Easy Air Fryer Yorkshire Pudding

Yorkshire pudding is a traditional puffy egg-based bread with a light texture. It is a simple recipe with just 4 ingredients: egg, flour, milk and salt. Yet those four items result in an incredible tasty eggy, bready treat! 

Regular Yorkshire pudding was a holiday tradition in my family, and it is often part of a traditional British Christmas dinner. I see so few people serve it, yet it is incredible easy to make! You can read more about the history of Yorkshire Pudding here. 

If you are familiar with popovers, the recipe is essentially the same. But popovers ae made in muffin tins in a hot over for a longer period of time. The constricted space and high heat makes them pop up higher with a hollow center.   Yorkshire pudding is often made in a bit larger pan or ramekins so that it doesn’t puff quite as high. It also is often made at a bit lower temperature for a shorter time.  

Making Air Fryer Yorkshire Pudding

Utilizing an air fryer for Yorkshire pudding proposes several notable advantages, including energy efficiency, uniform cooking, and a reduced cooking time compared to conventional ovens. The rapid air circulation in an air fryer allows the batter to rise sufficiently and cook evenly, ensuring a consistent texture and preventing the sogginess that can occur in less reliable oven conditions.

By using ramekins in the air fryer. You can make individual Yorkshire puddings. While I think popovers in the air fryer are likely to come out inferior to ones made int eh oven, Yorkshire pudding comes out just fine.

Ingredients

The ingredients are simple. Egg, flour, milk, and salt. Plus, cooking oil to spray the ramekins. However, you can use meat drippings to grease the ramekins if desired. Traditional Yorkshire pudding is often made with beef drippings and that is how we used to have it at Christmas time. 

Mixing the Batter

Wisk the salt into the flour and then add the egg and milk. Wisk or stir until smooth. However, it is fine to have small lumps. You do not need to use a power mixer for the batter. In fact, it is better to just stir it all up. 

You can let the batter rest if desired, and some recipes will include that, but I find it isn’t necessary.  

Air Frying Yorkshire Pudding

Spray the ramekins with cooking spray, or grease them with meat drippings or bacon fat.  Pour the batter into the ramekins and then air fry. You will want to carefully use tongs to flip them halfway through.  This differs from making the dish in the oven in a larger pan. There, you just bake until it is done. 

The pudding is done when it is puffy and nicely browned on the top.  You want a good amount of browning. Otherwise, the inside will likely remain too dense. Although honestly dense puddings still taste great. 

Serving Yorkshire Pudding

Yorkshire pudding is highly versatile and can be served many ways.  Below are recommendations for pairings that not only complement its flavor but also elevate it as part of a cohesive dining experience:

1. Roast Beef: Staying true to tradition, Yorkshire pudding is frequently served with roast beef. The pudding’s absorbent texture makes it ideal for sopping up gravy or au jus, enhancing the meat’s robust flavors. This is often part of a traditional British Christmas dinner.  Try it with Air Fryer Roast Beef. 
2. Vegetables: For a balanced meal, serve Yorkshire pudding alongside a medley of roasted or sautéed vegetables. The pudding’s neutral flavor profile pairs well with the natural sweetness of carrots, the earthiness of Brussels sprouts, or the richness of sautéed mushrooms. Try Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables. 
3. Gravy: Regardless of the main course, a rich, flavorful gravy is a customary and almost indispensable partner to Yorkshire pudding. Whether it’s a classic meat gravy or a vegetarian alternative, a well-seasoned gravy can amplify the pudding’s taste experience.
4. Horseradish Sauce: The pungency of horseradish sauce cuts through the pudding’s soft texture, adding a level of complexity to each bite. This condiment is particularly popular when serving the pudding with beef.
5. Butter and/or Jam or Jelly: One of the simplest ways to serve the pudding is with butter and jams or jelly. I sometimes make either Yorkshire puddings in the air fryer, or popovers in the oven for lunch and just eat them with butter. It probably isn’t the healthiest lunch, but it sure tastes great!  
6. Dessert Applications: Beyond the main course, Yorkshire pudding can be a unique dessert vehicle. Serve it with sweet syrups, fruit compotes, or a dusting of sugar and cinnamon for a delightful and unexpected dessert option.

 

Below is a recipe card for air fryer Yorkshire Pudding.