Air Fryer Yorkshire Puddings

Air Fryer Yorkshire Puddings Recipe

Air Fryer Yorkshire Puddings bring a modern twist to a beloved British classic. Traditionally baked in a very hot oven with sizzling fat, Yorkshire puddings are known for their dramatic rise, crisp golden edges, and soft, airy centers. Using an air fryer might seem unconventional, but it delivers surprisingly excellent results—crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and much quicker to prepare.

Whether you’re serving them with a traditional roast dinner or using them as a base for creative fillings, air fryer Yorkshire puddings are a fun and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish with less fuss and more convenience.

Ingredients

Yorkshire puddings require only a few simple ingredients, but precision is key.

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2–3 tablespoons oil or beef drippings

Optional Add-Ins

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried herbs

Why These Ingredients Work

Flour: Provides structure.
Eggs: Help the batter rise and create airy texture.
Milk: Adds moisture and smoothness.
Fat (oil/drippings): Essential for crisp, golden edges.

How To Yorkshire Puddings

Step 1: Make the Batter

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Salt

Mix until smooth and lump-free.

Step 2: Rest the Batter

Let batter rest for at least 20–30 minutes.

This improves texture and rise.

Step 3: Preheat Air Fryer

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Place small oven-safe ramekins or molds inside while preheating.

Step 4: Add Oil

Carefully add a small amount of oil or drippings to each hot mold.

Heat for 2–3 minutes until very hot.

Step 5: Add Batter

Pour batter into hot molds (about halfway full).

You should hear a sizzle—this is key for rising.

Step 6: Cook

Air fry at 375–400°F (190–200°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Do not open the air fryer during cooking.

Step 7: Serve

Yorkshire puddings should be:

  • Puffy
  • Golden
  • Crispy outside
  • Soft inside

Serve immediately.

You Must Know

1. Hot Oil is Essential

Cold oil = no rise.

2. Don’t Open Air Fryer

Heat loss prevents puffing.

3. Rest the Batter

Improves texture and consistency.

4. Use Proper Containers

Ramekins or silicone molds work best.

5. Fill Only Halfway

Allows room to rise.

Topping Variations

Classic Gravy

Traditional and comforting.

Roast Beef & Gravy

Perfect for Sunday dinner.

Sausage Filling

Like mini toad-in-the-hole.

Cheese & Herbs

Savory twist.

Sweet Version

  • Honey
  • Jam
  • Powdered sugar

Garlic Butter

Adds rich flavor.

Make It A Meal

Traditional Roast Dinner

Serve with:

  • Roast beef
  • Potatoes
  • Vegetables
  • Gravy

Breakfast Option

Fill with:

  • Eggs
  • Sausage
  • Cheese

Lunch Idea

Use as:

  • Sandwich base
  • Savory bowl

Party Appetizer

Serve small puddings with fillings.

Pro Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Helps batter rise better.

2. Preheat Molds

Critical for puffing.

3. Use Thin Batter

Ensures proper texture.

4. Cook at High Heat

Essential for rise

5. Don’t Overfill

Prevents collapse.

6. Serve Immediately

Best texture when fresh.

7. Practice Makes Perfect

Yorkshire puddings improve with experience.

Recipe FAQs

Why didn’t my Yorkshire puddings rise?

  • Oil wasn’t hot enough
  • Batter not rested
  • Air fryer opened too early

Can I use water instead of milk?

Milk gives better flavor and texture.

What oil is best?

Use high smoke point oils like vegetable or sunflower oil.

Can I make them ahead?

Best served fresh, but can be reheated.

How long do leftovers last?

Up to 2 days in the fridge.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, but texture may change.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, with gluten-free flour.

Why are they soggy?

Not cooked long enough or too much moisture

 

Print

Air Fryer Yorkshire Puddings

The Air Fryer Yorkshire pudding is a 5 ingredient show-stopping golden puffy buns that are made in the air fryer in minutes and risen to a jaw-dropping height and shape.

The air fryer gives the pudding a nice crispy exterior while keeping the inside light, airy and fluffy.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x
  • Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1 cup of flour
  • 3 medium eggs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 Tablespoons oil
  • ½ teaspoon of sugar, optional. I like to add sugar for a sweet and savory taste.
  • Seasoning of choice. I added a pinch of black pepper, pinch of garlic powder and a pinch of Italian seasoning. While seasoning is optional too and I love how it adds more flavor to the buns.
  • Oil for greasing. Or spray oil.

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth consistency.
  2. Ensure there are no lumps in the batter.
  3. Generously grease each muffin cup with oil and place them in the air fryer to heat up for 5 minutes
  4. Pour the batter into each hot greased muffin cup. Fill it in only halfway.
  5. Then cook on air-fry mode for 13 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 °C). Flip after 10 minutes and cook the bottoms for the remaining 3 minutes or until golden to your liking.
  6. If using “Bake” mode, you can increase the temperature to 400F/200C.
  7. The result is golden, fluffy Yorkshire puddings that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Notes

What equipment do I need?

For Air fryer Yorkshire puddings you need the Air fryer and muffin tins (greased). The air fryer model that I use is Ninja Foodi 6-in-1. For the tins, I tested this recipe using ramekins and silicone muffin liners. While the Yorkie buns make absolutely no mess and do not get stuck to either ramekins or silicone cups, (I repeat, they must be thoroughly greased), I found that it is much easier to cook the Yorkie buns using silicone muffin cups. They slide out of the muffin tins with ease. Plus they rise better, see the picture below.

Do I need to flip Yorkshire Pudding?

Yes. Cook for initial 10 minutes, then open your air fryer. Once you open it, be prepared for the jaw-dropping effect. You will be amazed at how beautiful they look and how much they have risen. Flip each Yorkie pudding on the other side. At this point, you may decide to take them out of the muffin cups. Cook the bottoms at the same temperature for 3 minutes or until golden to your liking.