Golden, crisp around the edges and beautifully puffed in the middle, this air fryer Yorkshire pudding recipe is a lovely addition to a traditional Sunday roast. Made with just flour, eggs, milk and a little oil, these individual puddings are simple to prepare without switching on the main oven.
The secret is a smooth, rested batter, a properly heated metal tin and hot oil. Once the batter goes into the air fryer, leave the puddings undisturbed so they have time to rise.
What Is Yorkshire Pudding?
Yorkshire pudding is a traditional British side dish made from a simple batter of plain flour, eggs and milk. When the batter meets very hot fat, it rises to form a crisp, golden shell with a soft, slightly custardy centre.
Although traditionally baked in the oven, Yorkshire puddings can also be made in an air fryer, provided you use a suitable metal tin and allow enough room for them to rise.
Recipe Details
Servings: 4
Makes: 4 individual Yorkshire puddings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Batter resting time: 20–30 minutes
Cooking time: Approximately 12–16 minutes
Total time: Approximately 45–55 minutes
Cooking method: Air fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Accessoires Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Meal Planner
- Air Fryer Oven
- Air Fryer
- Blender
- Air Fryer Grill Pan
- Air Fryer Oven Baking Dish
Important: Check that your tin fits inside the air fryer basket with enough clearance above it for the puddings to rise. Do not use plastic or unsuitable containers.
Ingredients
100g plain flour
2 large eggs
150ml semi-skimmed milk
¼ tsp salt
4 tsp sunflower or vegetable oil, approximately 1 tsp per pudding
How to Make Yorkshire Puddings in an Air Fryer
1. Make the batter
Place the plain flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre and add the eggs.
Whisk gradually, adding the milk a little at a time, until you have a smooth batter with no visible lumps. It should have a pouring consistency similar to single cream.
2. Rest the batter
Transfer the batter to a jug and leave it to rest for 20–30 minutes at room temperature.
If preparing it further ahead, cover and refrigerate it, then give it a gentle stir before cooking.
3. Preheat the air fryer and tin
Set the air fryer to 200°C, or its highest available setting if lower.
Place the empty metal pudding tin inside and preheat for approximately 5 minutes.
Carefully add 1 teaspoon of oil to each compartment, then return the tin to the air fryer for another 3–5 minutes until the oil is very hot.
Take care when handling the hot metal and oil.
4. Pour in the batter
Carefully remove the hot tin using oven gloves and place it on a heatproof surface.
Working quickly, divide the batter between the four compartments, filling each approximately one-third full.
The batter should sizzle when it touches the hot oil.
5. Air fry until risen and golden
Return the tin to the air fryer immediately.
Cook at 200°C for approximately 12–16 minutes, until the Yorkshire puddings are well risen, deep golden and crisp around the edges.
Avoid opening the basket during the first 10–12 minutes, as the sudden temperature drop may cause the puddings to collapse.
Check towards the end of cooking. Depending on your air fryer and tin, they may need a few additional minutes.
6. Serve immediately
Carefully remove the tin and lift out the Yorkshire puddings.
Serve straight away alongside roast chicken, beef, vegetables and your favourite gravy.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Yorkshire Puddings
Use a metal tin. Metal conducts heat effectively and helps the batter rise quickly.
Heat the oil properly. Hot oil is essential for the characteristic puffed shape and crisp edges.
Rest the batter. A short resting period helps the flour hydrate and gives the batter a more consistent texture.
Do not overfill the compartments. One-third full leaves space for the puddings to expand.
Avoid opening the air fryer too early. Keep the heat inside while the puddings rise.
Allow enough headroom. Yorkshire puddings can rise considerably, so avoid placing the tin too close to the heating element.
Easy Variations
Mini Yorkshire Puddings
Use a small metal muffin tin that fits your air fryer. Reduce the amount of batter in each compartment and begin checking the puddings earlier.
Herb Yorkshire Puddings
Add a small pinch of finely chopped rosemary or thyme to the batter for a subtle savoury flavour.
Dairy-Free Version
Try an unsweetened, unflavoured plant-based milk instead of dairy milk. Results may vary depending on the product.
Larger Yorkshire Puddings
Use a suitable larger metal tin, but remember that the cooking time and rising space will differ from this four-portion recipe.
What to Serve with Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire puddings are a classic accompaniment to roast dinners, especially when served with rich gravy and vegetables.
They also work well alongside roast chicken, lean beef, carrots, peas and other seasonal vegetables.
Can You Make Yorkshire Pudding Batter Ahead?
Yes. Prepare the batter a few hours ahead, cover and keep it in the fridge.
Stir gently before pouring it into the hot tin. For the best rise, make sure the oil is thoroughly heated before adding the batter.
How to Store and Reheat
Allow leftover Yorkshire puddings to cool promptly, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for approximately 3–5 minutes, until hot and crisp.
You can also freeze the cooked puddings once cooled. Place them in a freezer-safe container and reheat from frozen at approximately 180°C, checking regularly until piping hot throughout.
Do not freeze uncooked batter in the pudding tin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make Yorkshire pudding in an air fryer?
Yes. An air fryer can produce golden, puffed Yorkshire puddings when you use a suitable metal tin, properly heated oil and enough space for the batter to rise.
What temperature should I use?
This recipe uses 200°C. If your air fryer has a lower maximum temperature, the puddings may take longer and rise differently.
Why didn’t my Yorkshire puddings rise?
The oil or tin may not have been hot enough, the compartments may have been overfilled, or the air fryer may have been opened too early.
Can I use self-raising flour?
Plain flour is recommended for traditional Yorkshire pudding. Self-raising flour changes the texture and is not needed for this recipe.
Can I use silicone moulds?
Metal tins are preferable because they heat quickly and encourage a better rise. Silicone moulds may produce a softer result.
Can I use olive oil?
A neutral oil with a suitable high smoke point, such as sunflower or vegetable oil, is recommended for this recipe.
More Easy Family Meal Ideas
Looking for more homemade cooking inspiration? Explore our Budget Family Meals UK guide for affordable everyday meals, or browse our Healthy High-Protein & Fibre-Rich Recipes collection for more balanced lunch and dinner ideas.
A Classic Roast Dinner Favourite
With crisp golden edges and a soft centre, these air fryer Yorkshire puddings are a delicious way to complete a homemade roast. Serve them immediately with vegetables and plenty of gravy for a comforting British family meal.