admin1 Crispy, Puffy & Golden Traditional Yorkshire Puddings Made in the Air Fryer
Air Fryer Yorkshire Puddings are light, airy, and beautifully crisp on the outside while remaining soft and hollow in the center. Traditionally served alongside roast beef and gravy, these classic British puddings can now be made easily in an air fryer with less fuss and excellent results.
The secret to achieving the perfect rise is a smooth batter, a hot air fryer, and smoking-hot oil. This recipe creates tall, golden Yorkshire puddings with crisp edges and tender centers that are perfect for soaking up gravy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy golden edges
- Light and airy texture
- Faster than oven-baked versions
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for Sunday roasts
- Easy to make in small batches
- Delicious with savory or sweet toppings
Prep Time, Cook Time & Yield
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Rest Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: About 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 Yorkshire puddings
Ingredients
Yorkshire Pudding Batter
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons beef drippings, vegetable oil, or canola oil
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Silicone muffin cups or small metal ramekins that fit your air fryer
- Pouring jug (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Salt
Gradually whisk in the flour until smooth.
The batter should resemble thin pancake batter.
Continue whisking for 1–2 minutes until no lumps remain.
Step 2: Rest the Batter
Cover and let the batter rest for:
30 minutes at room temperature
Resting helps relax the gluten and improves the rise.
For even better results, you can refrigerate the batter for several hours and bring it back to room temperature before cooking.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to:
200°C (400°F)
for 5 minutes.
Place silicone muffin cups or metal ramekins into the basket during preheating.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Carefully add about:
- 1 teaspoon oil or beef drippings
to each cup.
Return to the air fryer for:
2–3 minutes
The oil should be very hot and nearly smoking.
Hot fat is essential for creating the dramatic Yorkshire pudding rise.
Step 5: Fill the Cups
Carefully remove the basket.
Quickly pour batter into each cup until approximately one-third full.
Do not overfill.
Immediately return the basket to the air fryer.
Step 6: Air Fry
Cook at:
200°C (400°F)
for 12–15 minutes
Do not open the air fryer during cooking.
Opening the basket too early can cause the puddings to collapse.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
Yorkshire puddings are ready when:
- Deep golden brown
- Crispy on the outside
- Well risen and puffed
- Hollow in the center
If needed, cook an additional 1–2 minutes for extra crispness.
Temperature & Time Summary
| Step | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Preheat Air Fryer | 200°C (400°F) |
| Air Fry | 200°C (400°F) |
| Process | Time |
|---|---|
| Batter Rest | 30 minutes |
| Preheat | 5 minutes |
| Heat Oil | 2–3 minutes |
| Air Fry | 12–15 minutes |
Tips for Perfect Yorkshire Puddings
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Cold ingredients reduce the rise.
Heat the Oil Thoroughly
This is the most important step.
The batter should sizzle immediately when poured into the hot fat.
Avoid Opening the Basket
Leave the air fryer closed until the puddings are fully risen.
Measure Carefully
A balanced batter creates the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Yorkshire puddings are traditionally served with:
- Roast beef
- Gravy
- Roast potatoes
- Vegetables
They also pair wonderfully with:
- Pulled beef
- Sausages
- Stews
- Braised meats
Sweet Yorkshire Puddings
Try serving with:
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Lemon curd
- Maple syrup
They make a surprisingly delicious dessert.
Variations
Herb Yorkshire Puddings
Add:
- 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
- 1 teaspoon thyme
to the batter.
Cheesy Yorkshire Puddings
Mix in:
- ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese
before cooking.
Mini Yorkshire Puddings
Use smaller molds and reduce cooking time to:
10–12 minutes
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for:
Up to 3 days
Freezer
Freeze for:
Up to 2 months
Reheating
Air Fryer
Heat at:
180°C (350°F)
for 3–4 minutes
Oven
Bake at:
180°C (350°F)
for 5–7 minutes
This restores crispness.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per Yorkshire pudding:
- Calories: 95
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t my Yorkshire puddings rise?
Common causes include:
- Oil not hot enough
- Batter too cold
- Opening the air fryer during cooking
- Overfilling the cups
Can I make the batter ahead?
Yes. The batter can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Bring to room temperature before cooking.
What oil works best?
- Beef drippings (traditional)
- Vegetable oil
- Canola oil
- Sunflower oil
All work well due to their high smoke points.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Cook in batches for the best rise.
