Love pancakes but don’t have the time to make it from scratch? Air fryer frozen pancakes are the answer and they’re really quite amazing! Grab a few frozen pancakes, and quickly heat them up in the air fryer to a perfect soft but crispy edged pancake. Air fried pancakes are such a quick easy treat anytime of day!

Air Fryer Frozen Pancakes or Hot Cakes in the Air Fryer on a plate

Different Brands of Frozen pancakes

The brand we tested is Great Value. They tasted great. There’s so many different brands out there and the pancakes vary in size and thickness. Also, air fryers cook different too as some cook hotter and quicker than others. So our time and temp is a starting point for you. You can test one first and see how it works for your specific model and type of pancake.

How to Cook Air Fryer Frozen Pancakes

  • No fussing with pancake batter. Air frying from frozen is so easy.
  • We tested frozen pancakes in the microwave and they definitely come out a little softer. But if you like your pancakes to have slightly crisp top and edges, then air fried frozen pancakes is for you.
  • Just grab a few frozen pancakes straight from the freezer and into the air fryer. Voila, breakfast is served in just a few minutes.
  • Lay them in a single layer so that all sides can air fry evenly. Don’t stack them because you’ll have cold centers and dried edges on the pancakes.
  • All air fryer pancakes recipe details, time and temp are in the recipe box below. Remember that different air fryers will vary in their cooking times, so adjust as needed for your brand and model of air fryer.
  • If you love pancakes, you’ll love our air fryer frozen waffles. They’re quick and easy too!
  • Pro-Tip: here’s our favorite tools to help make air frying easier:
Evo Oil Sprayer
Evo Oil Sprayer

We LOVE Evo Oil Sprayers. Not the prettiest, but they’re functional and spritz oil great! They don’t clog up like many others we’ve bought. There’s different styles, but all seem to have the same great spray head. Works great for grilling!

8.5" Square Blue Silicone Mat
Perforated Silicone Mat

There are Square Mats & Round Mats. These perforated non-stick silicone mats are used to cook food in your air fryer or steamer to minimize sticking. Holes allow hot circulating air to cook the food & keeps the food from sticking.

Perforated Parchment Paper
Perforated Parchment Paper

Parchment sheets are great for your air fryer or bamboo steamer (food tends to stick most on wire basket or tray). Choose from different sizes, shapes, white and brown (unbleached). Holes allow air to cook food evenly.

Video: Air Fried Frozen Pancakes

Air Fryer Frozen Pancakes or Hot Cakes in the Air Fryer | AirFryerWorld.com

Air Fryer Frozen Pancakes

Yield: 1 serving
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Different brands frozen pancakes all vary in size, thickness, ingredients (some with more sweetener might brown quicker) so you’ll have to adjust timing. Only cook a single layer's worth at time for even cooking. Cook in multiple batches if needed.
All air fryers are different and some cook much hotter than others. Once you cook your first batch, you’ll know more of what works for your model of air fryer and size of food. These were tested on basket style air fryers. Read more recipe notes below the recipe. Nutrition will vary depending on individual brands.
5 from 4 votes

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Ingredients

  • 3 Frozen Pancakes
  • optional toppings syrup, butter, berries, jam, whipped cream, etc.

Equipment

Instructions 

  • Place the frozen pancakes in the air fryer basket and spread in an even layer (make sure they aren't overlapping). No oil spray is needed.
    Frozen pancakes next to packaging
  • Air Fry at 330°F/165°C for 4-5 minutes to get it soft & heated through. If you want crispy, cook for an extra 1-2 minutes.
    Frozen pancakes in air fryer
  • Serve with your favorite topping.
    Cooked pancakes topped with syrup and berries

Notes

Air Frying Tips and Notes:
  1. No Oil Necessary. Cook Frozen – Do not thaw first.
  2. Cook in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Recipe timing is based on a non-preheated air fryer. If cooking in multiple batches back to back, the following batches may cook a little quicker. 
  4. Recipes were tested in 3.7 to 6 qt. air fryers. If using a larger air fryer, they might cook quicker so adjust cooking time.

If your air fryer is preheated or if you are cooking multiple batches, you may need to reduce timing by a few minutes (unless preheating is called for in the recipe).

Video

YouTube video

Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 280kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 1.5g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 590mg, Potassium: 60mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 12g, Calcium: 80mg, Iron: 4mg
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Air Fryer Frozen Pancakes or Hot Cakes in the Air Fryer in a basket

Do you need to add cooking spray?

No you don’t. Just lay the frozen pancakes in a single layer on the air fryer basket or air fryer oven rack. That’s it!

What to serve with pancakes cooked in the air fryer?

  • Add some fresh fruit or fresh berries : strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, banana is great! We love blueberry pancakes.
  • a little drizzle of pancake syrup or maple syrup
  • Some really good melted butter is awesome
  • How about some peanut butter and jam or jelly?
  • Maybe add some nutella or chocolate chips on top for chocolate chip pancakes
  • Serve with some eggs like scrambled egg, omelette or frittata
  • Bacon and sausage are always wonderful. A bite of sweet and savory is fantastic.
  • Hope you enjoy this easy frozen pancake air fryer recipe.

You Might also Love these Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes

Frozen Foods Time and Temperature | AirFryerWorld.com

This was originally published in 2019 and re-published in 2021 with updated photos. Here’s some more pancake recipe inspiration.