cooking!