Air fryer magic: How a dash of vinegar transforms pancakes

Instead of standing over a hot pan, you can use an air fryer to prepare pancakes with the ideal consistency. According to an expert, the secret to a light and fluffy texture is an ingredient you probably already have in your kitchen—apple cider vinegar. Martin Senders, a chef at Philips, emphasizes that this unassuming pantry staple is the key to achieving exceptionally fluffy pancakes.

One of the best tricks for super fluffy pancakes is adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the batter. The acid reacts with the baking powder, resulting in incredibly puffy pancakes, he explains.

An air fryer not only provides the perfect conditions for making pancakes without the risk of burning or undercooking them, but it also ensures even baking. Thanks to the circulation of hot air around the batter, you'll achieve a golden crust every time. It's also a great solution for meal prepping, as you can make a batch of pancakes for the whole week in just a few minutes.

You can also use silicone muffin molds or a small cake pan to give the pancakes a uniform shape without the batter spreading out. There's no need to flip them—just set, forget, and enjoy perfect pancakes every time, the expert explains.

Ingredients:                  

• 1 cup oat flour (or ground oats)
• 1 scoop protein powder (preferably vanilla or chocolate)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 mashed banana or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 medium eggs
• 0.5 cup almond milk (or other milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Butter or cooking spray (for greasing)

Instructions:                

1. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C for three minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and apple cider vinegar.
3. In a separate bowl, mash the banana and combine with eggs, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Mix the wet ingredients with the dry, stirring until you have a smooth batter.
5. Let the batter sit for about five minutes to allow the baking powder to activate for extra fluffiness.
6. Lightly grease silicone muffin molds or a small cake pan with cooking spray.
7. Pour the batter, filling each mold about three-quarters full.
8. Place the molds in the air fryer and bake at 180°C for eight to ten minutes, until the pancakes are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. After baking, allow the pancakes to cool completely. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage.

Forget about flipping pancakes and use the air fryer to quickly create a batch of incredibly fluffy pancakes.